Q. What if I am under 16? Ans: Any young person, regardless of age, can give valid consent to medical treatment providing she is considered to be legally competent – that is, able to understand a health professional’s advice and the risks and benefits of what is being offered. All very young women are encouraged to involve their parents or another supportive adult. If you choose not to do this, doctors can offer you an abortion if they are confident that you can give valid consent and that it is in your best interests. Q. How safe is abortion? Ans : For most women an abortion is safer than carrying a pregnancy and having a baby. All medical and surgical procedures have risks, but the earlier in pregnancy you have an abortion, the safer it is. Your doctor or nurse should tell you about risks and complications that relate to the specific abortion procedure(s) being offered to you. If you have special concerns about certain kinds of risk, let your healthcare team know so that they can tell you more. (source RCOG website ..patient information)
