delicate subject - abortion

newcook

My friends daughter confided in me that she missed a period and a test showed she is pregnant (maybe 3 weeks). She is 18 and has already decided that she doesn’t want to continue with the pregnancy (I had already offered my full support in what ever she decided to do).

We have looked on the internet and can see that there are a couple of options to terminate the pregnancy – either by a course of pills over a couple of days or surgery that involves suction though neither of us are sure what would be more suitable for her.

I have also said to her that she is free to change her mind right up to the last minute and will help tell her dad if she wants (her mother isnt around)


Have any of you had a termination? What procedure did you decide on and why?

McKneff

Tell her to goto her GP first.............

NAR

I think she should go to one of the clinics such as Brook and get the proper medical advice she needs and not rely on internet or Forum advice.

ikkle87

I would advise her to go to either the GP or her local family planning clinic where she can get proper advice about the procedures. xx

rachbc

Brook Advisory or marie Stopes will be able to provide the most information and best medical advice for her individual situation.

in some areas you can refer yourself for a termination with these organisations on the NHS in others you have to be referred by Dr/ CASH clinic but you can ring and have a chat

newcook

she has already been referred to a clinic - I will be going with her next week

heretolearn_2

It's not really your decision. It's the clinics/doctors who usually decide which is most appropriate for each individual. Even if they do give you the choice, there's no point trying to decide here and now from internet information, get the real deal from them and then decide. Worrying about which precise method is jumping the gun a bit, go and see the doctor first to a)get the pregnancy confirmed and b) the exact stage she is at, as that makes a difference to the method. Generally the pills are only appropriate for very early stages up to 8 or 9 weeks, and the suction is used up to 16 weeks.

If she is going NHS it also depends on how quickly she gets the appointments, usually it is fast but I have heard of people getting there too late to use the pills. If her dates are out, maybe she's 5 weeks or more, how does she know?

newcook

NAR wrote: »

I think she should go to one of the clinics such as Brook and get the proper medical advice she needs and not rely on internet or Forum advice.

its not advice I am looking for for her, mainly just peoples personal experiences/opinions.
I have never had one so cannot offer her any advice, just support.

peachyprice

She needs to go to the GP or her nearest Marie Stopes/Brook Advisory centre.

The method used depends on how far along she is and what they offer in your area, she can't just say what method she wants.

newcook

heretolearn wrote: »

It's not really your decision. It's the clinics/doctors who usually decide which is most appropriate for each individual. Even if they do give you the choice, there's no point trying to decide here and now from internet information, get the real deal from them and then decide. Worrying about which precise method is jumping the gun a bit, go and see the doctor first to a)get the pregnancy confirmed and b) the exact stage she is at, as that makes a difference to the method. Generally the pills are only appropriate for very early stages up to 8 or 9 weeks, and the suction is used up to 16 weeks.

If she is going NHS it also depends on how quickly she gets the appointments, usually it is fast but I have heard of people getting there too late to use the pills. If her dates are out, maybe she's 5 weeks or more, how does she know?

many thanks for the above x

she said her last period was just over 4 weeks ago

System

Arent the pills called the morning after pill for a reason. Weeks after conception might be too late.

I think she needs to talk to the health professional before she makes assumptions.

Its good that she is not facing this situation alone.