Department of Health

Website of the Department of Health

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Frequently asked questions about abortion

This page contains abortion FAQs.

Where can I obtain advice about abortion services?

Question

Where can I obtain advice about abortion services?

Answer

You can contact your nearest GP, community contraceptive or young people's clinic, sexual health clinic or walk-in centre for advice. In addition, you can get advice, including contact numbers for independent sector providers, from: fpa 0845 310 1334 Sexual Health Line 0800 567 123 NHS Direct 0845 4647

What are the legal grounds for an abortion and where can they be performed?

Question

What are the legal grounds for an abortion under the Abortion Act 1967, as amended, and where can they be performed?

Answer

See link below.

What is the Government doing to improve early access to abortion services?

Question

What is the Government doing to improve early access to abortion services?

Answer

The earlier in pregnancy an abortion is performed, the lower the risk of complications. The Government is therefore working to ensure that women have access to abortion services as soon as possible. We have made significant investment to improve early access and set a standard of a maximum waiting time of 3 weeks. The latest data for 2008 show that progress is being made to increase early access: 72% of NHS funded abortions took place at under 10 weeks compared with 51% in 2002.

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