What An Abortion Involves Abortion procedures change according to the stage (gestation) of the pregnancy. The stage is measured in weeks counting from the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period.
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Up to 9 weeks – Early Medical Abortion This method is also known as the abortion pill but this is not a very accurate description, as it does not involve  simply taking a pill. The pill prescribed is used to cause an early miscarriage. One works by blocking the action of the hormone that makes the lining of the womb hold onto the fertilised egg. The other, given 48 hours later, causes the uterus to cramp. The lining of the uterus breaks down and the embryo is lost in the bleeding that follows.
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5 to 15 weeks – Vacuum Aspiration Abortion Vacuum aspiration simply means suction. During a vacuum aspiration abortion a thin, round ended plastic tube is eased into the uterus (womb) through the cervix, the passage that links the vagina to the womb. The contents of the uterus pass into the tube using a gentle pump. It is a possible to have a vacuum aspiration abortion under local or general anaesthetic.
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15 to 19 weeks – Surgical Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)  After the woman has been given a light general anaesthetic, the doctor gently stretches the passage through the cervix until it is wide enough for narrow forceps to be used to remove most of the contents of the uterus. Then a tube attached to a vacuum pump is used to remove any remaining tissue.
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20 to 24 weeks – Surgical Two Stage Abortion or Medical Induction  During a medical induction, the foetal heart is stopped and then the doctor uses drugs to induce a premature labour.A surgical two-stage abortion involves one procedure to cut the umbilical cord and another surgical procedure to remove the contents of the womb. The woman is given a general anaesthetic before each stage.
What Steps Must I Take Before Undergoing The Operation?  If you think you maybe pregnant you should first have a pregnancy test. This can be a home test which can be bought at most chemists or main supermarkets. Or a GP can help you, or you could even be tested at a Family Planning Clinic or Pregnancy Advisory Clinic. Either way make sure you are certain of the pregnancy. - If you are pregnant you should then make an appointment to see a doctor. Your GP will be able to help you. Or alternatively you could visit the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, Marie Stopes Health Centre or any Family Planning Clinic.
- During your appointment you will see a doctor for a consultation. Counselling will also be available to aid you with your final decision.
- If you do decide to have an abortion, this will then be arranged as quickly as possible. It will be made under the Abortion Act shown above in the "Abortion is allowed in the United Kingdom for These Reasons" section.
- Most abortions are done during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy because they are safest then. However, in the UK abortion is only legal up to the 24th week of pregnancy with the agreement of two doctors. An abortion can only take place after his time if the woman’s life is in danger or in the cases of foetal normality.
Make Sure You Get The Facts You Need And From The People You Trust. - Do Not Let Anyone Pressure You Into A Decision That Is Not Right For You.
Whatever Your Decision There Will Always Be Help, Advice And Support For You.  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 Remember!!! - Having sex under the age of 16 in the UK is illegal
- Vick
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