Call us
Get in touch
UK Choose your country 

North America

Latin America

Europe

Africa

Pacific Asia

West Asia & Middle East

South Asia

Abortion services

We specialise in abortion treatments, advice and support for women considering their pregnancy options.

Read more

Who we are

We're the leading independent provider of sexual and reproductive health services in the UK.

Read more

A client from England shares her story

9 December 2017

Share this story

    "Although this was not a situation I ever wanted to be in, I cannot fault any of the staff from start to finish."

    A client who chose to have a medical abortion shares her story. She has two young children and unexpectedly found out she was pregnant.

    "I am 35 years old, happily married with a 5 year old and 3 year old. I found out I was 6 weeks pregnant 3 days ago (Wednesday). It was a hard decision but made the call to Marie Stopes after an afternoon of careful consideration.

    "A very professional yet sympathetic lady took my details and said I would get a call within an hour time frame the next day to go through some medical questions and to arrange an appointment for the procedure. An appointment was made for Friday for a medical termination. I was given clear instructions and felt reassured."

    The painkillers obviously did their part, I could tell something was happening but wasn't in any discomfort.
    Anonymous
    Client from England

    After our client booked her appointment, she attended one of our small, clinics hosted in a local GP surgery.

    "I arrived at a local GP practice (not my own) and was greeted by a nurse who carried out the procedure. My husband wasn't allowed in the room but he didn't mind and I understand why.

    "I was asked my weight and height, blood pressure and iron levels were taken. The procedure was explained to me in a methodical but reassuring way. I had to sign consent and was asked if I was sure of my decision. I was given codeine, antibiotics and anti sickness tablets before taking the 1st pill. I had already taken 800mg ibuprofen before I arrived."

    "Shortly after this I had to insert 4 pills into my vagina. I found this the hardest as I knew this would be the end of the pregnancy. I was worried they would fall out on the way home but the nurse reassured me to just reinsert if this happened before I started bleeding.

    "I was worried about the pain and seeing the outcome. Within 2 hours I started to bleed but no pain. The painkillers obviously did their part, I could tell something was happening but wasn't in any discomfort."

    "The procedure was explained to me in a methodical but reassuring way."

    After she left the clinic, our client returned home to pass the pregnancy.

    "We had to collect the children and they were totally unaware. I also had to take more antibiotics the same evening.

    "It's Saturday now and obviously I'm still bleeding but this has slowed down. I haven't taken any more painkillers. I have been given 2 pregnancy tests to take in 3 weeks and 4 weeks time and can call for advice at any time.

    "Although this was not a situation I ever wanted to be in, I cannot fault any of the staff from start to finish. I know it must be routine to them but they make you feel like you're their only concern. I hope by writing this so soon after my experience it may help someone in the same situation."