Abortion
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the legalities and options of abortion in the UK, explain the differences between medical and surgical abortion, and explain the importance of seeking support.
Key learning points
- Abortion is a procedure to end a pregnancy and can be medical or surgical.
- The Abortion Act of 1967 allows abortion under certain conditions before and after 24 weeks.
- Two medical practitioners must approve an abortion unless in emergency cases to save the woman's life.
- Support from health professionals is important in decision-making about abortion.
Keywords
Abortion - the termination of a pregnancy by removal or expulsion of an embryo or foetus
Abortion Act of 1967 - an Act of Parliament in the UK that legalised abortions by registered practitioners and regulated them by law
Medical abortion - a non-surgical procedure to terminate a pregnancy using pharmaceutical drugs
Surgical abortion - a surgical procedure to remove the foetus or embryo from the uterus
Common misconception
Abortion is always a surgical procedure.
There are two types of abortion: medical and surgical. Medical abortion uses medicine to end a pregnancy and is typically used in early stages.
Teacher tip
Speak to your RSHE lead before delivering this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is an unintended pregnancy?
Q2.An abortion is a medical option for a pregnancy.
Q3.Which of the following is a possible way to manage an unintended pregnancy?
Q4.Match the words to their correct definitions:
a thin cover used during sex to prevent pregnancy and infections.
infections that spread through sexual contact.
a small device placed in the womb to prevent pregnancy.
Q5.Which types of support might be available for someone managing an unintended pregnancy?
Q6.Sarah is 21 years old and has recently found out she is pregnant. Who makes the final decision about what to do in this situation?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the words to their correct definition.
the termination of a pregnancy
a procedure to terminate a pregnancy using pharmaceutical drugs
a surgical procedure to remove the foetus or embryo from the uterus
Q2.The Abortion Act (1967) applies to , Scotland and Wales.
Q3.Who must approve an abortion in cases that are not medical emergencies under UK law?
Q4.A medical abortion is a procedure that uses medication to end a pregnancy.
Q5.Which of the following is not a reason why support from health professionals is important when making decisions about abortion?
Q6.Abortions after weeks are allowed only under specific conditions.
To help you plan your 11 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Abortion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Abortion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 RSHE (PSHE) lessons from the Healthy intimate relationships: What are my choices in pregnancy? unit, dive into the full secondary RSHE (PSHE) curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.