Britain currently has one of the highestabortion ratesin Western Europe. Around half of all unplanned pregnancies in under 16's end in abortion, yet many go on to give birth due to a lack of information and families that are against the idea. A report carried out by the University of York states thatabortion informationand advice needs to be more readily available for teenagers to be able to make an informed decision when it comes to their pregnancy.
What does the abortion procedure entail?This depends on various factors: how long you've been pregnant, whatabortion proceduresare available at your local clinic, and what method you'd prefer. You might take pills to induce the abortion or have a simple operation; however theabortion procedurebecomes more complicated after 13 weeks of pregnancy. After the 24th week of pregnancy you won't be able to have an abortion. The procedures are usually free on the NHS, but you can go private. Talk to your doctor or local sexual health clinic, whatever you do don't choose unsafe, illegal methods – you'll be putting your body at risk and making things difficult for future pregnancies.
Who can you talk to?Tell your family and friends and ask them for advice. If you feel they will be unsupportive or are against abortion approach your GP, sexual health clinic or Brooks Advisory Centre and ask them forabortion information. They will arrange for you to be seen at a hospital. If you're under the age of 16 your parents don't need to be told as long as you have the agreement of two doctors, and you fully understand everything that's involved.
You can find good websites with reliable abortion information as , including abortion. Due to its wide and detailed coverage of sexual health topics, is also an invaluable resource for professionals in the field.
abortion-clinics.co.uk provides a wealth ofabortion information, in the form of a drop-down section of FAQs, as well sections on the law, contraception and sexual health. Although it is orientated towards women who would like to arrange aprivate abortion, with the minimum of delay and worry, the entitlement to a termination on the NHS, and the procedures for obtaining one, are also laid out. The site explains, in everyday language and easy to understand terms, the importance of gaining access to supportiveabortion counselling, through family planning clinics, GPs orabortion clinics, before going ahead with any arrangement for a termination with an abortion clinic: much of this sort of advice and reassurance is available within the site and by direct links to other sources.
http://www. abortion-clinics.co.uk/ is particularly easy to use, with a clear menu which allows you to navigate straight to the topic you require, providing a unique and accessible service to anyone seeking guidance in matters of sexual well-being.
Facing an unplanned pregnancy is scary. If you're having trouble making a decision you might want to speak to a counsellor – your GP can refer you to one. The most important thing is that you have your questions answered and have all the help and advice necessary to make the decision that's best for you.
