Understanding Abortion: Info for Young People | Childline

Choosing whether to have an abortion

Finding out you’re pregnant can bring up lots of different feelings. It can feel scary thinking about the future and whether you want to continue your pregnancy.

There are many reasons someone might consider having an abortion, and what you do next should be your choice. There can also be times when you’ve been advised by a medical professional to have an abortion, which can bring up lots of different feelings. Deciding whether or not to continue a pregnancy can feel isolating or overwhelming and you should never have to cope alone.

Nobody should ever force you to decide to have an abortion or not, but you don’t have to make the decision alone.

If you’ve had an abortion or you’re not sure whether you should have one, we’re here to help. You can speak to a counsellor at Childline any time.

3 things to remember:

More than 1 in 5 pregnancies end in an abortion
There are different types of abortion, depending on how long you’ve been pregnant
You don’t have to cope alone.

will
they
JUDGE ME?

Our counsellors are here to offer support, not judgements

What are my rights?

If you’re thinking about having an abortion, your rights will be based on where you are in the UK.

England, Scotland and Wales

You have the right to confidential support and advice from a doctor around your choices for your pregnancy. You can have an abortion if:

you're less than 24 weeks pregnant ( your doctor will help you work out how many weeks pregnant you are)
2 doctors agree to your abortion
you can explain to them why you don't want to go through with your pregnancy.

You should never be judged by your doctor. Your doctor also shouldn't tell your parents or carers unless they think you’re unsafe because of things like abuse. And they should explain to you why they feel your parents or carers need to know.

Northern Ireland

Anyone who’s pregnant can have an abortion if they’re less than 12 weeks pregnant and this is certified by a medical professional.

Between 12-24 weeks, abortions are legal if two doctors agree that ending the pregnancy would cause less physical or mental harm than continuing the pregnancy.

After 24 weeks, abortions can be allowed in exceptional circumstances. For example, the pregnant person’s life being at risk or the foetus having a fatal abnormality.

Where there aren’t abortion services available yet in Northern Ireland you can access them in Great Britain for free and you won’t have to pay for your travel and accommodation.

To find out how to access abortion services when you live in Northern Ireland or in Great Britain you can have an online consultation with the British Pregnancy Advisory Service or call them on 0345 730 4030.

If you’re feeling worried or you would like support you can talk to Childline.

Jersey

You have the right to an abortion if you’re less than 12 weeks pregnant and your pregnancy is causing you distress.

Between 12-24 weeks, you would have the right to an abortion if two doctors agree that ending the pregnancy would prevent serious injury, death, or permanently impact your mental or physical health.

What does the decriminalisation in England and Wales mean?

In June 2025, the law was changed in England and Wales to decriminalise abortions after 24 weeks of pregnancy. This means that people who end their pregnancies after 24 weeks can no longer be arrested or charged with a crime.

You can still get the same support around abortions that you’ve had before in England and Wales. You can still only get medical support to end a pregnancy up until 24 weeks.

If you’re thinking about ending your pregnancy, it’s always important to speak to a doctor about it to get support.

Questions about abortions

It’s natural to have questions about having an abortion. Find out more below.

What does having an abortion involve?

There are different ways to have an abortion, depending on how many weeks pregnant you are. You can also get lots of information about what abortions involve on the NHS website.

Up to 10 weeks
In early pregnancy, some doctors may give you 2 different tablets to take which will cause you to miscarry, meaning you won’t be pregnant anymore.

If you do this, you may have some cramps for a short while after. You’re also likely to see some spotting blood coming from your vagina for up to 4 weeks after, this can feel like you're having a heavy period.

Between 10 and 15 weeks
From 10-15 weeks, a surgical abortion can be given to you. This involves using suction to remove the pregnancy. You’ll be given anaesthetic and the procedure usually only takes 10-15 minutes.

After 15 weeks
If you wish to end a pregnancy after 15 weeks then the procedures are different and your doctor or nurse will explain exactly what needs to happen.

Are abortions free?

Yes. Abortion services in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are free with the NHS.

If you live in Jersey, you may need to pay a cost for abortion services.

Will my parents or carers need to know?

Usually no. When you speak to your doctor or GP, it’s confidential. This means they won’t tell anyone what you’ve said without your permission.

There are times when a doctor may need to pass on what’s happening to your parents or carers. This might be if you’re under 13, or you’re at risk of abuse or harm. Your doctor should always talk to you about this first.

Even if your parents or carers don’t need to know, it can help to get support. If it’s safe to, try to think about whether you could talk to your parents or carers to get support. You could also talk to another adult you trust. Remember, you can always talk to us.

Do I need to see a doctor for an abortion?

You can see your own GP, but you don’t have to. There are lots of places you can go for abortion and sexual health support.

You can find services near you using Brook, BPAS, or the NHS.

Who should I bring to the appointment?

That’s up to you. Usually you’ll be allowed to have someone with you for the abortion, but there may be times that you’re asked to be seen alone.

You can ask your GP or service whether there is any limitation about who can come with you.

When you’re deciding who to bring, think about:

Who you trust and feel comfortable with
Whether you’ll need support getting to or from the appointment
Making sure they have time to wait with you if there are any delays.

Getting help and advice

You may be certain about what you want, or it could feel difficult and emotional when you’re deciding what you want to do.

Whatever you’re feeling, it can be helpful to talk about what’s happening. There are lots of places you can get support:

By visiting your doctor or a sexual health clinic
An adult you trust
From a Childline counsellor
Brook

How do I tell my parents or carers?

There’s no right or wrong way to tell someone at home that you’re pregnant or that you want an abortion. Lots of young people worry about how someone will react or what will happen next.

If you decide to tell your parents or carers, try to plan a time when you won’t be disturbed and you’re able to speak. Think about what you’d most like to say to them, remember that it can help to share if you’re feeling nervous.

If you’re struggling to start the conversation, it can help to talk it through with a Childline counsellor. We’ve also got a letter template, if you’d rather write it down before talking about it in person.

Abortion: Support and advice for under 18s