Termination of Pregnancy

Question 1

Up to what gestation can termination of pregnancy occur?

Answer 1

Up to 24 weeks

Question 2

What are the criteria for abortion?

Answer 2

An abortion can take place if gestational age is before 24 weeks, and if continuation of the pregnancy would cause risk to the physical or mental health of the mother

Question 3

When can an abortion be performed at any time during pregnancy?

Answer 3

If the mother’s life is at risk
If terminating the pregnancy will prevent ‘grave permanent injury to the physical or mental health of the mother
If there is substantial risk that the child will suffer from serious mental or physical abnormalities

Question 4

What is the process of a medical abortion?

Answer 4

Mifepristone
Misoprostol given 1-2 days later
Test pregnancy 3 weeks later to confirm pregnancy has ended

Question 5

What is mifepristone?

Answer 5

An anti-progesten

Question 6

What is misopristol?

Answer 6

A prostaglandin analogue

Question 7

What are the surgical options for abortion?

Answer 7

Cervical dilation and suction of the contents of the uterus (up to 14 weeks)
Cervical dilation and evacuation using forceps (14-24 weeks)

Question 8

How long may a pregnancy test be positive for following termination?

Answer 8

4 weeks

Question 9

When should women be given rhesus D at termination?

Answer 9

When they are rhesus negative and having a termination after 10 weeks gestation