Abortion services and confidentiality

Unless you agree, information about your abortion will not be shared with others. However, if your safety or the safety of somebody else is believed to be at risk, the doctor may have to pass on that information.

If you have an abortion, you have a right for that information to remain confidential. This means that unless you agree, none of your information will be shared with others. If you give permission, abortion services like to send a letter to your GP but your GP does not need to know.

Your partner or father of the child has no legal rights to make any decisions about your pregnancy and doesn’t even have to know about your abortion at all. This means that you do not need the agreement of your partner to get an abortion.

If you have learning disabilities or are under the age of 16 you do not have to tell your parents or carers about your abortion. You can choose not to involve your parents or another supportive adult, although you are encouraged to do this. Regardless of the involvement of those caring for you, if the doctors believe that you understand what is involved and whether the decision is in your best interests, you can still have an abortion.

REMEMBER: If your safety or the safety of somebody else is believed to be at risk, the doctor may have to pass on that information.

Please go to the section on advice, support and consultation to see what services are available for you here in Leeds.