What are my options?

  • you may decide you wish to continue with the pregnancy and become a parent; or
  • you may decide to continue with the pregnancy and have the baby fostered or adopted; or
  • you may decide to end the pregnancy and request an abortion.

Abortions are available free of charge through HSC.

You can also self refer to a private providers in the UK- see ‘More Information’

An abortion is the removal of the contents of your womb.

This can be achieved medically using tablets or surgically using gentle suction. It does not normally involve invasive surgery or stitches. In most cases an abortion has no effect on future pregnancies.

The Abortion (Guernsey) (Amendment) Law, 2021 allows termination of pregnancy only in a few clearly defined circumstances.

Most abortions are carried out before 24 weeks of pregnancy but can be carried out after this in certain situations such as if the mother’s life is at risk or the child would be born with a severe disability

In every case a medical practitioner must agree that your case is covered by one of the sections of the Guernsey Abortion Law. This can be either the clinic doctors or your GP.

This is not compulsory. Many women considering abortion are sure of their decision, however others can find it helpful to discuss things with someone not involved in the situation. A counsellor will assist you in talking through your feelings and exploring all the issues in a non-judgmental and unbiased manner. They are not there to make up your mind but to support you in making your own decision.

The counselling service offered by Choices is free and confidential. Counselling is most helpful if accessed beforehand but is also available at any time following the procedure, no matter how much time has passed.

The counsellor can be contacted on: 07781 125942 or email choices@calm.gg. Confidential voicemails may also be left on this number.

If you decide that you wish to proceed with an abortion, it is important that you see the Choices doctor or your GP as soon as possible. 

You will be asked for a urine sample to confirm the pregnancy and an STI test (urine or self taken swab to check for chlamydia and gonorrhoea).

Contraception options for afterwards will be discussed and you may be given medication to start after your procedure or advised to contact us to book your IUS, IUD or Implant fit.

Once the doctor has signed the legally required document, you will be referred to see the Gynaecologist.

You can take a partner, friend or family member to any of these appointments.

Once the doctor has referred you to see the Gynaecologist it can take up to 2 weeks to be seen. Please contact the doctor who referred you if you have not received your appointment in this time.

At the Medical Specialist Group, you may have a gynaecological examination as well as an ultrasound scan to establish how many weeks pregnant you are. It is helpful to attend this appointment with a full bladder as it makes the scan easier. A routine blood test may also be carried out.

You can take a partner, friend or family member with you.

The Specialist will then discuss your options and decision with you and and agree where the abortion will take place. Your options will depend on how many weeks pregnant you are and you may be offered a medical abortion at home if you are in the early stages. If having a surgical abortion, you may also need to see the anaesthetist who will check that you are fit for an anaesthetic.

If the Specialist feels that you meet requirements of the Guernsey Abortion Law, they will then make the arrangements and complete the legal paperwork.

Abortions of pregnancies over 14 weeks cannot be performed locally and the specialist will refer you to a specialist centre in England.

Surgical abortion you will be admitted to the hospital for a procedure to remove the pregnancy and discharged later the same day. Contraception can be started at this point.

Medical abortion takes a little longer as it occurs in 2 stages. This can happen either in hospital or at home at a time convenient for you if you are suitable. For home medical abortion you will be provided with a pack of medication, pain relief, information and a pregnancy test.

Stage 1: You will be given a tablet called mifepristone to block the pregnancy hormones and end the pregnancy.

Stage 2: 24-48 hours later you will be given 4 Misoprostol tablets to insert into the vagina. This softens and opens the cervix to allow the pregnancy to be expelled. This may be uncomfortable with some cramping and bleeding. You should allow approx. 4- 6 hours for this stage but it can take up to 2 days.

It is important to start contraception at this stage if you do not want to become pregnant again immediately as you can ovulate (release an egg) as soon as 8 days after an abortion.

You may be given a follow appointment with the consultant and a pregnancy test to take after 3 weeks.

Remember– you can change your mind up until treatment begins.

There are some slight risks associated with abortion. The main risk is infection; avoiding using tampons or having sex for four weeks can reduce this. If you have a medical abortion there is a small risk of an incomplete abortion which can result in prolonged or heavy bleeding. If this happens it may be necessary to have a small procedure called  a D&C under general anaesthetic to remove the retained products. There is also a small risk of damage to the womb or cervix. Future fertility is not usually affected.

Everyone will experience some discomfort. This differs for everyone but pain relief is available along with treatment for any nausea or vomiting. Some women will experience diarrhoea after medical abortion medications.

You are likely to have some cramps and vaginal bleeding. The bleeding usually lasts for 2 weeks but occasionally can last up to a month.

Simple analgesia such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with any discomfort.

Use sanitary pads or towels for any bleeding after the procedure as tampons and menstrual cups (moon cup) can increase the risk of infection.

You can change your mind at any time up until the treatment commences.

The medical staff will have time to listen to any worries or concerns you may have.

Surgical termination: You may be able to go home 4 hours after returning to the ward if the doctor and nurses are happy and you are feeling well enough. A friend or relative should accompany you as you are not allowed to drive after a general anaesthetic. You will be given the ‘help line’ number should you need any advice.

Medical Termination in hospital: You will be able to go home once you have passed the products of conception which can take around 4 – 6 hours. You will also be given the help line number.

You should be able to return to work the next day but may need to take it easy for a few days. There will be some cramping and bleeding which can last for several weeks.

You can resume your normal activities such as having baths and showers, exercise, swimming and lifting as soon as you feel comfortable to do so.

You can have sex again as soon as you feel ready however it is advisable that you wait for at least four weeks to reduce the risk of infection and to start your contraception.

It is important to start your contraception if you wish to avoid an unwanted pregnancy as your fertility returns to normal very soon after an abortion. Ideally this will have been discussed and arranged before your procedure.

  • The pill / mini pill / patch / vaginal ring should be started on the 1st day after your treatment. These methods can also be used for short term cover before an IUD or implant can be fitted.
  • The Injection (Depo Provera or Sayana) can be given at the time of your treatment and lasts 12 weeks. Contact the clinic if you would like our nurses to give you your injection after your procedure. We offer a free text reminder service.
  • The Implant is immediately effective if fitted up to 5 days afterwards. Call the clinic after your procedure to book your fitting appointment.
  • An IUD (coil) can be fitted either within 2 days or after 4 weeks. Call the clinic after your procedure to book your fitting appointment.
  • Sterilisation or vasectomy can be discussed with your doctor or gynaecologist.
  • Condoms are advisable if there is likely to be a delay starting your ongoing contraception and also to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI’s). These are available free from Choices and the Orchard Centre.

Go to our Contraception page for more details.

Please contact the Helpline from the hospital if:

  • You are experiencing very heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain or bleeding that is lasting more that 4 weeks
  • You still feel pregnant 7 days after the procedure
  • You have any signs of infection – vaginal discharge, heavy bleeding, pain, high temperature or flu-like symptoms
  • You have a positive pregnancy test 3 weeks after the abortion

Your GP, Choices, the Emergency Department and Out of Hours doctors are also available

A few women do. You may feel a bit ‘low’ after your treatment though this generally passes within a few days. You can talk to the free counsellor confidentially at any time following the abortion, even weeks or months later, by calling: 07781 125942 or email choices@calm.gg

It is important to think about this before your abortion as fertility returns to normal almost immediately.

The Choices doctor or your GP will discuss the different options available and plan for you to start this soon after the procedure so that you will be protected straight away.

Please bring your chosen method with you to the hospital and the nurse will advise you when to start.

The following is a brief guide as to what is available:

  • The pill / mini pill / patch / vaginal ring should be started on the 1st day after your treatment. These methods can also be used for short term cover before an IUD or implant can be fitted.
  • The Injection (Depo Provera or Sayana) can be given at the time of your treatment and lasts 12 weeks. Contact the clinic if you would like our nurses to give you your injection after your procedure. We offer a free text reminder service.
  • The Implant is immediately effective if fitted up to 5 days afterwards. Call the clinic after your procedure to book your fitting appointment.
  • An IUD (coil) can be fitted either within 2 days or after 4 weeks. Call the clinic after your procedure to book your fitting appointment.
  • Sterilisation or vasectomy can be discussed with your doctor or gynaecologist.
  • Condoms are advisable if there is likely to be a delay starting your ongoing contraception and also to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI’s). These are available free from Choices and the Orchard Centre.

Go to our Contraception page for more details.

Emergency contraception can be taken if you have unprotected sex before you have started your ongoing contraception.

Please see your GP or attend Choices or the Orchard Centre as soon as possible as this ideally needs to be taken within 72 hours.

This is also available from pharmacies for over 16’s.

Go to our Emergency Contraception page for more information

Contact Choices or your G.P. for further information regarding pregnancy, abortion, contraception and safe sex.

Your doctor’s surgery (look in the yellow pages under ‘Doctors’ for all the contact numbers)

Choices  714954 or 07781 103434

email: info@choices.gg 

website:  www.choices.gg

Private abortion information is available at BPAS and MSI Reproductive Choices and NUPAS

An abortion is only lawful in the Bailiwick if a medical practitioner certifies that:

  • It is immediately necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or
  • It is necessary to prevent serious injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman, or
  • The baby has been diagnosed with a serious abnormality, or
  • The pregnancy has not exceeded 24 weeks and the continuance of pregnancy would significantly impact the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman or any existing children of her family.