Termination/Abortion/Miscarriage

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An abortion is the medical or surgical ending of a pregnancy, although an early natural termination is often called a 'spontaneous abortion'.

Abortion has been practised since earliest times and has been legal since 1967 in Britain. In some cultures it is considered a form of birth control and in others it is unacceptable, which can make a decision very difficult. Pressure groups often use emotive material to promote their viewpoint and this can increase guilt and anxiety.

Making a decision to end a pregnancy can be simple for some, and more complex for others, depending on their temperament, their relationship and the pressures of the community they live in. Often the decision has to be made under extreme pressure, without consulting family or friends. In situations like this counselling can be useful.

Therapeutic reasons for women to consider an abortion include:

To save her life

If congenital disorders are diagnosed in the foetus

Preserving the physical or mental health of the woman

Reducing the health risks in multiple pregnancies by reducing the number of embryos

For advice on procedures it is essential to consult professionals at the earliest opportunity.

Common elective reasons for considering an abortion include:

If the woman is a victim of rape or incest

If the parents have an unstable relationship

If there is a financial inability to support a child

If the mother is too immature to support to child

If there are work or study pressures

When is the right time to seek help?

When considering a termination the earlier help is sought the better. Termination is a simpler procedure when performed earlier, when medical or surgical procedures can are both still options. But the decision for some may be a complex one and may require the help of an experienced, unbiased counsellor who may support the woman in her choice. The immediate and long-term implications of the decision for the woman, the partner and the wider family should be considered.

How can Counselling help?

The practicalities of proceeding with or terminating a pregnancy need to be balanced with the emotional factors to ensure the right decision is made. It can be a stressful time, reinforced by feelings of isolation if the woman is under pressure to conform to cultural expectations without addressing her own needs. Counselling at the earliest stages can help an individual reach the best and most well-informed choice. Family planning clinics often have trained counsellors who are able to help.

Where a couple are both involved in making the decision, it may be appropriate for them to attend couple counselling to explore the more complex needs of each and what these might represent.

Miscarriage/Stillbirth

A miscarriage occurs if a foetus dies in the womb before 20 weeks. If the foetus dies between 20 weeks and delivery it is 'stillborn'.

Research has shown that more than half of all pregnancies terminate naturally in the very early stages due to infections, chromosome disorders or traumas. The majority occur so early that the woman is unaware she has even conceived.

When a pregnancy is advanced a miscarriage or stillbirth can cause feelings of loss and sadness, which may be overwhelming. If the relationship is strong a couple may be there for each other, but more often grief can make partners unavailable, leading to a sense of betrayal.

At such times couple counselling may be useful to process the grief or the individual may consider bereavement counselling. It may be useful to look at the loss if another pregnancy is being contemplated.

Further Info & Advice

Abortion/Termination: Concerns & Uncertainties

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Content written/edited by Denise Pickup MBACP in 2008. The content is for general information only and may or may not relate to your individual situation; please contact a professional directly to discuss this issue.