Abortion tablets
You take two pills, usually one or two days apart (one is called mifepristone, which blocks the main pregnancy hormone, the other is a misoprostol tablet, which ends the pregnancy).
You will bleed from your vagina as you pass out the pregnancy. This usually happens a few hours after you take the misoprostol tablet.
If you're less than 10 weeks (2.5 months) pregnant, you can usually take the second abortion tablet at home.
Surgical abortion
A surgical abortion procedure removes the pregnancy from the womb.
You’ll be asked to take a medicine that opens your cervix (the opening to your womb) before the operation.
Surgical abortion at 14 weeks (3.5 months) pregnant or less: If you are 14 weeks pregnant or less, you will be given a local anaesthetic to numb your cervix then a tube will be inserted into your womb to remove the pregnancy via suction. This takes about 10 minutes, and you should be able to go home a few hours later.
Surgical abortion after 3.5 months pregnant: If you are more than 14 weeks pregnant, forceps will be used to remove the pregnancy. You will be put to sleep or heavily sedated beforehand. It normally takes about 20 minutes and usually you can go home the same day.
After an abortion, it’s likely you'll get some stomach cramps and vaginal bleeding. This can last for around two weeks.
It’s normal to feel lots of emotions after your abortion. Everyone’s experience is different. If you are struggling, the best thing to do is to speak to someone you trust or a trained counsellor.