Termination of pregnancy

Abstract 

Unintended pregnancy is widespread in the United Kingdom. It affects women in all socioeconomic and demographic groups. Contraception in the UK is state-funded and is easily available; however, despite the easy availability of effective contraception, one in five pregnancies ends in termination of pregnancy (TOP). The UK has the second highest teenage pregnancy rate in the developed world, and the incidence of sexually transmitted infections is also increasing amongst 16–19-year-old girls. Women who choose TOP should have their choice respected and should have access to appropriate pregnancy-termination services. The right to have a TOP confidentially is the most controversial issue in the area of adolescent consent. Most pregnancies ending in termination arise from inconsistent and incorrect use of contraception. A consistently high rate of teenage pregnancy terminations has prompted the Department of Health to initiate and introduce youth clinics to help adolescents and advise them on sexuality, interpersonal relationships, contraception, and avoidance of sexually transmitted diseases.

Keywords: consent relating minors, sexually transmitted infections, teenagers, termination of pregnancy, unwanted pregnancy