What Is The Time Limit For Having An Abortion?

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An abortion may be performed up to the time when the foetus could survive outside the mother’s body. This means abortion is allowed up to 24 weeks. After that, an abortion is only allowed in the case of serious medical problems.

Medical abortion or surgical abortion

How you can terminate your pregnancy depends on how many weeks pregnant you are.

Up to 9 weeks of pregnancy, you can have a medical abortion. This procedure involves two types of medication. First, you will get a pill to end the pregnancy. The second medication causes the uterus to contract and expel the amniotic sac. A single dose consists of several pills.

If you are more than 9 weeks pregnant or if you don’t want a medical abortion, there are other methods. Suction abortion (vacuum aspiration) is possible until 13 weeks of pregnancy. The uterus is emptied by suction. If you are more than 13 weeks pregnant, abortion must be performed with medical instruments. The instruments are used to remove all pregnancy tissue from the uterus. You can have these procedures under local or general anaesthetic. 

You can get an abortion at an abortion clinic, a GP surgery or a hospital. Not every abortion clinic or hospital performs every type of procedure. Ask at the clinic or hospital what treatment options are available to you. If you are less than 9 weeks pregnant, you can ask your GP to prescribe pills for a medical abortion. Not all doctors offer this treatment. Ask at your GP surgery.

Termination of pregnancy after 24 weeks

After 24 weeks, a doctor may only terminate a pregnancy for serious medical reasons, for instance because the foetus has no chance of surviving after the birth.

Questions? Contact the Public Information Service

Ministry responsible

• Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport