Having an unplanned pregnancy can be a scary and emotional time – and finding the right support makes the world of difference during a stressful time.
There are 3 options to consider with an unplanned pregnancy: continuing with the pregnancy and parenting; continuing with the pregnancy with adoption or alternative care; or terminating the pregnancy, otherwise known as abortion.
Your GP can discuss these options with you, and see what you feel is the best thing for you, depending on your own beliefs and circumstances. Sometimes this can be a difficult decision and if you need more support or help with decision making, your GP can also provide additional resources or referrals.
Abortion
If you are under 9 weeks of pregnancy you may be able to choose between a medication or surgical abortion, depending on any other health issues you may have.
If you are over 9 weeks pregnant you will need to have a surgical abortion.
Surgical abortions can be done at a private clinic such as MSI Victoria or Fertility Control Centre. If you have a concession healthcare card you may be eligible to have an abortion at your local public hospital. You can choose to have an IUD contraceptive device, or Implanon fitted at the time of surgical abortion.
Comparing abortion experiences
| Medical abortion | Surgical abortion |
| Used up to 63 days of pregnancy (9 weeks from last normal period) | Can be performed later in the pregnancy |
| Avoids surgery | Depends on an abortion service being available |
| Can feel like a miscarriage | Can be done under anaesthetic with patient asleep |
| Medicine is taken at home with a support person available | The abortion takes place in an operating room in a hospital |
| Takes time to complete abortion, and the timing may not be predictable | The surgery is quick, recovery time up to 3 hours |
| Bleeding and cramping are expected, average bleeding time is 16 days | Usually, less bleeding and cramping |
| Follow up is important to be sure the abortion is complete | Usually, no follow up needed |
| May need to return to clinic for follow up contraception, such as an IUD insertion | IUD or implant contraception can be inserted at the same time as procedure |
| Safe. Severe complications are rare. | Safe. Severe complications are rare. |
https://www.thewomens.org.au/patients-visitors/clinics-and-services/abortion-and-contraception/
Medical termination of pregnancy (MS2STEP)
For both medical and surgical termination of pregnancy you are required to have a blood test and ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy.
Two medicines known as MS2Step are used for a medical termination: first a mifepristone tablet is taken and then 36 to 48 hours later, misoprostol tablets are taken. Mifepristone is an anti-hormone. It acts by blocking the effects of progesterone, a hormone that is needed for pregnancy to continue. Misoprostol is a prostaglandin and causes contractions of the uterus and relaxation of the cervix which helps push out the contents of the uterus. Both mifepristone and misoprostol work together to end a pregnancy.
You will usually need at least a couple of days to have the abortion, rest and recover.
If you are having a medication abortion:
- It can be helpful to have someone with you during the time of your abortion
- You may need to consider getting some help with childcare if you have young children
- You may be able to time your abortion so it occurs over the weekend. Your doctor can issue a medical certificate if required for work.
- You will be prescribed pain relief and nausea medication if required
- You will be given the details of a phoneline that you can call if you have any questions during the abortion process. This phoneline is staffed by trained nurses
- You should be able to return to your normal activities within a couple of days of your abortion
Follow up care
You will need a repeat blood test 2 weeks after taking MS2Step. Your doctor will review you after this test to ensure the medication has been effective.
You will also be offered contraception advice and treatment. This can be in the form of the contraceptive pill, depo-injection, Implanon, IUD (hormonal or copper), advice regarding barrier methods, and advice regarding fertility awareness.
If you are feeling distressed after your abortion you can speak to a pregnancy options counsellor or your GP.
Doctors have to do additional training to be able to offer medical termination of pregnancy.
Dr Denise Lin, Dr Patricia Bishara, Dr Shnedha Nagpal and Dr Tarannum Rahman are accredited to provide this service. Fees apply and will be explained during the initial consult which is billed at the standard consult rates.
More information can be found at:
- 1800myoptions.org.au
- thewomens.org.au
- shvic.org.au