You need to have a consultation before having an abortion.
This is to make sure that the pregnancy is less than 12 weeks and to plan the abortion.
The pre-abortion consultation is usually done in person. In some cases it can be by phone or online video call.
You will have your consultation with a doctor that provides abortion services.
This could be at either:
- a GP surgery
- a family planning clinic
- a women's health clinic
Pre-abortion consultation
Your doctor will ask you for your PPS number.
You can also tell them your number if you have any 1 of the following:
- drugs payment card
- medical card
- GP visit card
- long-term illness scheme card
Your doctor needs this information so that you can have an abortion for free.
All your details and treatment will remain confidential.
During your consultation, you will:
- have a check up to make sure you will be no more than 12 weeks pregnant - you might also be referred for a free ultrasound scan
- be asked if you're sure about your decision
- be offered the chance to talk to a counsellor
- talk to a health professional about the types of abortion available
- be told about any risks and complications
- be offered contraceptive advice and a prescription if you ask for it
- be given information and advice on sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Your GP or doctor will give you a date for the abortion.
The abortion will be at least 3 days after your pre-abortion consultation. For example, if you are seen on a Monday, the earliest you can have an abortion is on Thursday. This is the law.
You can change your mind at any point up to the start of the abortion.
Giving your consent
Before you have an abortion, you will be asked to give your consent to the doctor.
This is to confirm that you:
- have been told about the different abortion methods
- know the possible side effects and risks
- understand this information
- have checked that your contact details are correct - this is so we can contact you about your test results or changes to your appointment
You'll give consent verbally if you are under 9 weeks pregnant. But if you are attending a hospital for your abortion, you'll be asked to sign a consent form.
Informing your partner
It is your choice whether you tell your partner or not about your decision. This will depend on your relationship with them.
If you are worried that your partner will try to influence your decision, you can talk to your GP for advice.
If you do not feel safe in your relationship with your partner, you can get confidential advice from Women's Aid on freephone 1800 341 900.
Rhesus negative blood type
You may have to get an anti-D injection in a hospital if your blood type is rhesus negative.
An anti-D injection prevents possible harm to future pregnancies.
If you're having a surgical abortion you will get the anti-D injection in the hospital.
If you are 10 to 12 weeks pregnant and having a medical abortion in hospital, you will get the injection there.
If you are under 10 weeks pregnant and getting a medical abortion, you will not need to get the injection.