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When you can have an abortion

You can have an abortion if your pregnancy is no more than 12 weeks. This means 84 days since the first day of your last period.

The earlier an abortion is carried out, the simpler and safer it will be. Getting support early on will give you more time to make a decision about having an abortion.

If you are under 9 weeks, you'll usually have a medical abortion.

After 12 weeks

After 12 weeks, you can only have an abortion in exceptional circumstances.

These are when continuing the pregnancy:

  • puts your life at risk
  • will cause serious harm to your health
  • is likely to lead to the death of the fetus either before or within 28 days of birth, because of a problem with its development

Get support for an unplanned pregnancy

Page last reviewed: 14 August 2025
Next review due: 14 October 2028