Why Its DoneReasons for having an abortionAn abortion is carried out to end a pregnancy. The decision to have an abortion is yours alone, although talking it through with someone can help. It might help to speak to your partner, friends or family. But if you're not able to talk to them you can also speak to:
They can offer support and information to help you make a decision. Some organisations, usually called crisis pregnancy centres, also offer pregnancy counselling, but they will not refer you for an abortion and may not offer you balanced or accurate advice. You can also pay to have an abortion privately. The cost will depend on your stage of pregnancy, and the type of abortion you have. Under-16s and abortionIf you're aged 16 or under and want to have an abortion, your parents do not usually need to be told. A doctor or nurse may encourage you to talk to a parent or carer who can support you, but you do not have to. You can also get support through the Brook, BPAS and NUPAS websites. When an abortion can be doneIf you decide to have an abortion, it should be done as soon as possible. Most abortions in England, Wales and Scotland are carried out before 24 weeks of pregnancy. They can be carried out after 24 weeks in very special circumstances if there is a serious health risk. Sexual Health AdviceThroughout this series we have help and advice on staying healthy, dealing with Sexually Transmitted Infections, the risks of each type of the most popular gay sex and what to do if the sex you have is not consentual. The topics covered in this series include:
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