Abortion Care Services
About the service
We are an NHS-funded abortion service delivered by gynaecologists, nurses and sonographers at both Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital. We provide safe, non-judgmental care for anyone who is pregnant and considering, or has decided to end, a pregnancy.
We can provide medical abortions up to 9 weeks, surgical abortions between 9–14 weeks at West Middlesex University Hospital, and surgical abortions between 14–19 weeks at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. We can also refer you to another provider outside these gestational limits.
What is an abortion?
Abortion (also called termination of pregnancy) ends a pregnancy so that it does not result in the live birth of a baby.
At our clinic we support people with unplanned and/or unwanted pregnancies to make the right choice for them. We offer advice and provide abortion treatment either medically (with tablets) or surgically (with an operation).
- more than 250,000 abortions are performed in the UK each year
- 1 in 3 women will have an abortion by the age of 45
Types of abortion
There are two types of abortion treatment—medical abortion and surgical abortion. The right option for you will depend on how far along your pregnancy is, your medical history, and your personal preference. We will guide you through this at your appointment.
Medical abortion
A medical abortion uses tablets to cause the womb to contract and pass the pregnancy. The process is similar to a miscarriage (cramping, pain and heavy bleeding) and does not involve surgery or anaesthetic. Some people prefer this as a more natural process.
You will take two medicines. The first, mifepristone, blocks the hormone that maintains the pregnancy. The second, misoprostol, causes the womb to contract and expel the pregnancy. Side effects may include abdominal pain, bleeding, mild fever and diarrhoea. Complications are uncommon but include infection and incomplete abortion.
Surgical abortion
Vacuum aspiration (up to 14 weeks) removes the pregnancy by suction through the cervix. It can be performed under local or general anaesthetic and is usually arranged the same week as your appointment. This procedure takes place at West Middlesex University Hospital.
Dilatation and evacuation (14–19 weeks) is performed under general anaesthetic in an operating theatre at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. If you are between 19–24 weeks, we will refer you to an external provider such as BPAS, MSI or NUPAS.
Risks of surgical abortion include pain, bleeding, infection, and rarely, damage to the cervix or uterus.
Your appointment
Your appointment will include an ultrasound scan and a consultation with a doctor and/or nurse. You may also need blood tests. You are welcome to bring someone with you.
Receptionist
Will check your details when you arrive.
Sonographer
Will perform an ultrasound scan (usually an internal scan) to confirm the pregnancy is in the correct place (within the uterus) and to determine how many weeks pregnant you are.
Nurse
Will discuss the different methods of abortion with you and answer any questions. They will ask you to take a vaginal swab to test for chlamydia, which you can perform yourself. They may also take a blood test if surgery is planned.
Doctor
Will talk with you about this pregnancy and confirm that you wish to proceed. They will take your medical history, discuss the options available to you, and explain the risks and benefits of each treatment. You will be asked to sign a consent form before proceeding. The doctor will also discuss future contraception and can prescribe the pill, or refer you to our sexual health clinic for other methods.
Contraception
Your fertility returns almost immediately after an abortion. If you want to avoid another pregnancy, it is important to consider contraception straight away. Most options can be started immediately after the procedure.
We can provide contraceptive pills at the clinic. For other methods—including the implant (Nexplanon), intrauterine device (coil) or hormone injection (Depo-Provera)—we can refer you to our sexual health clinic, which is located next door at Chelsea and Westminster or within the same building at West Middlesex. Contraception is free on the NHS.
STI testing
Anyone who has had unprotected sex is at risk of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Routine STI testing is recommended for everyone having an abortion. STIs often have few or no symptoms and, if left untreated, can lead to long-term complications and increase the risk of post-abortion infection.
You will be offered a chlamydia test during your consultation. This involves a vaginal swab, which you can perform yourself.
Support
A doctor and/or nurse will support you throughout the process, including your decision-making. You are encouraged to bring someone you trust to your appointment.
If you feel you would benefit from additional support, we can refer you to counselling services.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose which abortion method is right for me?
The choice depends on how far along your pregnancy is, any medical history or risk factors, and your personal preference. We will help and guide you through the decision at your appointment.
What if I change my mind?
You can change your mind at any point in the process. If you decide not to attend your appointment, please call us to cancel so we can offer the slot to someone else.
Is abortion safe?
Early abortion is safe. As with any medical treatment there are some risks and potential complications, which we will explain fully so you can make an informed decision.
Will it be painful?
You will likely have some cramping after an abortion. The level of discomfort depends on the type of treatment and your individual pain tolerance. We will provide painkillers to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Does abortion affect fertility?
No. There is a lot of misinformation on this topic, but there is no evidence that a safe abortion carried out by qualified healthcare professionals leads to infertility.
How will I know my abortion was successful?
We ask you to do a urine pregnancy test four weeks after your abortion and phone the clinic with the result. If the test is still positive at that point, we will arrange a review appointment.
How might I feel afterwards?
People experience a wide range of emotions after an abortion. You may feel relieved, sad or guilty and these feelings may evolve and change over time. There is no wrong way to feel. If you want to talk to someone, we can signpost you to reliable support services.
Make an appointment
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
Gynaecology Outpatients
1st floor
369 Fulham Road
London
SW10 9NH
T: 020 3315 8381
Clinic: Wednesday mornings
West Middlesex University Hospital
1st floor, Twickenham House
Twickenham Road
Isleworth, Middlesex
TW7 6AF
T: 020 8321 5008 / 5005
Clinic: Monday mornings