0
0
In Australia, around one in four people who are capable of pregnancy will undergo either a medical or surgical abortion in their lifetime. Both options are safe, legal, and effective, with the choice depending on personal preference, medical advice, and availability.
What is a Medical Abortion?
A medical abortion involves taking two types of tablets, sold together in Australia as MS2Step. The first tablet, mifepristone, halts the hormone progesterone, which is essential for pregnancy. This causes the uterine lining to break down and stops the embryo from developing.
The second tablet, misoprostol, is taken 36–48 hours later. It softens the cervix and induces contractions to expel the pregnancy. The process can result in strong pain and heavy bleeding with clots, typically lasting between two to six hours. While discomfort usually subsides to a regular period-like experience, some symptoms may persist for up to six weeks.
Although hemorrhaging is rare (affecting fewer than 1% of cases), medical attention is necessary if bleeding remains heavy or if there are signs of infection, such as fever, increasing abdominal pain, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Is Hospitalization Required?
In Australia, a medical abortion outside of a hospital is legal up to nine weeks of pregnancy and can be prescribed by qualified health-care providers, including GPs and midwives. These services are available in clinics and via telehealth.
Medical abortions beyond nine weeks occur in hospitals under medical supervision. After 20 weeks, medical abortion typically involves inducing early labor in a maternity unit, often in cases where continuing the pregnancy poses a health risk or if severe fetal abnormalities are detected.
What is a Surgical Abortion?
Surgical abortions take place in an operating facility, often under sedation, so the patient does not recall the procedure. This option is sometimes preferred over medical abortion due to its quick completion.
For pregnancies up to 12–14 weeks, the procedure lasts approximately 15 minutes, with patients discharged a few hours later. Medications may be administered beforehand to soften and open the cervix, making the process more comfortable. A trained doctor, assisted by nurses, then removes the uterine contents with a small tube.
For pregnancies beyond 12–14 weeks, the procedure is more complex and performed by specialized doctors. As with medical abortion, medications may first be given to stop the fetal heartbeat before the procedure.
Cramping and bleeding can occur post-surgery and may last up to two weeks. However, like with medical abortion, heavy bleeding or signs of infection warrant immediate medical attention.
Is an Ultrasound Required?
Previously, an ultrasound was standard before an abortion to determine gestational age and rule out ectopic pregnancy. However, for early abortions (up to 14 weeks), ultrasounds are no longer mandatory if they delay access to care. If the date of the last menstrual period is known and there are no concerning symptoms, an ultrasound may not be needed.
This means medical abortions can be accessed as early as the first day of a missed period, without waiting for the embryo to be visible on a scan.
Pre- and Post-Abortion Care
Before an abortion, a healthcare provider explains potential side effects and when to seek urgent medical care. Many contraception methods can be initiated on the day of the procedure for those interested.
Though the success rate for medical abortion exceeds 95%, follow-up is necessary to confirm pregnancy termination. This is typically done via a low-sensitivity urine test or a blood test two to three weeks after taking the first tablet.
If a medical abortion is unsuccessful, a surgical abortion may be required. Additionally, if any tissue remains in the uterus after either procedure, further medical intervention may be necessary.
Some individuals seek emotional support through counseling or peer support groups to process their experiences. Access to unbiased medical guidance ensures that individuals can make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are considering an abortion, consult a qualified healthcare provider to discuss the best option for your situation and receive appropriate care and support.
