Termination on my medical notes - I want it removed from the record

[numnumchuckle]

I had an early medical termination over a decade ago. No physical complications. I STUPIDLY informed my GP at the time. I regret this enormously, as it is now part of my medical record. Thousands of women do not have this information noted on their records, and I wish I was one of them.

Recently, a routine referral from my GP to a specialist clinic for something entirely unrelated caused me to receive a courtesy copy of my referral letter, which also included a summary of my entire medical history and there it was - the most sensitive and private information in my life history, plopped on a standard referral request for any old person to see.

I feel violated.

I want the information about my termination removed from my record entirely. It isn't relevant to any healthcare situation I might ever have and it doesn't need to be on my medical record.

I don't want a redaction. I want a removal. There is not a single reason why any healthcare professional needs to know this. Not one. My life decisions are not common property.

Can anyone help me with advice on pressing my GP to remove the entry entirely?

I'm afraid they can't legally remove information. Even information which is put in notes in error cannot be removed, only 'crossed through' .
You could ask them not to share this information however, anyone can do this, you need to write to them with your request and they will then place a note on your file.

I don't think they will be able to remove it - you'll have to speak to the practice manager. However it should not be included in referral letters for unrelated problems and the surgery should be informed that you do not want it including in any summary that is leaving the surgery.