Surgical Abortion
When you reach out to us, either by phone, email, or via our booking form, you will be greeted by one of our administrators. They will guide you through our process.
The first step is to get a blood test to confirm pregnancy. We will arrange a blood test request for you to do at your local lab. You will also be booked in for a consultation with one of our nurses to discuss your options (either by phone or in-clinic).
Your blood test
We arrange all the paperwork for your blood test and send this to your local lab. All you need to do is arrive at the lab and have your blood taken.
Your blood test is a standard antenatal screening test. No-one at the lab should ask you why you are having a blood test or if you are considering an abortion. This is not something you need to discuss with them. The lab sends us your blood test results electronically and these are confidential. The results of your blood test will be discussed with you during your consultation with the nurse.
We need you to have a blood test to measure your hormone levels to confirm how many weeks pregnant you are. And we also test:
To find out your blood group – what blood type you are.
Your haemoglobin levels, to ensure you are not anaemic.
For blood-borne STIs such as HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis.
You need to have your blood test at least 24 hours before your nurse consultation. If you haven’t managed to visit the lab, that’s okay, let us know and we will move your consultation with the nurse by a day or two to give you time.
Your ultrasound
You don’t need to get an ultrasound prior to your consultation with the nurse. If you come in to the clinic for your consultation the nurse will most likely do an ultrasound then. If you chat to the nurse over the phone, they will determine if you need an ultrasound after asking you some questions about your health. If you do need to get an ultrasound we will arrange one for you in your area.
On the day and time of your consultation our nurse will call you. We call from an unknown number to keep things confidential. Although your consultation is over the phone, our nurse is there to support you through every step.
On the day and time of your consultation you will meet with the nurse at one of our clinics. The nurse will take you to a private room so you can chat. You are welcome to bring someone you trust along with you.
During your consult you and the nurse will talk about:
Your general health and anything that may affect your care.
Your pregnancy. The nurse will discuss the results of your blood test and ask you questions such as the date of your last period.
Your home situation – where you live and who you live with. We will discuss your support network and anyone you may want to invite on your journey.
Further support around your decision. Whether it be before making your choice, or after your abortion, we can refer you to a counsellor who specialises in abortion care.
Once the nurse has understood all of the above, they will discuss your options with you. If a surgical abortion is the right option for you, the nurse will guide you through the journey of how it works, what’s involved, and what to expect.
If future contraception is something you may be interested in, then this will also be discussed.
The nurse is there to answer all of these for you. There is no such thing as a stupid question, or too many questions. Information is key to you feeling confident in your decision.
If you would like to chat to a counsellor about how you are feeling, and what you are thinking, we can put you in touch with one.
Remember, this is your journey and if you need time to think about your options, then that is okay. We are here to support you whether or not you proceed with an abortion.
We are here to facilitate your journey whichever way that may take you.
Reach out online or call 0800 226 784 to speak to one of our nurses. We are here to support you every step of the way. This is your journey.
