Abortion information for those in the UK

This community is dedicated to providing: factual, non-judgemental abortion information for people in the UK

This includes:

* Information about abortion on the National Health Service (NHS)
* Information about obtaining an abortion in the private sector i.e. BPAS and Marie Stopes International
* Abortion if you are coming from a country where abortion is illegal e.g. Ireland, Malta etc
* What to expect before, during and after an abortion
* Current laws on abortion in the UK including proposals to changes in the law
* Information for those under 16
* Abortion information for friends, family members, partners etc

The current legal limit of abortion in the United Kingdom is 23 weeks and 6 days. 8 weeks and 6 days for medical abortion. There is no limit for a substantial risk to the woman's life, or for severe foetal abnormality. To work within the legal framework of the 1967 Abortion Act, two doctors must give their consent, stating that to continue with the pregnancy would present a risk to the physical or mental health of the woman or her existing children.

The 1967 Act does not apply to Northern Ireland, where abortion is still illegal.


As is mentioned by abortioninfo"Debate leads to judgmental statements which are not ok here as this is a 'safe space'." Debating, pressuring, scaremongering, trolling etc will NOT be tollerated and will result in a prompt banning. Your IP address will also be logged, and reported to your ISP.

If you see any behaviour which does not reflect the aims and rules of the community, please email me ASAP at: mmm_donuts@livejournal.com

Policy on pro-lifers: abortioninfo and abortionstories have never had a shortage of people who wish to cause trouble, pro-life or otherwise. However, any community which seeks to provide people with factually correct information, so they can go on to make the best decisions for themselves must have the interests of their members at heart. I feel that with a topic as sensitive as abortion, it is best to ensure that members feel they are able to talk freely, and be free from harrassment and false or misleading information. Therefore, pro-lifers may not join the community

Your friendly moderator is Miss mmm_donuts who is a medical student and works for Marie Stopes International.

NEW! Going on holiday? Taking a Gap Year and globe trotting? Don't forget to take your Passport to Sexual Health with you! Containing information like where to get condoms in Cuba, or to check if emergency contraception is available in Greece, or if abortion is available. Not only that, but it contains handy information on STIs, dealing with problems like cystitis or thrush abroad, and can be useful even if you're not going away.

Attention! Have you, a family member or a friend encountered an anti-choice doctor who tried to interfere or block your access to abortion? In future I am hoping to put together a small database of pro-choice friendly GPs. Please email me if you are interested in doing some research on the matter.

Communities of Interest

am_i_pregnant Women and men dedicated to providing a place for quality, no-nonsense advice and information about getting or avoiding being pregnant.
abortion_uk Discussion and support about abortion in the UK
abortiondebate Debate and discuss abortion with those who are pro-life and pro-choice. Please keep the debating there
abortionstories A place to share and read other's abortion stories. This community is currently closed.
imnotsorry A community to share abortion stories, for those who do not regret their abortions
abortioninfo A community which provides factual non-judgemental information about abortion, mainly in the United States
bloodmoonherbs Discussion about herbal methods of contraception and procuring menstruation and abortion
adoption_choice Discussion of choosing adoption
birthmothers A safe haven to share personal experiences, support, and discussion related to placing children for adoption.


Websites of Interest

TheSite TheSite is dedicated to providing factual information to young people aged 16 - 24. This includes information about sex, drugs, housing problems, working life, health, relationships, money etc
FPA - Confidential information and advice about sexual health Tel. 0845 3101334
Brook Advisory Centre Tel. 0800 0185023
Sexwise A helpline available to young people concerned about any sex-related issue. Trained helpers can also provide location/contact details for your nearest sexual health clinic.
Tel. 0800 28 29 30

Information and Statistics
The Department of Health Providing health and social care policy, guidance and publications
FAQs about abortion from the Department of Health
Abortion Statistics, England and Wales, 2002
Best practice guidance for doctors and other health professionals on the provision of advice and treatment to young people under 16 on contraception, sexual and reproductive health
Abortion in the UK

Unplanned Pregnancy and Abortion
I think I'm pregnant
I'm pregnant. What now?
Should I have a baby?
Abortion
Abortion in Ireland
Dealing with an abortion
How many weeks pregnant am I?

Contraception
Contraception Overview
Emergency Contraception


Sexual Health
Sexual Health Overview
Visiting a GUM clinic
New sexually transmitted infection information - LGV
A trip to the clinic
Have I got an STI?

Adoption
Giving your baby up for adoption
Talk Adoption

Pregnancy and Parenthood
Pregnancy and Parenthood
Antenatal Care
Miscarriage
Parenting alone
Life as a new Parent
Preparing for Fatherhood
Tax benefits and other benefits for parents

I need help now!

Local Advice Finder. Simply type in your postcode and they'll do the rest

Ask TheSite askTheSite offers free, confidential, answers to your questions within three working days (that's Mondays-Fridays 9:30am-5:30pm). We're currently answering queries to do with general health, housing, legal and rights, mental and emotional health, money, relationships and sexual health.