Abortion Care Essentials Course

This course aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to abortion care. The course is delivered in partnership with the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (RCOG).

Run by expert clinical and educational facilitators, this course covers fundamental clinical knowledge for abortion in the first and second trimester as well as the legal, political and social context of abortion.

Learning objectives

  • Outline current UK abortion law and provision.
  • Take a relevant history, assess eligibility, gain consent, identify contraindications and need for further support.
  • Describe how to be respectful, facilitate trust and counteract abortion-related stigma.
  • Confidently advise on starting contraceptive methods after an abortion.
  • State the drug regimens used in medical abortion and their mechanisms of action.
  • Outline the advice patients’ need when undergoing a medical abortion at home, including how to confirm abortion is complete.
  • Describe cervical preparation and the different surgical techniques used in abortion (MVA/EVA, Dilatation and Evacuation).
  • Explain when feticide is required, and the methods used.
  • Describe when patients should seek medical attention after a medical or surgical abortion and how to manage post-abortion complications.

Who should attend

  • All Clinicians in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Sexual and Reproductive Health
  • GPs
  • Midwives
  • Nurses
  • Allied Health Care Professionals
  • Physician associates
  • Students

Course Format

  • Format: Online
  • Teaching methods: Lectures and discussion
  • Duration: 1 day

How this course fits into training

This course forms part of BSACP’s structured education pathway. It provides a broad introduction to abortion care and is often the starting point for clinicians developing knowledge and confidence in this area. It is designed to support progression to further training in:

This course also supports preparation for workplace-based competency development through specialty training programmes and the Abortion Care Specialist Modules (ACSM).

Curriculum Alignment

This course supports postgraduate training within both:

  • Obstetrics & Gynaecology (O&G Core Curriculum – Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists)
  • Community Sexual & Reproductive Health (CSRH Curriculum – College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare)

Participation in this course may contribute evidence towards relevant Capabilities in Practice (CiPs), procedural skills and reflective learning within Resident Doctors’ training portfolios.

A detailed curriculum mapping document is available here:

Upcoming Courses

Check our events page for more information on upcoming courses.