Unwanted pregnancy can take a toll on you and your partner’s mental health. Feeling of self doubt, guilt and fear can cloud the judgment of smartest people. In addition to this emotional stress, regional laws, access to proper healthcare facilities and non-judgmental care seems like a dream for many women.
In today’s article, we will focus on everything that you need to know about unwanted pregnancy, what are the first steps you need to take, how you can ensure the wellbeing of you and your partner, your rights and privacy, and available medical options. Please know that our article aims to provide accurate information about terminating pregnancies in the UK, and people living in other regions may need to check for local regional laws and restrictions.
What should you do in case of an unwanted pregnancy: The first steps
An unwanted pregnancy, as talked about above, can bring a host of mixed feelings for couples, with fear and panic topping this list. In case you or someone you love has detected an unwanted pregnancy, the first immediate steps you need to take is confirm the pregnancy. This step, if not already done, can be completed by using a home pregnancy test or by scheduling an appointment with a trusted gynaecologist for accurate results. There are multiple instances where couples have experienced false positive results from their pregnancy tests, and have further required expert help.
In case your pregnancy result is positive, the next step is to remain calm and not panic. While it is easier said than done, getting a grip of your emotions can help you navigate out of this situation. There is always enough time to make a decision that suits your current circumstances and aligns with your future goals. For those thinking on the lines of termination of pregnancy and abortion services, they may feel worried about the laws and regulations of the UK. While it is true that abortions laws here are strict, having a clear idea and proper knowledge about the same can help in better decision making.
Your legal rights and options in the UK
For someone residing in the UK, opting for pregnancy termination services such as an abortion may feel stressful, due to the stringent criteria. According to the Abortion Act of 1967, a woman can get an abortion for their pregnancy up to the 24 week gestation limit. Post this period, getting an abortion is considered a criminal offence. Under very specific circumstances, which may include threat to life or a serious complication, an abortion may be conducted post this gestation limit. It is important to note that such an instance occurs only when it is signed off by two separate medical practitioners verifying the viability of the procedure. In addition to this, many people also rely on the NHS’s fully funded abortion services. However, to avail the same, there does exist certain criteria, which not many people can fulfill. Coupled with long wait times, inaccessibility of NHS clinics in certain regions, inconsistent service and lack of cutting edge techniques in some regions, getting an abortion may seem like a monumental task.
However, if you are someone who meets the NHS’s criteria and are okay with above points, then you can avail the funded abortion services provided by the NHS. For those who want speed and a more personalised approach, getting an abortion from private players seems to be a more favourable option. These health clinics offer a bespoke approach to the procedure, better pre and post treatment care, negligible wait times, and most of all – no stringent criteria to avail their services. What’s more is how since COVID, many clinics have started to offer abortion pill by post, which makes it easier for many women to terminate their pregnancy from the comfort of their home. As we are on this subject, it is prudent that we also talk about the available options that a couple has, should they wish to terminate or keep their pregnancy.
Available options
The set of available options that a woman may have post an unwanted pregnancy, depends on her choice of either terminating the pregnancy or continuing with the same. For those who wish to terminate, an abortion is an effective method. However, many women still struggle to choose the right type of abortion for themselves.
Broadly put, there are two types of abortions, namely a medical abortion and a surgical abortion. For those who may not know, a medical abortion is essentially abortion via the pills. These pills, namely, mifepristone and misoprostol, induce miscarriage like symptoms to expel pregnancy from the body. Mifepristone, which is essentially the first pill, needs to be taken as soon as possible to limit the production of progesterone (a hormone that helps in the development of pregnancy). Misoprostol, which is usually taken 24-48 hours after the first pill, is then taken to expel the pregnancy remnants from the uterus. The procedure may result in bleeding, similar to a heavy flow period and may result in transitory side effects such as nausea and dizziness as well. In very rare cases, the woman may also need to visit a doctor in case the pregnancy is not terminated fully, as improper expulsion may lead to life threatening consequences. This type of abortion is suited for pregnancies below the gestation limit of 10 weeks, as post this period, it is mandatory by the law to visit a clinic for abortion.
The second type of abortion service is surgical abortion, which essentially takes a D&C (dilation and curettage) or a vacuum aspiration approach. Both of these approaches require a visit to the clinic in person, as it is conducted only under expert medical guidance. This type of abortion is suitable for those who are comfortable with visiting clinics, are past the 10 week gestation limit and below 24 weeks, and feel safer with a medically guided procedure.
As for women, who wish to continue their pregnancy, seeking professional help to manage emotional and physiological changes that may come in the upcoming months of pregnancy, can be beneficial. This becomes extremely important for young and single mothers, for whom pregnancy can be more challenging.
Taking the right decisions
Unwanted pregnancy can be overwhelming for anyone. Whether it is you, or a loved one in this situation, keeping calm and taking logical decisions about your pregnancy journey and future goals, can help. As for whether you should go ahead with an abortion or continue the pregnancy, there is no definite answer. Everyone is at a different stage in life and this difference in circumstances can be a big reason behind your decision. Whatever your choice may be, please remember that help is always available.
