How Late Can You Get an Abortion?
- In England, Scotland and Wales, abortion is legal up to 23 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy (point of viability).
- In Northern Ireland, abortion is legal up to 24 weeks, but only available in the country up to 10 weeks.
- While the abortion pill is usually restricted to the first nine weeks LMP, in-clinic abortions are medically possible throughout the pregnancy.
- 🗓 Use our Pregnancy Tracker to find out how far along you are!
This article covers the following topics:
- When Is It Too Late to Get an Abortion?
- Aspects Which Affect Timing
- I Still Have Time — What's Next?
When Is It Too Late to Get an Abortion?
Here is a quick overview, answering the question, ‘When can you get an abortion?’ according to the gestational limits in place in the United Kingdom.
Abortion is permitted in the England, Scotland and Wales until the 24th week of pregnancy. Thereafter, it may be permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
In Northern Ireland, abortion is legal up to 24 weeks of pregnancy in specific instances, but only accessible up until 10 weeks. Women seeking an abortion beyond 10 weeks must travel to Great Britain, as such abortions are not carried out in Northern Ireland.
The weeks of pregnancy are counted from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP). This is the same as gestational age (GA). The actual foetal age (conceptional age; CA) would be two weeks less.
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Aspects Which Affect Timing
- Availability:
While abortions are widely accessible in England, Scotland and Wales, abortion clinics in Northern Ireland do not provide abortions beyond the first 10 weeks. Residents of Northern Ireland seeking abortions beyond 10 weeks must therefore travel to Great Britain. - Methods:
Medical Abortions can be performed within the first nine or ten weeks of gestation.
Vacuum aspirations are usually not performed past the 14th week. - Extensions:
Exceptions for later abortions are made throughout the United Kingdom. For more information, go to Late-Term Abortions. - Pre-Abortion Requirements:
The requirements for obtaining an abortion in the UK include a counselling appointment, informed consent, proof of pregnancy and a medical exam.
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⚠️ Remember to check wait times and ultrasound requirements for your area. These would need to take place before the time limit for abortion is reached.
I Still Have Time - What’s Next?
Even though your question, 'How late can you have an abortion?' has been answered on this page, there are probably many unanswered questions going through your mind. You may be unsure of where to go from here while desiring to make a decision that leaves you without regrets…
Your thoughts matter because your life matters!
Go to Unplanned Pregnancy — Now What? for practical steps and advice.
Your present situation is probably far from easy. You may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or abandoned. You are not alone! Allow us to walk alongside you as you determine which path is right for you. Our judgement-free resources are tailor-made for your situation. Why not give them a try?
- ⚖️ Abortion: Yes or No? Take the Abortion Test!
- 🤰Am I pregnant? Take the Online Pregnancy Test
- 💡 Dealing with a specific issue? Take the Solutions Finder Test!
- 🛤 Could an abortion affect me long term?
FAQs
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In the UK, abortions can be performed up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. In instances where there is significant risk to the life of the mother, or a severe foetal abnormality is present, there is no gestational limit.
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Time limits depend on gestational limits as well as abortion methods. Each surgical abortion method has a different time limit: vacuum aspirations and D&Cs are possible until the 16th week of pregnancy; D&Es are most commonly performed between weeks 10 and 20; induction abortions can be done up until birth.
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The at-home abortion pill is limited to 9 weeks and 6 days LMP, counting from the first day of the last menstrual period. Thereafter, a medical abortion may be used in a clinical setting up to the 24th week of pregnancy.
