New
New
Lesson 6 of 6
  • Year 11

Abortion

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.

Lesson 6 of 6
New
New
  • Year 11

Abortion

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.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Abortion is a procedure to end a pregnancy and can be medical or surgical.
  2. The Abortion Act of 1967 allows abortion under certain conditions before and after 24 weeks.
  3. Two medical practitioners must approve an abortion unless in emergency cases to save the woman's life.
  4. 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.


To help you plan your year 11 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Abortion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of sexual content

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is an unintended pregnancy?

a pregnancy that was planned at the time of conception
Correct answer: a pregnancy that was not planned or intended at the time of conception
a pregnancy that happens after adoption

Q2.
An abortion is a medical option for a pregnancy.

Correct Answer: ending

Q3.
Which of the following is a possible way to manage an unintended pregnancy?

using only social media to find information
using unreliable and unverified information sources for advice
Correct answer: discussing all options with a healthcare professional

Q4.
Match the words to their correct definitions:

Correct Answer:condoms,a thin cover used during sex to prevent pregnancy and infections.

a thin cover used during sex to prevent pregnancy and infections.

Correct Answer:STIs,infections that spread through sexual contact.

infections that spread through sexual contact.

Correct Answer:IUD,a small device placed in the womb to prevent pregnancy.

a small device placed in the womb to prevent pregnancy.

Q5.
Which types of support might be available for someone managing an unintended pregnancy?

Correct answer: parenting classes
Correct answer: guidance from a GP
Correct answer: medical care from a medical professional

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?

Correct answer: Sarah, because she is an adult and it is her pregnancy.
Sarah’s parents, because they are her legal guardians.
Sarah’s doctor, because they are responsible for her medical care.

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the words to their correct definition.

Correct Answer:abortion,the termination of a pregnancy

the termination of a pregnancy

Correct Answer:medical abortion,a procedure to terminate a pregnancy using pharmaceutical drugs

a procedure to terminate a pregnancy using pharmaceutical drugs

Correct Answer:surgical abortion,a surgical procedure to remove the foetus or embryo from the uterus

a surgical procedure to remove the foetus or embryo from the uterus

Q2.
The Abortion Act (1967) applies to , Scotland and Wales.

Correct Answer: England

Q3.
Who must approve an abortion in cases that are not medical emergencies under UK law?

one medical practitioner
Correct answer: two medical practitioners
a judge
a family member

Q4.
A medical abortion is a procedure that uses medication to end a pregnancy.

Correct Answer: non-surgical

Q5.
Which of the following is not a reason why support from health professionals is important when making decisions about abortion?

To provide accurate information about procedures
Correct answer: To pressure the individual into making a decision
To ensure the individual feels supported
To address physical and emotional concerns

Q6.
Abortions after weeks are allowed only under specific conditions.

Correct Answer: 24