Termination of pregnancy : a resource for health professionals

Termination of pregnancy is estimated to be the outcome of around one in four pregnancies. Around one in three women will have an abortion in their lifetime. Supportive non-judgmental counselling should assist decision-making prior to termination of pregnancy; clinical assessment should be undertaken with arrangements made for follow-up and ongoing contraception.<br><br>The most appropriate method of termination depends on:<br><br>• the stage of the pregnancy<br>• the woman’s particular circumstances, medical history and preference<br>• the experience, practice and clinical judgement of the practitioner<br>• the local availability of resources and infrastructure.<br>