NHS or Private?

The percentage of abortions done on the NHS in each health district varies considerably. You may live in an area where it is relatively easy to obtain an NHS abortion. Or you may live in an area that has poor NHS facilities. Taking the country as a whole, just over two thirds of all abortions are done on the NHS, the rest being done in the private and charity sectors. NHS abortions are becoming easier to get, but most regions of Britain still trail behind the 1979 royal commission recommendation that the NHS should provide 75% of abortions.

Once you've seen a doctor who has agreed to refer you to a hospital, the earlier you can see the gynaecologist there the better. This appointment can take anywhere from a few days to up to four weeks and then you may have to wait for the actual operation for up to several weeks. (See below, Problems)

To sum up, whether or not you get an NHS abortion depends on a combination of factors: your GP or local gynaecologist's attitude, local facilities, how many weeks pregnant you are, waiting lists, whether you have had an abortion before (some areas will not do repeat abortions), and your current situation.

If you fail to get an abortion on the NHS, the alternative is paying for one at one of the private or charitable clinics. The charitable clinics tend to be more aware of your problems, will talk to you about your abortion and will help as much as possible.

The cost at a charitable clinic varies but you can expect to pay about �275 to �310 (1998) for an abortion up to 12/14 weeks. A later abortion (after 14 weeks) costs more depending on how many weeks pregnant you are and what the clinic offers.