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United Kingdom · family planning policy

Abortion and contraception rules in The United Kingdom

SHAPE classifies family planning and abortion rights in the United Kingdom as progressive, combining abortion law and contraception policy.

Progressive framework

Last checked 02/11/2026 · This is information only, not advice or a recommendation.

  • Abortion: In Great Britain, abortion is available up to 24 weeks under statutory grounds and provider authorization. Northern Ireland permits abortion on request through 12 weeks and on specified grounds later.
  • Contraception: EPF's 2026 contraception-policy score is 95.8%; the atlas records broad national coverage.
  • Interpretation: The status combines legal rules and national policy access; regional availability and individual eligibility may differ.

[Sources: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/countries/ ; https://www.epfweb.org/sites/default/files/2026-02/CCInfoEU_A3_EN_2026_FEB22-HiRes.pdf]

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Based on public, cited sources and SHAPE's review. Rules and prices change, so please confirm with the national authority or a professional. Found an error? Tell us.