What stage can you get an abortion

It can be helpful to talk about your options with people who are close to you - your partner, a friend or a family member. You can also to talk to a health professional to get more information before you make a decision. There are three options to consider when you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy:.

There are two ways that an abortion can be done. These are surgical abortion or medical abortion. Before the abortion you will need to have an ultrasound and a blood test. Most surgical abortions are done under sedation, or a light anaesthetic. To have a surgical abortion you will need to be at the clinic for about 4 hours. A surgical abortion is called a suction curette. It takes about 15 minutes to do. It works by using a small plastic tube to gently empty the contents of the uterus.

It is safe, simple and low-risk when done under 12 weeks of pregnancy. If it has been more that 12 weeks since your last period the abortion procedure may be more complicated.

You can talk to your doctor or the staff at the clinic about this. It is normal to have some mild cramping and light bleeding after the abortion. 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. If a doctor does not provide abortion information or services, they must refer you to a doctor who they know does. All abortion services are protected by safe access zones with a radius of metres. This allows people entering or leaving premises providing abortions to do so safely and privately. Abortion service providers are located across Victoria in a range of health services and private practices.

The costs, procedures and time required can vary from service to service. Having an abortion earlier in a pregnancy can minimise procedure costs and maximise your options. To find surgical or medical abortion services in Victoria contact My Options phone line A new pregnancy can occur very soon after an abortion, so if you want to prevent pregnancy, you may want to discuss contraception options with your doctor or nurse.

Most contraception options can be initiated at the time of abortion or soon after, provided you do not have any medical conditions that make the option unsuitable. If you choose a surgical abortion a contraceptive implant Implanon NXT or intrauterine device IUD can be inserted during the abortion while you are under light sedation.

If you choose medical abortion a contraceptive implant Implanon NXT can be inserted or a contraceptive injection can be given before you start your abortion tablets. If you are using the internet for information, only use reliable and reputable websites, such as the ones provided above. Be aware of anti-abortion or pro-life websites containing inaccurate and harmful information and imagery.

Close menu Close. Search Search. The main points Abortion is a safe and common method to end a pregnancy. There are two types of abortion: Surgical abortion and medical abortion. Types of abortion Two types of abortion are currently available in Australia. Surgical abortion is most commonly performed during the first trimester of pregnancy up to 12 weeks.

The procedure is usually performed under light sedation and uses gentle suction to remove the lining and contents of the uterus.

Medication abortion can be performed up to nine weeks of pregnancy. The method involves taking a combination of tablets to bring on a miscarriage. Choosing the type of abortion Choosing the type of abortion is a personal decision and based on a range of factors and circumstances. 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. If you're under 16, your parents do not usually need to be told. The doctor or nurse may encourage you to tell a parent, carer or other adult you trust, but they will not make you.

There are organisations, usually known as crisis pregnancy centres, that offer counselling around pregnancy. They do not refer people for abortion, and may not offer balanced or accurate advice.