United Kingdom
Updated: 2022-12-28 Legal | Abortion Pills | Local Organizations | Community Comments | Scam List
Abortion Laws and Policies
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Access to abortion is a fundamental human right and a basic healthcare. If you live in a country where access to abortion is restricted, you can get abortion pills through Women on Web.
Local context
Law varies by country /territory. Abortion is permitted in case of fetal impairment. Gestational limits vary. It is also permitted if the pregnancy endangers the woman or person’s life. For this case, no limitation regarding the lengths of pregnancy is mentioned in the legal text.
Medical practitioners and providers have the right to refuse abortion services based on personal beliefs.
About Abortion Pills
An abortion with pills is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy at home. There are two ways to have an abortion with pills:
- Have an abortion with a pill called Mifepristone and another pill called Misoprostol;
- Have an abortion with the pill Misoprostol only.
You already have abortion pills? Find instructions, information around dosage, safety precautions and tips here or contact the Women on Web Help Desk Team to guide you through the process at info@womenonweb.org
Mifepristone
Mifepristone is officially registered by the country’s pharmaceutical authority.
Mifepristone is only administered under medical supervision.
Misoprostol
Misoprostol is officially registered by the country’s pharmaceutical authority.
It is registered for gynecological indications (such as birth, miscarriage treatment or abortion care etc.)
A doctor's prescription may be required to get Misoprostol.
Misoprostol is distributed in pharmacies.
Brand names
These are brand names under which Mifepristone, Misoprostol or Combi Packs (that contain both abortion pills Mifepristone and Misoprostol) are officially distributed and/or commonly found in the country.
Mifepristone:
Mifegyne, 200mg
Mifepristone Linepharma, 200mg
Misoprostol:
Cytotec, 200mcg
Topogyne, 400mcg
Arthrotec 75*, 200mcg, *contains Diclofenac!
Misofen 50 and 75*, 200mcg, *contains Diclofenac!
Combipack:
Medabon, 1xMifepristone 200mg, 4xMisoprostol 200mcg
Safety notice: There are pills that contain a combination of Misoprostol and the painkiller Diclofenac. While manufactured for a different purpose they can still be used for abortion. Please find more info in our FAQ to avoid overdosing the Diclofenac.
Cost of Abortion Pills
The actual costs of abortion pills are often difficult to determine, vary and change over time. Fill out our questionnaire to add and share your experience.
Organizations and Resources
- Women on Web
Abortion pill access by mail
www.womenonweb.org
info@womenonweb.org - AbortionTalk
Provides a listening ear for anyone affected by abortion in any way. Also for providers. Not a counselling service, though. Currently only open Mon and Wed evenings but more volunteers are being recruited. Hoping to open a text line at some point.
@abortiontalk
+44(0) 333 0909266 - MSI Reproductive Choices
Independent abortion provider for England only; commissioned by NHS
Scams
Watch out for fake abortion clinics and sellers online. See or contribute to our list of scams & stay safe!
Join this project
This collection of data is an ongoing and collaborative project that relies on your contributions and corrections to thrive. Did you have an abortion? Did you get scammed looking for abortion pills? Do you know a friendly feminist organization which can help? Are you an abortion activist, doctor or part of an organization? Please share and fill out our questionnaire or contact us here.
Other Databases and Sources
These are the sources and databases used to gather the information listed on this country profile.
- 08.08.2022/Medical Abortion Commodities Database: https://www.medab.org/advanced-search-multiple-results?country=542&commodity=all&brand=all#multiple-search-result
- 28.12.2022/WHO, Global Abortion Policies Database: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/country/united-kingdom/
- 24.08.2022/European Abortion Policies Atlas: https://europe.ippf.org/resource/european-abortion-policies-atlas
- 24.08.2022/National Medicine Authority: https://products.mhra.gov.uk/
- 28.12.2022/Reproductive Rights Map: https://reproductiverights.org/maps/worlds-abortion-laws/?country=GBR
- 28.12.2022/Global Map of Norms regarding Conscientious Objection: https://www.redaas.org.ar/conscientious-objection-m
If you think the information displayed on this page is not correct or is outdated, please send us your updates and corrections!
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We appreciate your collaboration.
Community Comments
Overview
There are a growing number of fake websites and fake helplines within the UK." - Anonymous, Novmeber 2022