A medical abortion may be done by a trained GP or gynaecologist A medical abortion can be provided when you are less than 9 weeks pregnant. If you are more than 9 weeks pregnant you cannot have a medical abortion. You will need to have an ultrasound and blood test before having a medical abortion.
A medical abortion happens in two stages:. After taking both of these tablets you will experience something similar to a miscarriage. Bleeding may be heavy at first and then becomes lighter. Sometimes bleeding can last longer than 2 weeks. Clinical staff will discuss what to expect after the medical abortion. The staff will give you a hour advice number to call for support.
There are risks involved with all medical procedures, including abortion. Your doctor or the staff at the clinic or hospital will discuss these risks with you. Abortion is legal in all states and territories of Australia under certain circumstances and when done by a registered health professional. Each state and territory has different laws.
You do not usually need a referral from a doctor to get an abortion. You can find services through:. The clinic that you go to will depend on how many weeks pregnant you are. It is important to let the clinic staff know how many weeks pregnant you are when you make your appointment. The cost of an abortion is different for each state and each clinic. If you have a Medicare card, it will cover some of the costs. Medicare does not usually cover the full cost. Ask how much the abortion will cost when you make your appointment.
Before the abortion a doctor or nurse will talk with you about what is involved in the abortion, what the risks are and what to do to take care of yourself afterwards. You will usually have an ultrasound and a blood test.
You will be able to ask questions. If you are having a surgical abortion, the clinic staff will talk to you about not eating or drinking before the appointment and what to bring with you to the appointment. It often helps to have a support person with you. If you are having sedation someone will need to drive you home. If you are having a medical abortion you will experience the abortion at home and should have a support person with you during that time. For this reason, we strongly recommend surgical abortions if the medical abortion is unsuccessful.
Early surgical abortions terminate pregnancy during the first trimester. Surgical abortions, unlike medication abortions, can be performed up to 22 weeks in our clinic. However, surgical abortions performed 12 weeks or earlier first trimester are less expensive and have a lower risk of complications than later surgical abortions. First trimester surgical abortions are performed in the clinic with local anesthesia and optional oral or intravenous pain-relieving medication.
During the procedure, a speculum is inserted into the vagina, the cervix the opening to the uterus is slightly stretched open, and a small tube is inserted to remove the pregnancy using a suction or vacuum. The procedure usually only takes minutes. During the surgical abortion and for a short time after, women may experience strong cramping. Bleeding and spotting often occurs for a few days or weeks following the procedure as well. After a surgical abortion, our health educators provide instructions on how a woman should take care of her body following the procedure.
The doctor will also prescribe antibiotics and birth control, if desired. Follow-up procedures are not required after a surgical abortion unless complications related to the abortion begin to occur. We are dedicated to providing expert, affordable pregnancy termination. We believe every woman deserves to be treated with respect and dignity regardless of any life circumstances.
When a woman decides to have an abortion, it is a very personal decision. We recognize that having an abortion may be a difficult choice, and we provide the support and information women need to help make a decision that is right for their individual situation. Once a woman has made the decision to have an abortion, many questions follow. The most common ones that we hear are:. These questions are normal. We want to make sure that women are fully knowledgeable about the abortion procedure that she chooses and the costs associated with it.
Waiting times can vary, but you should not have to wait more than 2 weeks from when you or a doctor first contact an abortion provider to having an abortion. You can also pay for an abortion privately not on the NHS if you prefer. Costs for private abortions vary depending on the stage of pregnancy and the method used to carry out the procedure.
Most abortions in England, Wales and Scotland are carried out before 24 weeks of pregnancy. They can be carried out after 24 weeks in very limited circumstances — for example, if the mother's life is at risk or the child would be born with a severe disability. Most abortion services will ask to perform an ultrasound scan to work out how many weeks pregnant you are. The length of pregnancy is calculated from the first day of your last period. Abortions are safer the earlier they're carried out.
Getting advice early on will give you more time to make a decision if you're unsure. Some women may be certain they want to have an abortion, while others may find it more difficult to make a decision. All women requesting an abortion can discuss their options with, and receive support from, a trained pregnancy counsellor if they wish.
You may also want to speak to your partner, friends or family, but you do not have to. They do not have a say in your decision. If you do not want to tell anyone, your details will be kept confidential.
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