What are the current guidelines for the medical management of early pregnancy termination in the UK?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 22 August 2025Updated: 22 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

In the UK, the current guidelines for the medical management of early pregnancy termination include offering the option of expulsion at home for medical abortion up to 10 weeks' gestation, with mifepristone and misoprostol taken either in the clinic or at home, depending on gestational age .

For pregnancies up to and including 9+6 weeks, women can take mifepristone and misoprostol at home, with safety supported by evidence .

At 10+0 weeks' gestation, women are offered the option of taking mifepristone in the clinic and then expelling the pregnancy at home after taking misoprostol, which can be administered in the clinic or hospital .

Women should be provided with information about the process, follow-up, and emergency contact details, and advised to seek immediate help if symptoms of complications occur .

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