Covid-19 Coronavirus

Terminations

A termination (sometimes referred to as an abortion) is a procedure to end a pregnancy. The Isle of Man Abortion Reform Act 2019 makes it legal for women to have a termination up to 24 weeks gestation. Up to the first 13 weeks + 6 days gestation, women can choose to have an elective termination.

Terminations can also take place from 14 weeks up to 23 weeks + 6 days if certain circumstances are met.

This page will provide you with useful information if you are considering having a termination.

How to get a termination

Terminations must be carried out by a licensed clinic and are usually free of charge.

You can self-refer by calling +44 1624 650704. Callers will be offered an initial consultation with a specialist Nurse. This initial consultation will be offered as a telephone or face to face appointment. Please note there are some circumstances in which a telephone appointment cannot be offered. This telephone line will be monitored Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm (bank holidays not included). There is a voicemail facility on this line so if your call is not answered, please leave a message and a member of staff will contact you as soon as possible. All calls will be treated in the strictest confidence.

You can speak with a health professional for further advice. This could be your GP or Practice Nurse, Midwife, sexual health team or family planning clinic.

When a termination can be carried out

For pregnancies under 10 weeks

Following an initial consultation with a Nurse, patients will be booked into our local termination clinic on the Isle of Man for their appointment. At this appointment, we may ask to perform an ultrasound scan to determine the length and position of the pregnancy. The first part of the treatment will then be started in clinic. Patients are given the second part of the treatment to administer themselves at home 24 to 48 hours later.

For pregnancies 10 to 14 weeks

Following an initial consultation with a Nurse, patients will be booked into our local termination clinic on the Isle of Man for their appointment. At this point, we will ask to perform an ultrasound scan to determine the length and position of the pregnancy. The first part of the treatment will then often be started in clinic. Patients will then attend a ward at Noble’s Hospital for the second part of the treatment 24 to 48 hours later. Patients will normally be discharged from hospital later that day and not require an overnight stay.

For pregnancies over 14 weeks

The Isle of Man currently does not have the capacity or facility to perform terminations required when gestation is above 14 weeks. In these instances, patients will be supported to access this treatment in the UK, supported by The British Pregnancy Advisory Service.

Where to get support

The decision to have a termination is yours alone. It may be a difficult decision to make and so there is support available to help you after you have made your decision.

Impartial information and support is available from:

  • Integrated Sexual Health services – Sexual Health and Family Planning
  • Your GP

In some instances, we can refer to the British Pregnancy Advisory Service for pre-abortion counselling if this is felt appropriate. This support will be offered over the telephone.

All patients regardless of gestation who have had a termination will be offered follow up support by specialist Nurses after their procedure. Patients may also wish to call us for support on +44 1624 650704.

Termination for foetal abnormality

Terminations required for a foetal abnormality are generally managed by Gynaecology and Maternity services on the Isle of Man. Clients who require ongoing support following this procedure are welcome to contact us on +44 1624 650704 for ongoing support.

Terminations in the UK

It is important to acknowledge that all services and treatment provided on the Isle of Man by the termination of pregnancy team will be treated in the strictest confidence. We do, however, recognise that some women would prefer to access their treatment outside of the Isle of Man. In these instances, patients are able to access treatment via The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) on 03457 304030. Please note that due to legislation, pills by post treatments are not available to patients living on the Isle of Man. Patients who have had treatment in the UK are able to access follow up support, contraception advice and sexual health on Island. Please call +44 1624 650704 for further information.

Contraception and sexual health following a termination

All patients will be offered contraception and sexual health screening as part of their treatment. Following a procedure, clients can also call Integrated Sexual Health on +44 1624 650710 to arrange further appointments.

Back to top