If a child or young person asks this question, there are suggestions here to help you answer. A child or young person might ask this question using the word ‘termination’. As we say in the introduction to this section of the Chat resource, this would be an example of a question where you would want to find out more about why such a question is being asked. This might be a personal worry, or a worry for a friend. And of course, it can just be a straightforward request for good information. Interest in their question can be explored gently, so as not to make the child worried or feel they have done or said something wrong. You could start with: Let’s talk about that for a minute… Can you tell me what you know about that already? Okay, could you tell me where you heard that?
3, 4 and 5-year-olds
6, 7 and 8-year-olds
A child this age is unlikely to ask this question, but they can overhear conversations, or the word used on TV.
Sometimes it is best and healthier and safer for a woman to end a pregnancy, and a doctor will help the woman. This is called an abortion.
9 and 10-year-olds
11 and 12 year-olds
Abortion is when a pregnancy is ended so that it doesn’t result in the birth of a baby. It can happen because that is best, healthier or safer for the woman. The decision to have an abortion is not easy and it can be a very emotional time for those involved.
13, 14 and 15 year-olds
16, 17 and 18 year-olds
If you want to talk more about Abortion there is more for teenagers in Talking About abortion 13, 14 and 15 year-olds and Talking about abortion 16, 17 and 18 year-olds.
Abortion is a medical process of ending a pregnancy so that it doesn’t result in the birth of a baby. It can be carried out because it might be healthier, safer or the best option at the time for the woman. Sometimes it is called ‘termination of pregnancy’. The decision to have an abortion is not always easy and it can be a very emotional time for those involved. It’s a good idea for a young woman to talk about being pregnant with an adult they trust. They can think about the options they have. They can talk to their GP, someone at a young person’s clinic or at a specialist abortion counselling care and support service (ACCESS) clinic in their area. This is always confidential.
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