Abortion

For their initial assessment, patients are offered consultations by a team on nursing staff. Most of these initial consultations are telephone/ telemedicine.

Abortion Care delivery in Borders

Ultrasound assessment will be arranged where a woman is: uncertain of her last menstrual period, or has symptoms or history to suggest an ectopic pregnancy, or is 10 or more weeks pregnant, is under 18 years of age, is considering surgical termination of pregnancy, has used hormonal contraception in the last 3 months, or requests to have a scan.

The procedure chosen will depend on the gestation as measured by scan when the patient is first seen:

Early Medical Abortion at Home (as an outpatient) for those up to 12 weeks.
Women choosing a surgical abortion up to 12 weeks will undergo this procedure at the Borders General Hopsital
Women requiring hospital admission for a medical abortion will undergo this procedure at the Borders General Hospital

Self – referral for abortion

Women across Borders can self-refer for abortion (direct telephone call to Gynaecology secretaries telephone 01896 826729 9am-4pm). Staff will give women an appointment for a telemedicine/ telephone assessment with an experienced nurse or midwife.

Telemedicine/ telephone assessment

The content of the consultation (including decision, future contraception) and documentation is the same as an in-person consultation, but consents are verbal. Doctors in the abortion service prescribe and sign Certificate A (legal requirement).

Women who fulfil the criteria of the 1967 Abortion Act, certain of their decision, less than 12 weeks gestation and eligible for medical abortion can have an early medical abortion at home (EMAH). Women with significant medical conditions or unsuitable for home treatment will have the procedure in hospital, as will women > 12 weeks gestation. Surgical abortion is also available up to 12 weeks for those choosing that option.

Early Medical Abortion at Home

Medication packs are made up at the Borders General Hospital. The packs contain medical abortion medication (mifepristone and misoprostol), as well as anti-emetics, analgesia, a pregnancy test to confirm the success of the procedure and information including emergency contact numbers and numbers for ongoing advice/support. A patient information leaflet is available.

Who to refer, who not to refer, how to refer

Who to refer:

GPs should refer patients who have decided to proceed with an abortion. If the woman requires further counselling, she will be referred by the service (see below).

Later gestation referrals (18 weeks+) should also be discussed by telephone with the abortion service on 01896826729

Advice about a termination for fetal anomaly or advice about possible risk of anomaly from teratogen exposure during pregnancy can be obtained from the pregnancy assessment unit on 01896 826735

Post-abortion support:

This is provided by nursing staff in the short term. REferrals for longer term psychological support should be made by the primary care team.

Who not to refer:

Women with suspected ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage should be discussed with Pregnancy Assessment unit on on 01896 826735

How to refer:

Self-referral

The majority of women self refer.
Patients wishing to self-refer need to call:
01896 826729 between the hours of 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
Patients will be asked for some personal details (address, phone number, LMP, date of positive pregnancy test etc) relating to the appointment.

GP referral

Please contact the above number 01896 826729.

PLEASE NOTE:

Very urgent referrals should be discussed by telephone. Please ensure that the department is informed of any special requirements, such as need for interpreters, or unsuitable dates for attendance due to other commitments.

ALSO:

Patients who are having an ultrasound should attend the appointment with a full bladder.

Resources and links

NICE decision aids for abortion

Further Contacts

You may discuss patients by calling LARS (Lothian Abortion Referral Service) on 0131 536 2105 (answer phone) or email us

Patient Information Leaflets

Termination of pregnancy (TOP) | Borders Sexual Health

Please text 07816 084554 with your NAME, DATE OF BIRTH and NEGATIVE.

If the result is POSITIVE, please call 01896 826 729. It is important that we receive this information.

If you change your mind about this treatment, please call 01896 826 729 to arrange the return of medication.

Consent form for Medical Abortion at Home - form

Last reviewed: 24/07/2025

Next review date: 24/07/2027

Author(s): Faye Rodger.

Author email(s): ObsandGynae.Mailbox@borders.scot.nhs.uk .