If you are preganant and do not want the baby then there is a lot to consider, a Doctor and counsellors will do their best to advise you. However here are a few of the commom questions about abortion answered.

• An abortion should be done as early as possible. Most abortions are done during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy because they are safest then. Sometimes abortions are done as late as 20 weeks, but this is very rare.

• According to the experts "Abortions are very safe. They are now one of the safest operations of all. And, the earlier the abortion, the lower the chance of any complications."

• Yes. Women who have an early abortion are just as likely as women in general to have a healthy baby in the future.

• Local or general anaesthetic are used before an abortion to control pain. Most women feel cramps (like strong period cramps) for a short time. If a women needs it, the doctor will give her extra medication for any pain.

• In general, women consider abortion because being pregnant at that time is in some way wrong for them. Most women feel relief after their abortion and feel that they have made the right decision for themselves.

• Some women feel sad or emotional afterwards due to the whole experience. You may need a supportive friend, relative or counsellor at this time.

• Researchers have found that an abortion does not generally make a women feel bad about themselves years later.

• About 45% of pregnant teenagers choose to have an abortion.

• Unfortunately, many other teenagers decide to have an abortion too late in their pregnancies. Either they don’t realise they are pregnant or they don’t know what to do about it. That is why it is important to see someone if you think you are pregnant as then you can get all the help you need and as quickly as possible.

• Some religions think that abortion is wrong. For example Roman Catholics. This is because they believe that life begins at the moment of conception and should be protected from this time.

• However, other people believe that abortion is a responsible decision, when a women cannot handle a pregnancy or is in the situation to take care of a child properly.

• It all comes down to everybody’s personal beliefs and opinions.

• It is in most countries. For example, it is legal in England, Wales and Scotland but not in Northern Ireland or the Ireland Republic where abortion is illegal. This is because the Irish religion is Roman Catholic.

• This is a very difficult question to answer. By Law, Irish women must follow the law and the respect their religion that abortion is illegal in their country. However, as time has moved on, people realise that we are all beginning to follow are personally chosen religion and beliefs. Due to the much believed freedom of rights and speech.

• Marie Stopes International can still help if you do have an unplanned pregnancy and live in Ireland. There is a centre based in Dublin which can help you with advice and counselling. If you did choose to go ahead with an abortion, you would then have to travel to England for the procedure.

For more information about What to do if you're pregnant click on:

Or try these links

Brook Advisory Centres
Website: www.brook.org.uk
Tel: 0800 0185 023

Family Planning Association
Website: www.fpa.org.uk
Tel: 0171 837 4044

Sexwise
Website: www.ruthinking.co.uk
Tel: 0800 28 29 30

Marie Stopes International
Website: www.mariestopes.org.uk

Remember!!! - Having sex under the age of 16 in the UK is illegal