Talk on what women want and how the experience of abortion might be improved.

[almostadomesticgoddess]

I had a late termination of pregnancy many years ago and will be giving a talk soon on what women need when having an abortion. I would like to hear about what information and support worked well for you if you have had a more recent experience and what could have been better. Of course everybody’s experience will be different but it would be good to hear about areas for improvement regarding the information and support offered to you, waiting times and the care you received. I am also very interested in what peer support such as here on Mumsnet offers you that is different from other help from family and friends. Thank you.

Hi OP. I found the counselling offered by Marie Stopes very helpful both before and after abortion. I spoke to about 3 different counsellors and continued with 1, who I felt 'understood' my situation.

This board on mumsnet was also great, not judgemental and it was helpful to read other womens' experiences. When struggling there was support here too.

In real life I didnt get much support, told a few people but none had experienced abortion and couldn't really support me.

My experience at MS on day of abortion would have been much better if it hadn't been so crowded in the waiting room, long delays and rushed consultations. It really felt like a rushed conveyor belt.

The general internet is no help as so much anti choice and scare stories.

Thanks for your reply WaterfallsOver. It sounds as if the opportunity to hear about other women’s experiences was important and you recognise that the internet has some unhelpful information.
I’m glad Marie Stopes’ counselling was good. Did you feel you got all the practical information you needed from them so you knew what to expect?

I'm due to have a medical termination in 2 weeks. What has really bothered me is the waiting time. I'm 100% sure of this, took a MAP, failed, took a test 2 weeks after the once I had sex (in more than 3 yrs) , phoned bpas the next day. And it's still taking 5 weeks to arrange. I'm having medical as the waiting time is shorter. In the meantime I'm suffering badly with morning sickness and exhausted.

I agree with PP that the wait time needs to be quicker. Once a woman has made the decision, she should be able to get treatment immediately. Waiting is awful.

If having a medical termination, to be allowed to take the second tablet at home.

I hope it has changed now but 10 years ago, the pill had to be taken in the presence of a doctor, before leaving the clinic and trying to get home in time. The Tesco Extra near a clinic in the south east had a first aider who dealt frequently with women coping with the aftermath in their public toilets.

@Mintjulia I think you can now. I'm pretty ill get the first set on the day, and be sent home with painkillers and second set. I think the "success" rate is higher when they are spaced apart.