In London and the UK, there are safe and legal options available for abortion, which differ depending on the stage of your pregnancy. If you find yourself considering a abortion and you are up to 10 weeks pregnant, you can opt for a medical abortion using pills, which is the most common choice.
A medical abortion does not involve surgery, and in many cases, you may not even need to attend an in-person appointment. Medical abortion can be carried out in your own home by taking two types of pills sent to you via secure post. There are licensed abortion clinics in the UK that offer this service so that you can avoid using potentially harmful pills bought from unlicensed retailers.
In this guide, we will cover how abortion pills work, where to obtain them, and the abortion pill cost in the UK.
How do abortion pills work?
Abortion pills are used to terminate a pregnancy in its early stages, usually up to 10 weeks. After this, the efficacy of this abortion method decreases and the next available option is a surgical abortion, which involves either Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) or machine aspiration.
During the medical abortion process, two types of abortion pills are taken: mifepristone and misoprostol. These medications should not be taken without first consulting a licensed medical professional. It is illegal to take abortion pills without doing so. There may be some cases when abortion pills by post may not be right for you, for example if you have irregular periods, certain health conditions, are uncertain of the conception date or if you have been taking oral contraception for the past three months.
Abortion pills are not the same as emergency contraception (also known as the ‘morning-after pill’). A medical professional will be able to help you determine which medication is the best for you based on your circumstances.
The process of taking abortion pills is as follows:
When preparing for your medical abortion, you may wish to take some time off work to account for the emotional and physical impact of the process. It can also help to have some emotional support on hand, depending on whether you wish to tell your partner, or a trusted friend or family member about your abortion.
Cramping and bleeding are common side effects of the process, and the intensity of these can vary between individuals. However, if you experience severe pain or bleeding, you should phone the emergency services immediately.
Abortion pill cost UK
The abortion pill cost varies depending on where you obtain the medication. Abortion pills from private licensed clinics can range from £495 to £600. This usually includes a consultation with a medical professional. You can also obtain abortion pills free from the NHS, however, there is usually a waiting list.
Booking a medical abortion through a private clinic has many benefits, including shorter waiting lists (in many cases, you can receive a same-day consultation), and the freedom to choose the clinic you prefer.
Where to get abortion pills safely and legally in the UK
While considering options for where to obtain abortion pills, it is crucial to prioritise safety. There are many online retailers that offer medications that may cause harm, so we firmly recommend contacting a licensed medical professional, not only for legitimate medication, but also for their expert knowledge and support.
