Bristol Pregnancy Advisory Service - for NHS Abortion Care
To book an appointment to talk about your options, telephone
Central Booking on 0117 927 63 62.
What happens at the appointment?
- You will give your name to the clerk in reception and shortly
afterwards you will be seen by the clinic nurse.
- This appointment is to discuss and arrange an abortion and it
may take two to three hours. If you decide to end the pregnancy you
will be given a further date for the procedure.
- A partner/friend and/or children are welcome.
- Decisions about abortion can be difficult and we hope to be
able to help you resolve any conflicting emotions you have so that
you can reach the right decision for you.
- You will have a scan to see how many weeks pregnant you are.
This is either done on the abdomen or in the vagina; neither
is painful. A vaginal scan does not require you to have a
full bladder and may be more comfortable. Staff will not show the
scan to you, unless you ask to see. If you decide to end the
pregnancy you will need some blood tests and swabs. You will
receive the results when you attend for the abortion or by the
means of contact that you agree with us.
- The doctor or nurse will discuss your contraceptive
requirements.
There are several methods of abortion. The options open to
you will depend on how many weeks pregnant you are. Only an
outline of the methods is given online and in our leaflets. More
specific written information will be provided to you when you are
seen. The risks of abortion are small and depend mainly on
the number of weeks pregnant that you are rather than the method
chosen.
Outreach Nurses
If you are under 18 and attend the Pregnancy Advisory clinic you
will be supported by one of the Outreach Nurses to get started or
restarted on the right method of contraception for you. For up to
six months after your abortion you will be able to contact
them directly if you need advice or help.
General information
Following an abortion the fetal remains are treated with dignity
and respect by the clinic/hospital. If you wish to know more
or have specific wishes please discuss this with a member of
staff.
Staff working in the service have all chosen to work in abortion
care. They will not judge you and will treat you with
respect.
You are free to change your mind about abortion at any time
before the procedure begins, and the staff will provide support if
you do.
If you are having difficulty reaching a decision, it is often
useful to talk it over with us. Staff at the Pregnancy
Advisory Service hope to be able to help you resolve any
conflicting emotions and reach the right decision for you. As
well as talking with us, other sources of help are:
- Your own doctor/GP
- Bristol Sexual Health Services - tel no: 0117 342 6900
- Avon Psychotherapy and Counselling Service - tel no: 0117 930
4447. There is a small fee.
- Brook Young Peoples Clinic - tel no:0117 929 0090. For under
25s only.
