Abortion

Question 1

Up to which stage in pregnancy is abortion available in the UK?

Answer 1

Up to 24 weeks
Only available after 24 weeks if:
- woman's life in danger
- severe foetal abnormality
- woman at risk of grave physical and mental injury

Question 2

How many doctors need to sign abortion documentation?

Answer 2

2

1 if it is an emergency procedure

Question 3

How is a medical abortion carried out?

Answer 3

Oral mifepristone (antiprogesterone)
Misoprostol (prostaglandin) 48 hours later

Question 4

Where does a medical abortion take place?

Answer 4

If < 10 weeks gestation –> option to do it at home

If > 10 weeks –> hospital/clinic preferred as multiple doses of misoprostol may be required

Question 5

What are the risks associated with medical abortion?

Answer 5

Heavy and prolonged bleeding
Incomplete or failed procedure
Pain
Infection

Question 6

How is a surgical abortion carried out?

Answer 6

Dilation of cervix (misoprostol) and removal of uterine contents
Under local/regional/general anaesthetic or conscious sedation
If < 14 weeks:
- vacuum aspiration
If > 14 weeks:
- dilatation + evacuation (D+E)
- not available in Scotland

Question 7

What are the risks associated with surgical abortion?

Answer 7

Trauma to cervix
Uterine perforation
Bleeding (less common than with medical)
Pain
Infection

Question 8

What are the main components of post abortion care?

Answer 8

Contraception discussion - LARC can be inserted at same time
Emotional support
Anti-D if rhesus negative and:
- any surgical abortion
- > 10 weeks medical abortion