Source: RCOG website… patient information section.. Topic: About abortion care.
In Great Britain, the law allows a woman to obtain an abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy if two doctors agree that it would cause less damage to her physical or mental health than continuing the pregnancy.
The doctors may take your life circumstances into consideration. Most doctors feel that the distress of having to continue with an unwanted pregnancy is likely to be harmful and so will refer a woman for an abortion.
Q.Can my doctor refuse to give me an abortion? Ans: A doctor or nurse has the right to refuse to take part in abortion on the grounds of conscience, but he or she should always refer you to another doctor or nurse who will help. The General Medical Council’s Duties of a Doctor says that doctors must make sure that their “personal beliefs do not prejudice patient care”. You do not need your partner’s agreement, although many women want to discuss the pregnancy with their partner and come to a joint decision. Partners who have taken legal action to try to prevent an abortion have always been unsuccessful. 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 pare
