Healthier Scotland. Scottish Government

Abortion

When an abortion can take place

An abortion should take place as early as possible – ideally in the first 9 or 10 weeks of pregnancy.

The earlier an abortion takes place, the easier and safer it is to perform but the woman must have time to consider all her options carefully.

Deciding to have an abortion is difficult, cannot be undone and should never be entered into until the woman is sure it's the right thing for her to do.

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The law on abortion

The Abortion Act 1967 covers England, Scotland and Wales. The Act makes it legal to have an abortion during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy provided that:

• the abortion is carried out in a hospital or specialised, licensed clinic
• two doctors agree that the abortion will cause less damage to a woman's physical or mental health than continuing with the pregnancy

After 24 weeks, an abortion can be carried out only if:

• it is necessary to save the woman's life

or

• it will prevent grave, permanent injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman

or

• there is substantial risk that if the child were born it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped

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Where abortions can take place

Abortions can be carried out in an NHS hospital or clinic or at a private clinic.

NHS abortions usually require a referral from your GP to a clinic or hospital and are carried out free of charge.

Abortions in a private hospital or clinic can take place without referral from a GP but must be paid for. Two doctors must still agree that the abortion will be legal and can take place under the law governing abortions.

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Reasons for having an abortion

There are many reasons for having an abortion. The mother or baby may have or develop a medical condition that makes the pregnancy dangerous or there may be other personal circumstances.

Whatever the reason, and provided the legal conditions are met, it is the pregnant woman's right to choose to have an abortion or not.

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What to do if you are considering an abortion

In the first instance, you should talk to someone about it as soon as possible. Contact your GP, who will keep everything you tell him or her confidential.

Alternatively, speak to your sexual health service.

Find out more about abortion on the NHS 24 website

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Help before and after an abortion

Thinking about having an abortion can bring up all kinds of feelings. If you have an abortion, the feelings you may have afterwards can be difficult to cope with too.

The doctor or nurse you speak to about having an abortion can arrange for you to see an abortion counsellor.

The counsellor will listen to you and help you explore your feelings. They will not judge you or tell you what to do. Before an abortion, the counsellor can help you reach a decision that's best for you.

After an abortion, they can help you cope with any negative thoughts or feelings.

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