Abortion: ending the pregnancy

What happens if I decide to have an abortion?

Firstly, see your GP, Brook Clinic or local family planning clinic for information about the type of abortion available to you.

They will help you cope with what you are going through and help you make the right decision. A doctor or counsellor will discuss if you want your parents to know about your abortion.

While you can give consent (agree to an abortion) under 16, if you do not want to tell your parents, a doctor will only give the go ahead if she/he believes you understand what's involved.

Even if a doctor agrees, they may still encourage you to involve a parent (although they will not involve your parents without your permission).

Who can I take with me?

Lots of women prefer to go with someone to support them. You can take anyone, from a friend, a relative, or a parent to a boyfriend or a brother or sister.