Education & Training

BSACP provides a structured programme of education in abortion care, supporting clinicians from foundational knowledge through procedural skills to workplace-based competence and ongoing professional development.

Our courses are designed for the multidisciplinary workforce delivering abortion care, including doctors, nurses, midwives and allied healthcare professionals. All courses are mapped to the latest GMC-approved curricula in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and in Community Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, supporting clinicians in developing skills alongside workplace-based training. For nurses and midwives, while there is currently no single nationally accredited training pathway in abortion care, our courses are designed to support the knowledge and skills required for clinical practice and local competency frameworks. We recognise and value the central role of nurses and midwives in abortion care and aim to ensure our training is relevant, accessible and applicable across the multidisciplinary workforce. As national training frameworks evolve, we will continue to align our courses with emerging standards.

Our Approach

We offer a coherent training pathway that supports learners at every stage of their development.

Foundational knowledge to understand abortion care
Surgical understanding across methods and gestations
Procedural skills training through simulation and hands-on learning
Curriculum-aligned courses for doctors in training
Preparation for workplace-based competence through ACSM and specialty training
Ongoing professional development and opportunities to become an educator

Our courses can be taken individually, but are designed to complement one another and build confidence and competence progressively.

Training Pathway

Clinicians may enter our training at different points depending on their role and experience.

Foundations

Abortion Care Essentials

A broad introduction to abortion care, covering both medical and surgical practice, as well as legal, ethical and service contexts.

Uterine Evacuation Course (in development)

An introduction to surgical abortion procedures across gestations, focusing on clinical decision-making and principles of care. This course includes in-person teaching and introduces simulation-based learning to support the development of practical skills.

Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)

Simulation-based training in surgical techniques for 1st trimester uterine evacuation.

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)

Simulation-based training in surgical techniques for uterine evacuation beyond the 1st trimester.

Training for Doctors in Specialty Training

These courses are designed for doctors progressing through specialty training. Developed in partnership with NHS England, they are also endorsed by NHS England and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).

Courses

ST1–2 Basic Course (in development)

Foundational abortion care teaching tailored to early-stage resident doctors, covering clinical care, law, stigma and patient-centred practice.

ST3–5 Intermediate Course (in development)

Focused on applied clinical care, second trimester abortion care, consultation skills and service delivery.

SITM Advanced Course (ST5–7) (in development)

Designed for those undertaking the Special Interest Training Module in Safe Practice in Abortion Care.

Abortion Care Specialist Modules (ACSM)

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The Abortion Care Specialist Modules (ACSM) is a modular qualification undertaken in the workplace, with workplace-based assessments, designed and delivered in collaboration with the College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare. The ACSM is open to all doctors, nurses, midwives, and other clinical HCPs working regularly in abortion care. BSACP courses provide the theoretical knowledge and simulation-based training that prepare clinicians for workplace-based competency development through the ACSM as well as specialty training programmes.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

We support continued learning and leadership development through:

BSACP Conferences
Webinars and online learning
Train the Trainer programmes (in development)

Who Our Training Is For

Our courses are designed for:

Students
Resident Doctors (O&G, CSRH, GP)
Nurses
Midwives
SAS doctors
Consultants
Allied healthcare professionals working in abortion care

How Our Courses Fit Together

BSACP courses form part of a wider training ecosystem. Learners may begin with broad introductory courses, develop procedural skills through simulation and hands-on training, and build competence in the workplace through specialty training programmes or the ACSM. Many clinicians will engage with multiple courses over time, building confidence and capability as they progress through their careers.

Why Train with BSACP

Structured, progressive education in abortion care
Curriculum-aligned training supporting clinical practice
Multidisciplinary and inclusive approach
Expert faculty and high-quality teaching
Strong links to national training pathways and professional networks

Membership & Course Discounts

BSACP members receive discounted rates on all courses. The discounted course fee is equivalent to, or greater than, the cost of annual membership, making membership a cost-effective way to access training. Membership also provides access to:

Exclusive webinars and educational content
A professional network of clinicians working in abortion care
Opportunities for ongoing learning and development

We encourage anyone planning to attend a course to consider becoming a member.

Become a member today!