First step to book an abortion?

[surrealreal]

I can't believe I'm in this situation and now I am I don't even know what to do, in the practical sense.
I don't want an abortion but I need one so I have to hurry up. Does my GP need to give permission? Will I have to justify myself? Then what? Do they refer to the hospital? I don't know how I'm going to do this without everyone finding out or without arranging childcare for however long it takes, whatever 'it' is. How have I got through my adult life so far being clueless about this stuff.

Can you afford to go private with BPAS or Marie Stopes? Local to me the GP refers to the central health clinic for the second doctor sign off, and then both refer to gynae at the hospital. Half the ward is in use by regular patients and 2 days a week half the ward is cloaked in curtains to "hide" the abortion clinic. Everyone knows what's happening though. Private clinics are usually done in a day unless there are underlying factors.

That said if you're in any way not sure about it then I would recommend the NHS route as it at least gives some time to think.

Thank you for responding, gosh I don't know. I don't think so, this is one of the reasons I can't continue the pregnancy. Can't afford it. Clearly I have a lot to research in little time.

Contact Marie stopes and BPAS. It’s good to have a choice and you can see which one is quicker. You can get the phone number off the website. There is lots of info on there. They don’t need to contact your doctor unless you have an underlying medical reason but they will want a phone consultation with you beforehand. They will ask you lots of medical questions. Depending on where you live will determine how quickly it happens as some clinics are busier than others.

Both use the NHS so you won’t need to pay

Best going to your gp they will refer u to where they will help u,im sure it would get done at the maternity unit under a early preg unit, i think they will make u talk to someone before anything will happen ,they will explain what happens etc.ive not had one so im just going by what others have said.

Ring Marie stopes and BPAS, you don’t have to pay for it you can get it on the nhs still even if you bypass your GP and go to one of these clinics x

Thanks guys, I've just looked at BPAS and the website says they're NHS funded for most procedures. If I go ahead, I'll definitely donate. Just need to get on with it now and make the call :(

Marie stopes is NHS funded you just have to call them to book a consultation so no need to contact your GP.

You don’t need to pay or donte. Ring BPAS (generally better than MSI) they then talk you through the process and book appointments.

Your GP not have to know but it’s sensible to inform them, in case of subsequent problems. Trust them not to judge you.

Almost all termination in U.K. are NHS funded through the two two main providers.

I ruled out Marie Stopes because there's no clinic near me, so rang BPAS and got an appointment for in a few weeks. I didn't think it would be so straightforward. Part of me was hoping it wouldn't be (although I'm grateful it is), I just wish I didn't have to do this. My ex (finally split up recently) is being a dick about it. Swinging between cracking crass jokes and telling me I would never go through with it.

Such a hard decision to make isn’t it! I’ve been there recently and it was honestly the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through. But all you can do is make the best decision for yourself at this point in your life.

Try and block out your ex for a bit if he isn't offering any support at the moment OP. You're only doing what you feel is best for you in your life at this moment. I hope everything goes smoothly for you, we're all here to support you. Please keep us updated if you're happy to and you can. Thinking of you

Thank you both
I can't bear the thought of having to wait 3 weeks, knowing I've got the Easter holidays and I'm taking the children away all the while knowing I'm pregnant and going to face a termination when we get back. I've already got bad sickness and other symptoms as well. It's going to be so obvious what's going on with me so I'm trying to avoid people for the time being.

I should've checked that before I posted- word vomit!

If it makes you feel any better I just went through BPAS and they were brilliant and I've had an easy time of it.

I'm glad to hear that, thank you for sharing

I had to have the coil removed at the clinic before they could refer me and they contacted BPAS for me, worst moment of my life but BPAS were lovely

I'm also going through the same situation with BPAS. I have been twice for an appointment and I'm now over 10 weeks and going to try one last time to see if it's truly what I want to do. So far in my visits I have had an okay experience for what it is..I just did not like the anaesthetist but I am a pregnant hormonal mess! Xx

Aww hop I can see myself being in the same position. Hugs from one hormonal mess to another. Hope you're ok.

I only waited 5 days for my appointment with Marie Stopes that’s why I recommend them. It might be worth giving them a call then doing a little travel if you can get an earlier appointment I couldn’t imagine having to wait 3 weeks! X