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The decision to have a termination (abortion) can be made for many
reasons including (in no particular order):
-
'I am not ready emotionally to give proper care to a baby'
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'I am not able to provide for it properly - I don't have enough
money or suitable accommodation for a baby.'
-
'I don't have a stable relationship with a father for the baby
- and I don't want to be a lone parent.'
-
'I want to continue my education before having a family.'
-
'I want to achieve more in my work before having a family.'
-
'I don't want to have a child.'
Can anyone have a termination when they want one?
In most countries, including the UK, there are laws that govern
the provision of terminations. In the UK two doctors have to decide
whether or not an individual girl's/woman's circumstances come
within the law (UK law).
How can I get an appointment for a termination clinic?
If you have already decided that you wish to have a termination,
or if you think this is a possible option for you, then you need
to be referred to an appropriate termination clinic as soon as
possible (about our termination
referral clinic).
I am not sure that I want a termination, what should I do?
If you are still unsure about your decision, it is sensible to
make an appointment at a clinic anyway. You can use the time before
the appointment to think further about your choices. No one is
going to persuade you to have a termination against your will
- but they can help you make the right decision by giving you
additional information and answering any questions you have.
Helping you to decide whether
to have a termination
Before my termination clinic appointment, I have decided to
have the baby, what should I do?
If you decide that you definitely want to have the baby, don't
forget to cancel your termination clinic appointment. Someone
else can then use your appointment. You should, instead, make
an appointment with your GP to organise your antenatal
care. No one will criticise you for changing your mind.
How do I get an appointment at the termination clinic?
Before you can be seen at the Rosie
Hospital Termination Referral clinic, you must be referred
(ie the clinic is asked for an appointment for you by a doctor
or nurse rather than directly by you). Your general practitioner
(GP) or the Cambridge Family Planning Service and occasionally
other hospital clinics can refer you.
What will the referring person give me?
The doctor or nurse who refers you will give you information
about how to make an appointment at the Rosie
Hospital Termination Referral clinic. They will usually also
give you information about the different methods
of termination available. If you are referred by a doctor,
he or she will usually give you a signed certificate A to bring
to the clinic. Some doctors are not willing to sign certificate
A, because they do not personally agree with termination. Don't
worry if you haven't got a signed certificate, we can sort this
out for you.
What is a certificate A?
Certificate A is the form that has to be signed by two doctors
before a termination can be performed. If your referring doctor
has not already signed the certificate, we will arrange for two
doctors at the Rosie Hospital Termination
Referral clinic to sign the form. This will only be possible
if your request for a termination comes within the UK
law.
What else should I bring with me?
It is important that you bring all the letters and forms that
your referring doctor or nurse gives you to your Rosie
Hospital Termination Referral clinic appointment.
What are the alternatives to an NHS termination?
If you do not, for any reason, wish to use the National Health
Service (NHS) for your termination, you can seek a referral to
one of the non-profit making abortion charities. These include
Marie Stopes (website)
and British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS; website).
Can I choose where I have an NHS termination?
All the hospitals in the Cambridge area operate a 'catchment
area' for terminations. Only in very special circumstances, for
example if you work in the clinic, will a clinic care for women
who live outside their area. If you don't live in the official
Addenbrooke's area, you can be referred to the clinic at Hinchingbrooke
Hospital (in Huntingdon) or West Suffolk Hospital (in Bury St
Edmunds).
Also on this website
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