If you are someone who is planning to get an abortion, there are a lot of important decisions that may require your attention. From catering to your emotional and physical needs, to making choices about your family planning journey (and everything that surrounds it) – an expert’s advice can be invaluable. Our article today will serve as your guide to selecting the right abortion clinic in the UK, so you can navigate all these challenges with ease.
Know your legal rights
Before we proceed any further, understanding the laws and regulations around abortions can be beneficial. According to the Abortion Act of 1967, in the UK, an abortion is legal up to 24 week gestation limit. After this period, it is considered a criminal offence to terminate a pregnancy, for both the individual and any associated doctors. However, despite this, some exemptions to this rule can be made. This applies in cases of severe complications such as threat to the life of the mother and/or the child. However as with all pregnancy terminations, this will require sign off by two separate medical professionals.
As for the procedure itself, abortion services are available through the NHS and approved private service providers, which include healthcare establishments such as specialised clinics and private hospitals. A simple internet search for “abortion clinic in London” can provide you with a comprehensive list of approved locations for abortion services. It is important to understand that you do not need parental or partner consent to get an abortion if you are over the age of 16. The decision to have an abortion is yours, and yours alone.
Now that we have covered all the basics, you may be asking the question: Which is the right way to go – abortion via the NHS or through a private service provider? This is an important question to consider. Let’s take a look at why.
Deciding between NHS and private clinics
No two people are the same, their lifestyles and choices may differ, depending on multiple factors. For the same reason, every individual’s considerations for getting an abortion will be different. There is no correct answer when it comes to choosing between the NHS or a private clinic, as it is a personal choice. The decision must only be right for you. However, both these options have their own benefits and challenges.
Government-funded
If you are opting for the NHS route when it comes to abortion, you may be happy to know that it will be carried out free of charge, provided you meet a certain set of criteria. As the service is technically free, you may encounter delays in accessing care due to the demand and appointment availability. As abortions are time-sensitive, and delays can mean an increase in the likelihood of complications – and some women may not be prepared to wait.
Private clinics
For individuals leaning towards private clinics, it may put your mind at ease to learn that there are no waiting lists and appointment availability is generally better than through government-funded clinics. They also give you the freedom to choose a clinic in a location more convenient for you and to opt for consultant-led care instead of nurse-led care. As with all private healthcare services abortions carried out at a private clinic will incur costs; you can expect to pay around £500 for medical abortion pills by post and more for surgical abortion.
Consider location and accessibility
When it comes to the location and accessibility of an abortion clinic, you may want to consider whether you prefer an in-clinic service or a remote service. Medical abortion and surgical abortion can both be provided in-clinic. The benefits of this are that if you have a pre-existing medical condition that needs additional support (such as anaemia, blood clotting disorder, having an IUD in place), or are not eligible for pills by post, then your consultant will be close at hand to deal with any potential complications and to oversee everything more closely.
However, if you are terminating an early pregnancy and have no known health conditions then you may prefer to have the procedure in the comfort and privacy of your own home. In this instance you may prefer to choose a pills by post service which means that the abortion pills (mifepristone and misoprostol) will be sent directly to your door by courier following a remote consultation with your consultant.
Check the clinic’s credentials and services
Checking your chosen clinic’s credentials should be of high importance. It is vital that you ensure that your clinic is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to provide you with peace of mind. If you want additional comfort, you may like to also consider any clinic reviews, and testimonials, looking at their website and any forums to further solidify your trust. After all, any medical treatment requires putting your complete trust in your chosen doctor’s expertise and abilities.
Another good metric to use when judging a clinic is to take a look at the services offered. A private abortion clinic may offer well-rounded services such as medical abortion pills (also pills by post), in-house surgical abortion, post-abortion counselling, STI screening, ultrasounds, and other related procedures for all-round support.
You should also consider the clinic’s environment, particularly the staff’s behaviour, and multilingual support for foreign clients. You may also want to check if the clinic can offer appropriate emotional support as this is equally important for sensitive procedures such as abortion. Lastly, we encourage asking questions regarding the privacy of the whole procedure, especially about the management of your records, to further strengthen your faith in your clinic choice.
Abortion clinics in the UK: Are they good enough?
If you’re still reading, we’d hope that by now you have a clearer understanding of what to look for when it comes to finalising your choice of abortion provider. Please remember that having trust, comfort and the required support at your choice of facility can make all the difference to your experience. It is important to remember that, no matter which clinic you choose for the procedure, having a reliable and trusted loved one can provide additional support to you during the emotional challenges that a pregnancy termination procedure brings.
