Legal matters

There are varying abortion laws across the UK, but for all countries – including Northern Ireland, Jersey and the Isle of Man - it is possible for a woman to have an abortion up until 24 weeks if the foetus has severe abnormalities or continuing the pregnancy would endanger her life or cause serious physical and mental harm.

England, Wales and Scotland

It is legal to have an abortion in these countries up until 24 weeks of pregnancy, provided that the woman has the agreement of two doctors that it would be more harmful to her physical or mental health, or the physical and mental health of any children she already has to continue with pregnancy.

What this usually means is a woman explaining to a doctor why she does not feel she can continue with the pregnancy and that doctor’s decision being approved by a second doctor.

Jersey

In Jersey it is legal for a woman to have an abortion up until 12 weeks if being pregnant is causing her distress.

If you're under 16

Once a person is 16 they are able to make decisions about and consent to medical procedures, including abortion, without the consent of a parent or guardian.

However, it is possible to have an abortion without parental consent if you are under 16 if the doctor feels that you are mature enough to understand what you are agreeing to and it is within your best interests for your parents not to know.