Abortion

Who can I talk to?

Deciding what to do when you have an unplanned pregnancy can be difficult.

Confidentially talking through your options with a healthcare professional can help you to reach a decision that will be right for you. The doctors and nurses at the sexual and reproductive health clinics and abortion providers in Greater Manchester offer impartial and unbiased information and advice about all of your pregnancy options. Abortion providers also provide counselling to support you with making your decision and also support after an abortion should you require it.

Whilst it may not be top of your list of priorities at this time they will also talk to you about STI testing and contraception methods.

How can I get an abortion?

There are more than 12 independent clinics in Greater Manchester that offer abortion counselling and procedures without a referral. The staff are helpful, understanding, and are able to access and book an appointment for you. You will be offered an appointment to attend a clinic that is most convenient for you and able to provide you with the appropriate treatment depending on how far you are into your pregnancy. Alternatively you may be able to have a telephone consultation. You won't have to wait long for a consultation - normally less than a week.

Calls are charged at a local rate and the number might appear on your bill.

If you live in Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Tameside or Trafford, call Central Booking (Greater Manchester) to book an appointment on 03457 304030.

Mon - Fri: 8am to 9pm, Sat: 9am to 6.30pm and Sun: 9.30am to 2.30pm

If you live in Bolton or Wigan, call Central Booking (Bolton and Wigan) to book an appointment on 0345 300 8090

If you live in Stockport you can access two independent providers directly by visiting the Marie Stopes International website, or calling them on 0345 300 8090 or the National Unplanned Pregnancy Service (NUPAS) website, or call them on 0333 004 6666.

What happens next?

If the doctor or nurse confirms that an abortion will be legal and safe, and you decide that it is the best option for you, they will explain your options and make the necessary arrangements.

Abortions can be done using medicine or surgery. The type of abortion depends upon the stage of the pregnancy and any health issues.

It may be possible to have an abortion at home by taking medicine if you are less than 10 weeks pregnant. You may be able to have a telephone consultation and have the pills posted to you to take at home. This is often referred to as a medical abortion, telecare, remote service or pills by post.

If you are considering abortion, we recommend you contact the service provider (as discussed above) as soon as you are able to do so. This ensures you get the support and time to confidentially discuss your situation and treatment options available to you.

If your residential address is in Greater Manchester and you are registered with a Greater Manchester GP, in most cases abortions are provided free on the NHS.

More Information

An abortion is the process of ending a pregnancy, sometimes called a termination. It has been legal in England for over 50 years.  

NHS website Abortion - NHS

British Pregnancy Advisory Service Abortion clinics, Information, Advice and Treatment | BPAS

National Unplanned Pregnancy Advisory Service Abortion Clinics | Termination of Pregnancy Advice, Counselling & Treatment | NUPAS

MSI MSI Reproductive Choices UK – Your Choice, Our Support