The legal framework
The Abortion Act 1967 does not legalise abortion outright: it provides a defence to the offences in the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, where two registered doctors agree that a statutory ground is met. Northern Ireland followed a different path — abortion was decriminalised there in 2019 and regulations introduced in 2020.
Key points
| Time limit | 24 weeks on the main ground (risk to physical or mental health greater than termination); no limit for serious fetal abnormality or grave permanent injury |
|---|---|
| Approval | Two registered doctors must certify a ground |
| Telemedicine | Both pills can be taken at home up to 10 weeks, made permanent in England and Wales in 2022, with equivalents in Scotland and Wales |
| Under-16s | Can consent if Gillick competent; confidentiality applies |
| Northern Ireland | Decriminalised in 2019; services commissioned since, though access has been uneven |
| Safe access zones | Buffer zones around clinics are in force in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland |
| Statute | Abortion Act 1967; the underlying offence in the 1861 Act was never repealed |
| Two doctors | Two registered practitioners must certify that a ground is met |
| Pills at home | Taking both pills at home was made permanent in 2022 for early pregnancy |
| Decriminalisation | A 2025 Commons vote backed removing criminal liability for women ending their own pregnancy |
In practice
- Self-refer to an abortion provider — you do not need to see a GP first.
- A remote consultation is often enough for early medical abortion.
- Expect a dating scan where the gestation is uncertain.
- Contraception is offered at the same appointment, including long-acting methods.
- Self-refer to a provider rather than going through a GP: it is usually faster and equally free.
- If you are near the limit, say so when you call — providers triage by gestation.
Cost and coverage
Free on the NHS for residents, including through independent providers commissioned by the NHS.
Recent changes
The criminal law behind the 1967 Act remains, and Parliament has repeatedly debated removing women from criminal liability entirely. Check the current position before relying on older summaries.
Where to go
- BPAS, MSI Reproductive Choices and NUPAS — the main commissioned providers, self-referral by phone or online.
- NHS 111 for urgent advice.
- Sexual health clinics for contraception afterwards.
Worth knowing
Because two doctors' signatures are required, the process has a built-in delay. Book as early as you can: the difference between an early medical abortion at home and a surgical procedure is often a matter of days. Because the 1861 offence survives, the Act works as a defence rather than a right. That is what the recent reform debate is about.
Official sources and links
- GOV.UK — official portal for public services and rights
- legislation.gov.uk — the statute book as enacted and revised