Second-Trimester Abortion

Terminating a Pregnancy before Viability

Any abortion performed between the 13th week of pregnancy and 27 weeks is considered a second-trimester abortion, most of which are performed before viability (24 weeks), the legal cut-off date for abortion in the UK.
Second-trimester abortions are usually performed via D&E or induction. With the woman’s health and safety in mind, the abortion pill cannot be used in second-trimester abortions.
Reasons for considering a termination beyond the first trimester are usually a medical diagnosis for the foetus or woman but may also include a delayed confirmation of pregnancy or a change in relationship status.

Are Second-Trimester Abortions Legal?

Second-trimester abortions are legal in the UK until 24 weeks gestation.

⏳ For general information on abortion limits, go to

Until When Can I Get an Abortion

For exceptions to abortion limits, go to

What is a Second-Trimester Abortion Like?

Recent UK government data¹ shows that only 8.6% of abortions are carried out between the 13th and 19th week of pregnancy and 1.4% of UK abortions are performed after 19 weeks. This means that having a second-trimester abortion is more uncommon and should be carefully considered due to the potentially higher physical and emotional impact.

According to statistics collected by UpToDate2², 98% of second-trimester abortions are performed by D&E. This is also known as laborless abortion since the fetus is removed through surgery under anaesthesia. When surgery is not available or advised against by medical staff, second-trimester abortions are performed by inducing labour.

For more information on second-trimester abortion methods, go to:

Dig deeper by going to:

How Much Do Second-Trimester Terminations Cost?

The average cost of a private second-trimester abortion is between £1,200 and £2,300.However, the NHS funds most abortions in the UK.

For more details, go to How Much Does an Abortion Cost?

Pregnant in the Second Trimester and Unsure

If you are beyond the first trimester and feel unsure about the pregnancy, there is probably a lot going through your mind. Maybe you only just realised you are pregnant, or you might have been looking forward to the baby, but all of a sudden, things have changed.Maybe you received a medical diagnosis, or you and your partner are no longer together, or your financial situation is causing you to question the pregnancy.

Whatever you are going through, take a deep breath rather than giving in to the urgency to reach a quick resolution. Now that the first trimester has passed, the time window for more simple abortion methods has already closed, so there is no need to rush. If you are considering abortion beyond the first trimester, you might live in a region that allows abortion until viability or beyond. Therefore, you will likely have several weeks or even months to decide which path to take.

If your worries and concerns are tied to raising a (special needs) child, adoption might be an option to consider.

In retrospect, many women have shared that taking the time to consider which path aligns best with their values and deepest desires contributed to their long-term happiness about their decision.

If you want further support in making an informed choice, sign up for our weeklong Decision Coaching. You will receive a daily email for seven days containing food for thought and stories of other women facing similar situations. 