A medical abortion (also known as “abortion with pills”) uses two types of medication to end a pregnancy, and is available up to 9 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. At MSI Reproductive Choices, we offer at-home abortion services (telemedicine).
In this blog, you will find information on:
- What a medical abortion is
- The introduction of at-home medical abortion care (telemedicine) as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
- A four-step guide to accessing at-home abortion care with MSI UK
- How to get in touch with us
What is a medical abortion (abortion pills)?
A medical abortion uses medication to end a pregnancy. The treatment involves taking two types of medicine at two different times. It is the safest treatment option up to 9 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy for most people.
At MSI Reproductive Choices, we offer at-home abortion services (telemedicine) up to 9 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. This means that if you meet safety criteria to allow for a medical abortion without a scan, you can take both sets of pills at home, without needing to attend a clinic. The abortion medication can either be collected by you from one of our clinics or posted to your home address after your consultation.
Abortion Pills and Covid-19
In March 2020, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the government approved the use of telemedicine for abortion care. This meant that clients could take both pills for a medical abortion up to 9 weeks and 6 days in their own homes, without attending a clinic.
On 30th March 2022, the House of Commons voted to keep the option of at-home early medical abortion care (telemedicine) in England.
This means that if you meet safety criteria to allow for medical abortion without a scan, the abortion medication can either be collected by you from a centre or posted to your home address after your consultation.
REMEMBER: We have a network of over 60 clinics across England. If you would prefer to meet our nurses and have face-to-face care, we are here for you.
Your 4-Step Guide to Home Abortion Pills
1. Call our advice line 0345 300 8090
If you have had an unexpected positive pregnancy test, you may have mixed feelings about what to do next.
You can always call our free advice line on 03453008090: our experienced and trained agents will be able to advise you and offer free counselling telephone appointments.
You can also book a consultation online, via our ‘Online Booking’ form.
REMEMBER: you don’t need a GP referral to access our services.
2. Book a telephone consultation
A consultation is the first step in accessing abortion care (both medical and surgical). You can access both face-to-face and telephone consultations with MSI UK. If you need or prefer a face-to-face consultation, please do give us a call so that we can arrange the appointment at the clinic of your choice. During this initial consultation, we will discuss your pregnancy options and whether at-home abortion is the best for you.
If you are eligible for at-home abortion (telemedicine), one of our specially trained nurses will call you at an agreed time to discuss your treatment and contraception needs. This would also give you an opportunity to ask any questions about your treatment and what to expect.
3. Receive your medical abortion pack
Following your consultation, you will have the choice of either collecting the pills from your preferred clinic or having them posted to you.
Your Medical Abortion Pack will contain:
- Both sets of abortion pills
- One box containing codeine tablets (unless opted out/medically unsuitable after consultation)
- One pregnancy test (this is not a normal pregnancy test and is only designed to check whether the abortion has been successful – please keep this safe as you will need to use this three weeks after taking your tablets)
- an STI (Sexually transmitted Infection) screening kit
- Contraceptive pills (if requested)
4. Access our dedicated aftercare line
Everyone will have a different experience after an abortion has been completed. We are here to support you during and after your treatment.
You can call our dedicated aftercare line on 03451221441 for a confidential chat with one of our nurses. This line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Visiting an Abortion Clinic
If you don’t meet safety criteria to allow for a medical abortion without a scan, or if you prefer to have an appointment with one of our nurses, we will invite you to one of our clinics in England for a face-to-face appointment.
Get in touch
At MSI Reproductive Choices, we are here for you and there are a number of ways you can contact us.
You can always get in touch should you have any questions about our services, would like to book an appointment or you have had treatment with us and want aftercare support.
