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 who are ordinarily resident on the Isle of Man to have a termination up to 24 weeks gestation. Terminations can also take place from 14 weeks up to 23 weeks + 6 days if certain circumstances are met. However, we would urge any patients to contact our clinic as early as possible. Contacting us does not commit you into making a decision straightaway.
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 or Integrated Sexual Health.
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. A treatment plan on an individual basis will be arranged. For some patients the first part of the treatment can be started in clinic, with the second part taking place in hospital. Patients will then attend a ward at Noble’s Hospital for the second part of the treatment 24 to 48 hours later. Some patients may be advised to have all of their treatment in the UK and this will be discussed at your appointment. Patients who require hospital supervision for their treatment may be required to have 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, it will be arranged for patients 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 we are here to support you and help you to decide what is right for you. There is support available to help you after you have made your decision.
Impartial information and support is available from:
- Integrated Sexual Health Services
- Your GP
In some instances, we can refer to the British Pregnancy Advisory Service for pre-abortion counselling if this is required. This support will be offered over the telephone.
All patients who have had a termination will be offered follow up support by specialist nurses after their procedure. Patients can 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.
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.
