From reading other people’s abortion stories I can see that this is quite normal

I’m writing my story to help other people who have chosen abortion. The stories on this website helped me greatly. I found out I was pregnant on the Monday. I rang BPAS immediately as I knew I could not continue with the pregnancy. They scheduled me an appointment for Wednesday.

[Use this page for links to stories organised according to different aspects of abortion e.g. abortion provider, number of weeks of pregnancy and abortion method.]

I read a lot before I attended my appointment and decided on the surgical procedure. I arrived at the clinic, the staff were all lovely. I had a finger prick test to identify negative or positive blood type. They took my height and weight and I returned to the waiting area.

I was then called for the next stage. I had a scan and chose not to look or be told if there was more than one.

I was told I was 5 weeks and 1 day. I was asked which choice I’d gone with to terminate the pregnancy. As I would have had to come back on another day for surgery I chose to use the medical option of tablets.

I then had to wait for my prescription to be filled which took about an hour and a half so I went for a coffee with my friend who attended with me and then returned to the clinic. The midwife explained everything and gave me the first tablet to take orally, which I did there, and then the tablets to insert vaginally at home 24 hours later.

You can opt to take the tablets together but the associated risks are slightly higher. You can also opt to return 24 hours so they can insert them for you but I didn’t feel this was necessary. They will also offer you contraception for the future. I went home and waited for the next day.

I inserted the tablets at midday the next day. Nothing much happened for a couple of hours. After that, I started bleeding and then shortly after I passed a large clot. I passed another clot before bed and then my bleeding lessened massively. I did not feel any pain, just cramping which was slightly uncomfortable but it was nowhere near as bad as I expected. I went shopping that evening.

My bleeding increased again the next morning similar to a regular period. I haven’t had any pain, however, I do feel exhausted. From reading other people’s stories I can see that this can be quite normal.

It’s now 3 days since inserting the tablets at home and apart from feeling very tired, it’s been a very easy experience. I knew this was what I wanted to do and I have no regrets. My husband feels the same and has been a great support with my physical needs.

My only advice is, make sure you know it’s what you want, rest as much as you can, have someone for support and try not to worry. Whatever happens is short term and just look after yourself. Don’t read the horror stories, it doesn’t help. Apparently, 1 in 3 women have an abortion before they are 45, you’re not alone.