Ways to terminate a pregnancy in Jersey
A termination is a way of ending a pregnancy. It’s also called an abortion.
In Jersey, anyone who is pregnant can have a termination. There are no age or residency limits.
It can be done in 2 ways:
- medical termination, 2 medications are taken 24 to 48 hours apart
- surgical termination, the pregnancy is removed during a short operation under general anaesthetic
When you can have a termination
You can have a termination by choice up to the end of your 12th week of pregnancy. This is 12 weeks and 6 days from the start of your last menstrual period.
It’s illegal to have a termination after the end of the 12th week of pregnancy, unless it’s needed for medical reasons.
If you’re more than 12 weeks and 6 days pregnant, you need to arrange a termination in another country where it's legal, such as the UK. In the UK, you can have a termination up to the end of the 23rd week of pregnancy, which is 23 weeks and 6 days from the start of your last menstrual period.
To work out how many weeks you’re pregnant, count the number of weeks from since the first day of your last menstrual period.
You can also use the
due date calculator on the NHS.
Terminations for medical reasons
In some cases, a medical professional may talk to you about if you want to have a termination for medical reasons.
This includes to:
- save your life
- prevent significant risk to the survival of another fetus
- prevent serious harm to your physical or mental health
- before the end of the 24th week of pregnancy, terminate a fetus that has, or has a significant risk of a serious fetal anomaly
If you need a termination for medical reasons, you may be treated in Jersey or referred to a UK hospital. Where you'll be treated depends on your medical circumstances and clinical safety. This will be discussed with you.
If you’re referred to the UK for treatment, this will be paid in full for you.
How to arrange a termination
You can access termination services at the Termination of Pregnancy Clinic at the General Hospital.
You can’t contact the clinic to make an appointment. To attend the clinic, you must be referred by:
They’ll discuss your circumstances with you and refer you to the clinic. You should talk to them as soon as possible. Terminations are a very safe procedure but they’re safer earlier in pregnancy.
Once you’ve been referred, the clinic will contact you directly to book an appointment. Waiting times vary but your appointment should be within 2 weeks.
What to expect during your appointment
The Termination of Pregnancy clinic will book an appointment for you. These are usually scheduled once a week.
You'll be seen by the Gynaecology nurse and doctor. At your appointment, they will:
- talk to you about your circumstances
- check that you still want to go ahead
- help you decide which type of termination is best for you
They might also check how many weeks you’re pregnant by doing an ultrasound scan. They'll also talk to you about contraception for after the procedure.
Appointments must be face to face. We must give you the medication for medical terminations in person. We can’t post it to you.
You can’t leave Jersey with the medication. You must take the second tablet in Jersey.
If you need a surgical termination, the Termination clinic will discuss your options with you.
You can contact the clinic if you have questions about the procedure before your appointment.
Costs for termination care
If you can’t pay for a termination, you may be able to apply for a special payment from Income Support, even if you’re not receiving Income Support.
You can discuss any financial concerns at your Termination clinic appointment.
Residents and non-residents charging policy
You lived in Jersey for 6 months or more
| £185 |
|---|
You lived in Jersey for less than 6 months and don't meet any other criteria in the charging policy above
| £511 |
|---|
Termination is medically needed or at the time of referral you're either: - aged under 18
- a full-time student
- in a household receiving Income Support
- pregnant because of rape or incest
We may ask you to provide evidence if you're a full-time student or in a household receiving Income Support
| Free
|
|---|
Counselling support
The Gynaecology team can refer you to the Women and Children’s counselling service at the General Hospital.
You can also contact:
These services provide free, independent counselling. You can talk through and explore your feelings in a non-judgmental and unbiased way.
Find guidance on confirming a pregnancy and options if unsure about continuing the pregnancy
I think I'm pregnant.
New law for termination of pregnancy
Changes from around 1 September 2026
From around 1 September 2026, a new law will replace the current termination of pregnancy law in Jersey.
Until then, the current rules still apply.
From around 1 September 2026, Jersey will have a new termination of pregnancy law.
Until then, the current rules still apply.
There’ll be no change to who can have a termination in Jersey:
- anyone who is pregnant will still be able to have a termination
- there will still be no age or residency limits
If you’re under 18, you’ll be able to consent if a doctor believes you understand the decision. If not, a parent or guardian will need to give consent.
You’ll be legally able to end your pregnancy by choice up to 21 weeks and 6 days. However, we still won’t have the facilities on Island to end pregnancies after 12 weeks. If you’re more than 12 weeks and 6 days pregnant, you’ll still need to arrange a termination outside of Jersey.
If your pregnancy needs to be ended because of medical reasons, you’ll be able to have a termination at any stage.
Under the new law, you’ll be able to contact and refer yourself to the Termination of Pregnancy clinic to access the service. You’ll also still be able to contact your GP first if you prefer.
There’ll be no changes on where you can have a termination. However, some healthcare professionals may refuse to carry out terminations that are not for medical reasons because of their personal beliefs or for other reasons.
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