Hospital Abortions

[glover22]

Do hospitals do abortions on the NHS or do you have to go private and pay for it?

[Scarlett]

Yes you can get both types. Best to talk to a Doctor who will advise you. In my experience, everyone I know has had to pay. But there must be instances of hardship or age where the NHS pay for it.

[glover22]

They all look so expensive though is there any where that does them for under �400?

[FP]

I would see your doctor before considering going privately.  Your doctor will treat the matter as confidential.  He may refer you as a NH patient; financial hardship might be a factor (I don't know)

Your surgery or local hospital or Citizens Advice Bureau  will also give you confidential advice on the best clinics for private abortion and, most important, ones that they can recommend.  Please don't take advice from anyone who isn't medically qualified or doesn't have your best interests at heart.  Please don't take any risks because of cutting costs. 

Good luck.

[netibiza]

Also call Marie Stopes Clinic and Brook Street Bureau as they can help

[Woodstock]

Abortions are carried out on the NHS but the patient should fulfill a certain criteria, notably less than 12 weeks pregnant.  Less than this in most cases because of the time taken to be referred from your GP to a consultant and then the time for him/her to fit you in on the next operating list.

Failing this there used to be an organisation called the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (I'm not sure if they are still in existance but your GP's surgery will know) and they carry out abortions on even more advanced pregnancies than 12 weeks.  They are not free operations, but they are not a profit making orgnisation either.  Hope this is of use.

[netibiza]

 Actually have had a senior moment and am not sure if it is Brook Street bureau or if that is a temping agency oops sorry

[Headtime]

Net Ibiza, I think you do mean Brook Advsiory;

http://www.brook.org.uk

[woofgang]

not my business, but have you considered the alternatives to abortion? I believe and hope that that Brook and the BPAS will tell you about all the options and give you support after you have had the abortion. I understand from friends experiences that its not something that can be easily put aside afterwards. Whatever you do, my thoughts and good wishes go with you, your situation cannot be an easy one.

[nicola_red]

BPAS do still exist and have a website as do Marie Stopes (just google them) but it's true that private abortions are expensive.  Best thing is to get straight to your GP and if they refuse you an NHS abortion ask to see a different doctor as they will sometimes refuse to refer women for them based on their own personal or religious beliefs.  Sad but true.

[funkychicken]

some family planning clinics will refer you for abortions

[smudge]

Whoever is considering a termination should visit their own GP before considering any other route. GP's are sworn to secrecy, so the discussion will be strictly confidential.

[smudge]

*taking another route

[dirtyharriet]

Yes you can get them on the NHS. it is a matter of Just going to your own gp who will refer you to another doctor or consultant after confirming your pregnancy. You need the signature of both doctors to get a termination. Whether that be for social or health reasons. It does generally need to be carried out before 12 weeks. It's a relatively painless operation and you will be in and out within a few hours. Physically it is a very simple procedure, however emotionally it may be a good idea to get some counselling for both before and after.

[mongos bird]

An operation is not always necessary but this depends how far gone you are.  There is a method which uses drugs but to the best of my knowledge is only available in the very early stages of pregnancy.  A tablet is taken orally which detatches the foetus from mum.  Then approx 24 hours further medication is given vaginally to open the cervix.  Another oral drug is then administered which encourages the expulsion of the foetus. A short stay in hospital is required for the latter stage so nursing staff can monitor what is being passed. This is available on the NHS (depending on the trust) and privately. 

[ann_h]

Can I just add, to find out about waiting times for the NHS. One girl I knew was listed at 9 weeks but didn't get "done" until about 19 weeks, so had to go through labour and the baby being left to die.

It may be better now, but if not the 400 pounds for a private clinic is worth every penny.

[advicegirl]

Why are you pregant because I don't think its a good idea to have an  abortion at all. I mean you can always give the baby up for adoption. If you do have an abortion its like killing a human befor its even born its a life taken away from earth. Anyways its your descion and if  you feel comfortable with it then do it.  Yes hospitals do abortions on the NHS in private when ever you want.

[dirtyharriet]

I thought the purpose of this site was to answer questions, not to make moral judgements on people?

[smudge]

Hear, hear, dirtyharriet!

[glover22]

Thank you to everyone who gave me an answer and like some of you have said, this answers questions and does not voice opinions on something so sensetive as abortions. Everyone has their own opinions but on a site like this i think your own views should be kept to yourself to avoid offending anyone. Thank you to everyone for their help x x x