The current law surround abortion is based on the 1967 Abortion Act. In 1990 the act was amended, reducing the upper limit from 28 weeks gestation to 24 weeks*

• these limits do not apply in cases where it is necessary to save the life of the woman, there is evidence of extreme fetal abnormality, or there is risk of serious physical or mental injury to the woman.

Key points

• two registered medical practitioners must sign a legal document (in an emergency only one is needed)
• only a registered medical practitioner can perform an abortion, which must be in a NHS hospital or licensed premise

The method used to terminate pregnancy depend upon gestation

• less than 9 weeks: mifepristone (an anti-progestogen, often referred to as RU486) followed 48 hours later by prostaglandins to stimulate uterine contractions
• less than 13 weeks: surgical dilation and suction of uterine contents
• more than 15 weeks: surgical dilation and evacuation of uterine contents or late medical abortion (induces 'mini-labour')

Termination of pregnancy: Urine pregnancy test often remains positive for up to 4 weeks following termination. A positive test beyond 4 weeks indicates incomplete abortion or persistent trophoblast