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Abortion

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Unplanned pregnancy
What will happen next?

Unplanned pregnancy is very common

As many as one in three women in the UK have had an abortion at some time in their life. If your pregnancy was unplanned, you may feel some mixed emotions. The decision to have an abortion (termination of pregnancy) is sometimes not easy. Talking it through with experienced professionals can help.

If you live in Ayrshire and Arran, have had a positive pregnancy test and are unsure if you wish to continue with the pregnancy, you can discuss it with us. Your decision to have an abortion and your treatment are confidential matters between you and the healthcare team.

Please note: women who live in Northern Ireland who wish to self-refer to a clinic to discuss abortion are eligible for NHS treatment in Ayrshire and Arran (at no cost) so should contact us on the number below.

There are 3 ways that you can be referred to our clinic:

If you wish to self-refer please call

01563 827025

between the hours of 10am to 1pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). You can leave a message at other time and we will call you back.

Please ensure you are able to speak privately when you call. You will be asked for some personal details relating to your appointment.

Your GP, practice nurse, community midwife or sexual health staff are also able to refer you to these clinics. If you think you might be pregnant don’t delay – contact us or go to your GP as soon as possible.

What will happen next?

Usually, you will have a telephone appointment with staff from the Women’s Health Unit at the Ayrshire Maternity Unit. This will take around half an hour at least. It is important that you have a confidential space to talk to us. If you prefer a face to face appointment instead please inform the reception staff the first time you call us. The doctor or nurse will explain your options in detail, ask about medications you are taking and medical problems you might have. The team will then either send medication out to you or arrange for you to be seen in the clinic briefly. Sometimes this can involve performing a scan. You will also be asked if you want an STI test.

Most terminations are done by taking medication. If you are less than 12 weeks pregnant you may be able to collect the medication to take at home or we can post it to you (EMAH- early medical abortion at home)

Patient leaflet

Please read our full patient leaflet here.

Before your clinic appointment please have a look at this questionnaire. It checks if you are of increased risk of a blood clot. If your answer to the questions is ‘yes’ please speak to your GP or phone us on: 01563 827025