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The student abortion rate is highest three months after Freshers Week. If you have had unprotected sex or your contraceptive has failed you will need emergency contraception.

There are many reasons why some pregnant women decide that they are not ready for motherhood and that it is in their best interests to have an abortion. Since the nineteenth century women have been campaigning for the right to have safe and legal termination of pregnancy and in 1967 the Abortion Act was passed. Despite this there is still a lot of pressure on women - from the legal requirement of having to convince two doctors that you need an abortion to the religious and emotional pressure exerted by society.

For some women having an abortion can be a necessary and straightforward procedure. For others it can be a traumatic experience. Take the time to think about and talk through your options with a friend or partner. If you would rather talk to someone less involved then the Women's Officer is here to support your decision and can put you in touch with outside organisations that can offer more advice and help.

If a woman decides that a termination of pregnancy is in her own best interest, then she should have ready access to counseling and a safe, legal abortion service.

In the UK abortion is legal up to the 24th week of pregnancy with the agreement of two doctors; however this is rare after 19 weeks of pregnancy. An abortion can only take place after this time if the woman's life is in danger or in cases of foetal abnormality. A woman who thinks she might be pregnant should first have a pregnancy test. This can be a home test or one done at the pharmacy, by a GP or family planning clinic.

If you know you are pregnant, or you think you may be, it is important that you discuss your choices with someone straight away. You can talk to your own GP, a doctor, nurse or advisor at any of the places listed below.

· The Nurses Unit - You can call them on ext 94737 or drop into the clinic, which can be found through the security reception lodge (Opposite the chaplaincy centre). It is open 24hrs a day, 7 days a week, during term time or at weekends during vacation periods from 9am-5pm. The Nurses unit is there to provide a confidential, non-judgmental service.

· The local contraceptive/family planning clinic at Ashton Community Care Centre on 01524 387401.

· Brook Advisory Service (for under 25s) through www.brook.org.uk or 020 7713 9000

· Marie Stopes- the countries leading reproductive/ healthcare charity - www.mariestopes.org.uk or 0800 7163 90

· Counseling Service ext. 92690

· British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) 08457 30 40 30 www.bpas.org

· www.abortion-help.co.uk - Unbiased abortion help and advice on-line.

If you would like information about the social, legal and ethical aspects of abortion contact the Pro-choice Forum - www.prochoiceforum.org.uk

As mentioned above, if you would like to discuss any of the relating issues or options then contact the women's officer in the student union or on ext.92197