Hollyoaks – abortion decision

This script provides support for anyone concerned they may be pregnant and seeking information on abortion.

In England, Wales and Scotland the Abortion Act allows a woman of any age can have an abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, as long as two doctors agree she has good reasons under the abortion laws. In Jersey, abortion is only legal up to 12 weeks. The Abortion Act does not apply to Northern Ireland where abortion is only carried out if the mother’s life, or mental or physical health are in danger.
http://www.abortionrights.org.uk/content/view/17/117/

A woman under 16 may be able to have an abortion without her parents' approval if the doctors believe she has enough understanding of the decision and it would be in her best interests to have an abortion.

Facing an unplanned pregnancy is difficult for any woman. If you’ve had unprotected sex very recently you can take the emergency contraceptive pills – the morning after pills – up to 72 hours after you had sex.

If you’re under 16 you can get the pills free from family planning clinics, Brooks clinics, your GP if they provide a contraception service, some h ospital Accident & Emergency departments and NHS walk-in centres, but phone to check first.

If you’re over 16 emergency contraceptive pills are also available direct from most chemists or pharmacies at a cost of around £25.

If you’re under the age of 25, think you might be pregnant, and need to talk to someone about what to do next, contact Ask Brook. Their free confidential phone line gives information that helps young women to make the choice that’s right for them. Brook also offer confidential information about sexual health and contraception. Call 0800 0185 023 (free, Mondays - Fridays 9am - 5pm). Brook also run a text help service, just text brook help to 81222. If you visit their website at www.brook.org.uk you’ll find lots of useful information as well as the opportunity to ask a confidential question by e mail.

Marie Stopes International has centres in the UK offering a range of services including abortion advice and help. To find your nearest centre for abortion, emergency contraception or information call 0845 300 8090 (local rate, open 24 hours every day). Or go to www.mariestopes.org.uk where you can find a lot of information or make an appointment.

The BPAS provides telephone support and information to help women make their own decisions on preventing pregnancy or ending an unwanted pregnancy. Call 08457 30 40 30 (local rate, Mondays - Fridays 8am - 9pm, Saturdays 8.30am - 6pm, Sundays 9.30am - 2.30pm). BPAS also run consultation centres and clinics throughout the UK and post abortion counselling. You can find out about these and other information at www.bpas.org.

The FPA helpline offers information and advice on a range of issues including contraception, planning a pregnancy and abortion. Callers can discuss their options to enable a choice that’s right for them, or they can find out about their nearest clinic by calling 0845 122 8690 (local rate, Mondays - Fridays 9am - 6pm) . If you’re in Northern Ireland phone 02890 325 488. You can also check out the website at www.fpa.org.uk.

Antenatal Results and Choices ( ARC) provide support and information to parents making difficult choices following antenatal tests for abnormalities. Call the ARC helpline on 0207 631 0285 (Mondays - Fridays 10am - 5.30pm) or go to website www.arc-uk.org.

LIFE is the leading pro-life charity in the UK, though their counselling and listening service is person centred and non-directive. The LIFE free confidential helpline on 0800 915 4600 is open Mondays to Fridays 9am to 9pm and Saturdays 9am to 5pm. Staffed by qualified counsellors who can offer help on all pregnancy related matters, LIFE also offers a Text-to Talk service on 07786 200 330 or check out the information on their website www.lifecharity.org.uk

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