Skip to main content

Unplanned pregnancy

On this page

Including referral for termination of pregnancy.

If you would like support with an unplanned pregnancy, it's best to seek help as soon as is practical. The staff would like to see you early in your pregnancy, ideally as soon as 6 weeks since your last period, but please make contact as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing delays in discussing your situation, it may be best to use the self-referral service.

Unplanned pregnancy services

Unplanned pregnancy service in the Highland area

Women with an unplanned pregnancy who wish advice about considering termination of pregnancy (abortion) may seek help from:

It is best to seek help as soon as is practical, as the staff within the unplanned pregnancy service would like to see you early in your pregnancy - as soon as six weeks since your last period. If you are experiencing delays in discussing your situation, it may be best to use this self-referral service.

Unplanned pregnancy service in the Argyll and Bute area

For women with an unplanned pregnancy who wish advice about considering termination of pregnancy (abortion), support is available through your GP practice or the Sandyford sexual health service in Glasgow.

You don’t need to have made a decision before you talk to the service about your options - they are happy to support you to make the best decision for you.

To contact this service or make an appointment, contact Sandyford:

  • phone 0141 211 8620
  • available Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 12noon and 1.00pm to 4.00pm

Visit the Sandyford website for more information.

Safe Access Zones

Safe Access Zones are now in place everywhere that abortion services are provided in Scotland. Within a Safe Access Zone, it’s illegal to try to influence, harass or prevent anyone from accessing or providing abortion services.

In the NHS Highland area, Raigmore Hospital in Inverness is a Safe Access Zone.

There are 30 Safe Access Zones across Scotland.

  • Sexual health

    NHS Highland provides a range of sexual health services, also known as sexual and reproductive health services.

  • Sexual health services for young people

    Sexual and reproductive health services available in the Highland and Argyll and Bute areas for young people.

  • Contraception and pregnancy testing

    Contraception - including free condoms by post - and pregnancy testing.

  • Emergency contraception

    Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after you’ve had sex.

  • Unplanned pregnancy

    Including referral for termination of pregnancy.

  • HIV testing, PrEP and PEP

    HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The virus targets the immune system and if untreated, weakens the body’s...

  • Menopause support

    If you are struggling with symptoms that you think might be due to the menopause or perimenopause, you should see you...

  • Gender identity

    Gender identity services, referral and signposting to further support and information.

  • Help after rape or sexual assault

    You can get help and support from the NHS Scotland Sexual Assault Response Co-ordination Service (SARCS) if you’ve be...

Last updated: 14 May 2026