How Late Can An Abortion Take Place In England And Wales?

Legally, a woman may abort her pregnancy without having to make an argument of compelling circulstances up to 24 weeks.  This date was chosen partly because it was formerly considered the limit of viability of the fetus outside the womb.  With medical advances, some fetuses may be viable outside the womb from 22 weeks, which has presented a considerable moral dilemna.

In practise, it may be difficult to obtain an abortion after about 20 weeks.  Although the woman has the legal right to termination without having to justify her reasons until 24 weeks, many health practitioners are uncomfortable with the idea of such late terminations.

Terminations after 24 weeks are possible under exceptional circumstances.  These include risks to the life of the mother, or evidence that the fetus has deformities which are incompatible with good quality of life outside the womb.  It is required that at least two qualified experts (doctors) certify that the reasons for the late termination are compelling.