Is it "difficult" to have an abortion in the UK in 2012?

[Mintyy]

I am ignorant of current procedures. If you find yourself unexpectedly pg and you certainly do not want to keep the baby, how long does it take to arrange termination of the pregnancy? On the NHS?

Phone BPAS, they will talk you through the process.

NC for this.

For me, around this time last year, it was one GP's appointment, seeing one GP for around 5mins whilst she wrote out the refferal form, then Marie Stopes within a week.

I didn't go through with it but it was quick & easy (although slightly upsetting) to arrange, however I did tell the GP I was 50/50 on what I wanted so not sure if there is anything different if you go in positive if you want one?

How long will I have to

wait?
Waiting times vary according to where you live, but once you have seen your doctor or practice nurse, you should not have to wait more than 3 weeks from your first referral to the time of your abortion, although NHS waiting times do vary across the country.

Ideally you should be able to have:

an appointment for a first consultation within 5 days of being referred and never more than 2 weeks afterwards
an abortion within 7 days of the decision to go ahead being agreed and never more than 2 weeks afterwards.
You should be seen as soon as possible if you need an abortion for urgent medical reasons.

So for those without funds to go private 3 weeks plus time for initial
appointment.

A major Women's rights issue.

I had a TOP in 2003. It was very easy to arrange. I had to wait 2 weeks from first appointment with GP, just for the scan so they could check my dates. Then I had to wait for another 3 weeks for the op. I knew (and still know) it was the right decision but the waiting, being shown the scan, and the lack of counselling could have horrendous implications for someone less sure than I was.