Abortion
What is an abortion?
Abortion is when someone gets medical help to end a pregnancy. It is sometimes called a termination.
Abortions can be done by taking medicine or having an operation.
If you think you might be pregnant speak to a trusted adult. This could be a youth worker, teacher or parent or carer.
If you think you might be pregnant, it is good to find out as soon as possible by getting a pregnancy test.
You can get a free pregnancy test from:
- your school nurse
- a sexual health service
- your doctor
- a pharmacy
If you are pregnant you will need to talk to a nurse or doctor at a sexual health clinic and tell them how you feel about being pregnant.
They can tell you what options you have for your pregnancy.
These services are free and confidential.
These services are free and confidential.
Move down the page to find out why people have abortions.
Why do people have abortions?
People can have an abortion for different reasons.
Some people have an abortion because they do not feel ready to be a parent.
Some people have an abortion because they do not want to be pregnant or give birth.
Some people end a pregnancy because of medical reasons.
Whatever someone’s reasons for having an abortion, it is their choice and right to do so.
Deciding to have an abortion might not be an easy choice to make.
It can be an emotional time.
Speaking about it with experienced healthcare staff can help. They can give you information, advice, and support to help with your decision.
Move down the page to find out more about abortion services and the help they can give.
Abortion services
Abortion services are free and confidential.
Confidential means the information you give will stay private, unless you are in danger.
If you live in Edinburgh and the Lothians you can get support from NHS Lothian Abortion Service called ‘Choices’.
This is a service that helps people understand the different choices they have.
You can get support from Choices clinic by:
- phoning 0131 536 1070 and select the option 2 ‘Choices Clinic’.
Phone lines are open 9:00am to 3:00pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
You can get support from Choices clinic by:
- attending a sexual health clinic, including the young people’s drop-in service at Healthy Respect+, where staff can refer you to the Choices clinic.
You can get support from Choices clinic by:
- speaking to your your GP and asking them to arrange a referral to the Choices clinic.
Deciding to have an abortion might not be easy choice to make.
It can be an emotional time.
Speaking about it with experienced healthcare staff can help. They can give you information, advice, and support to help with your decision.
If you are having an abortion and are under 16 years old, you will need to bring a trusted adult, who is over 18, with you.
