Family Planning After a Pregnancy Decision
Questions to help you discuss contraception, future pregnancy preferences and the support that fits your own circumstances.
Your preferences about future pregnancy are personal. A conversation about family planning can focus on what you want now, what you may want later and any questions you have. It does not require you to decide everything at once.
Ask about timing
Pregnancy can happen soon after an abortion. If you do not want another pregnancy, ask a qualified provider when contraception can start and whether any additional protection is needed for the method you choose. The advice depends on the method and your circumstances.
Read the NHS information about fertility after an abortion.
Choose a conversation that fits you
Counselling and information should support informed, voluntary decisions. WHO’s clinical handbook includes contraception within the wider discussion of care and support, while recognising the importance of privacy and choice.
Read the WHO clinical practice handbook.
Useful questions for the provider
Questions you could bring:
- Which methods may fit my health history and preferences?
- How is each method used, and what would follow-up involve?
- What side effects or limitations should I understand?
- What if I want to change or stop the method?
- Which costs, appointments or supplies should I plan for?
You may also want to ask separately about protection against sexually transmitted infections; pregnancy prevention and infection prevention are different topics.
Make room for your own priorities
Privacy, convenience, comfort and future plans may matter differently to different people. Explain the priorities that matter to you. If you are unsure, ask for information to review and arrange another conversation rather than accepting a method you do not understand.