Some people choose a medication termination because:

• you avoid a general anaesthetic and surgery
• they feel the process is more natural and less stressful than a surgical termination
• it can be carried out early on in the pregnancy (from 6 weeks)
• they feel they have more privacy and control as the termination happens at home.

If you are unsure about your decision to have a termination, contact us to request a pregnancy options appointment.

A medication termination may be suitable for you if:

• you are less than nine weeks pregnant (measured from the first day of your last period)
• you can stay within one hour’s drive from a hospital with emergency facilities for the duration of the termination (three to four days)
• you have access to a toilet, some privacy and someone with you that you trust and who can support you
• you have 24-hour access to a phone in case you need to call for help.

Some medical conditions make medication terminations unsafe, so please tell your doctor if you have any health problems.

You will see Family Planning doctors and nurses for up to three appointments, depending on your circumstances. We will follow up with you by telephone to check you are ok once you have taken the medication. 

Costs for a medication termination depend on your age and circumstances. Please have a look at our fees page.

If you can’t afford a termination, you may be eligible for financial support that we can help you apply for. Please speak to us if this is the case for you.

Your doctor will talk you through this so you know what to expect, but the process is explained in detail here.

Yes, but if you are breastfeeding, you can’t give your breastmilk to the child for six hours after you take the medication. You will need to express the milk and dispose of it.

If you need an interpreter, we can help.

If you want to read in your language, go here or here.