What is abortion?

An abortion (also known as termination) is the medical process of ending a pregnancy. If you have an abortion, your pregnancy will not result in the birth of a baby.

You can have an abortion by taking a medicine or by having a surgical procedure. Abortion is safe and legal in Australia.

I think I am pregnant with an unplanned pregnancy. What should I do?

If you think you are pregnant, the first thing to do is take a pregnancy test. You can do this by visiting your doctor or buying a test from a pharmacy or supermarket. The sooner you do this the better.

Read about making decisions about unplanned pregnancies. You may want to talk your options over with a counsellor before deciding what to do.

If your doctor doesn’t do abortions they need to refer you to someone who does.

How many weeks pregnant am I?

If you are pregnant, you can work out the stage of your pregnancy by calculating the number of days since the first day of your last period.

If you aren't sure about your due date, don’t worry. Your doctor or family planning clinic can help you figure it out.

If there is uncertainty about your last period dates and the stage of your pregnancy, you may need to have an ultrasound to accurately 'date' your pregnancy.

If you decide to have an abortion, it's best to have it as early as possible. The procedure needed for an abortion later in pregnancy (after 9 weeks) is more complex.

Ultrasound before abortion

Having an ultrasound before starting abortion treatment is recommended if:

• you don’t know how many weeks pregnant you are
• you are more than 14 weeks pregnant
• there are signs of an ectopic pregnancy

What methods of abortion are available?

There are 2 main ways to have an abortion — by taking medicine or with surgery. Both ways are effective and very safe in Australia.

Your doctor or clinic will discuss which options are available to you. This will depend on your stage of pregnancy and your individual circumstances.

You can use a decision aid tool to help you make an informed decision about which method of abortion may be right for you. This can be done at home or with your healthcare provider.

What is a medical abortion?

A medical abortion is used for ending pregnancies earlier than week 9 — up to 63 days after the start of your last period.

Your healthcare practitioner will prescribe a medicine called MS-2 Step. It’s sometimes called 'the abortion pill'.

How does a medical abortion work?

Medical abortion is a 2-stage process. The first stage involves taking a tablet called mifepristone. This medicine blocks the hormone necessary for your pregnancy to continue.

Then, 36 to 48 hours later you take a second medicine called misoprostol. This causes the pregnancy tissue to leave your uterus.

A medical abortion is very safe. It’s effective for up to 98 in 100 people. If it doesn't work, you might need to take more tablets or have a surgical abortion.

Some clinics provide medical abortion via telehealth, also known as virtual care.

Medical abortion is not suitable for everyone. You should not have a medical abortion if you:

• have some medical conditions
• take certain medicines
• are more than 9 weeks pregnant

If you have an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD), you will need to have it removed before a medical abortion.

Before a medical abortion

Before a medical abortion you may have:

• a urine (wee) test
• a blood test
• an ultrasound

These tests will confirm you are pregnant and check the stage of your pregnancy.

These tests are not always required, particularly if you are confident with your period dates and you are less than 10 weeks pregnant.

Your healthcare provider will advise which tests are right for you.

You will also be given information about other options, counselling and support services.

During a medical abortion

It's important you take the MS-2-step abortion pills as instructed.

Between one and 24 hours after taking the second medicine, you will usually experience bleeding and cramping.

Make sure you rest at home and take pain-relief medicines, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if you need to.

You might also experience a short period of:

• vomiting (being sick)
• diarrhoea
• dizziness
• tiredness
• mild fever

Within 6 hours, most people will begin to pass the pregnancy tissue. It leaves your body through your vagina.

You might pass some large blood clots. You will bleed more than a normal menstrual period for a few days. Use pads during this time. Do not use tampons, menstrual cups or anything else that you put in your vagina.

After a medical abortion

You will experience bleeding and cramping after a medical abortion for about 2 weeks. Your bleeding may continue for up to 6 weeks after a medical abortion.

You should get your first menstrual period 4 to 8 weeks after your treatment. However, some methods of contraception may change this.

A blood test is usually recommended 2 to 3 weeks after taking the medicines. This is to make sure the abortion has worked.

You will probably feel quite emotional once the abortion is over. You may experience:

• guilt
• shame
• grief
• depression
• anxiety

If this applies to you, it can be helpful to talk to someone about how you feel.

What are the risks of a medical abortion?

Medical abortion is a very safe way to end a pregnancy.

Complications can include the following:

• you may have a reaction to the abortion medicines
• you may have heavy bleeding
• you may get an infection

The medical abortion may not work, and you may still be pregnant. This happens in less than 1 in 100 medical abortions.

Sometimes a small amount of pregnancy tissue is left in your uterus. If this happens, you will need more tablets or a surgical procedure. This can happen in about 1 in 25 cases of medical abortion.

Medical abortion does not affect your future fertility.

Ask your healthcare provider to explain these risks before you make a decision.

What is a surgical abortion?

A surgical abortion uses suction to remove the pregnancy tissue. It’s performed by a trained doctor.

Surgical abortion is very effective. Only about 1 in 1000 surgical abortions don't work and require an additional procedure.

There are 2 main types of surgical abortion.

• Suction abortion: This is the most common method of abortion. This method involves gentle suction to empty the contents of your uterus. This procedure can be done until about 14 weeks after the first day of your last period.
• Dilation and evacuation (D & E): Suction and medical tools are used to empty the contents of your uterus. This is normally done for pregnancies that are further along (more than 14 weeks after the first day of your last period).

Before the procedure

Before a surgical abortion you may have:

• a urine (wee) test
• a blood test
• an ultrasound

This is to confirm you are pregnant and check the stage of your pregnancy.

However, if you are confident with your period dates and your pregnancy is less than 10 weeks, you may not need these tests.

Your healthcare provider will advise which tests you need.

Depending on the stage of your pregnancy, you may be given a medicine to help soften and open your cervix prior to the surgery.

You will also be given information about other options, and counselling and support services.

During the procedure

You should fast (not eat or drink) for 4 to 6 hours before a surgical abortion.

You will usually have a light general anaesthetic. Another option is a local anaesthetic with sedation to make you feel drowsy.

During the procedure, the doctor will put a small plastic tube through your vagina into your uterus. They will use suction to empty your uterus. It usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You won't feel any pain during the procedure.

After the procedure

The clinic staff will monitor you to ensure you have recovered. You will usually spend about 3 to 5 hours at the clinic.

You should not drive home afterwards, as you will feel drowsy from the anaesthetic.

You should get your first menstrual period about 4 to 6 weeks after your procedure. Some contraceptive methods may affect this.

At your follow-up appointment you can also discuss your:

• physical recovery
• emotional recovery
• options for contraception

For some people, the experience of having an abortion will have been quite traumatic. Others will feel relieved. It’s normal to have a mix of emotions and feelings afterwards.

What are the risks associated with a surgical abortion?

Surgical abortion is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy, so long as it is done by a qualified doctor in a reputable clinic.

Rarely, complications can occur, including:

• reactions to the anaesthetic
• damage to your uterus or cervix caused by surgical instruments
• heavy bleeding
• infection
• small pieces of pregnancy tissue being left in the uterus, which will need a surgical procedure to remove them (this happens in about 1 in 1000 cases of surgical abortion)
• the procedure being unsuccessful at ending the pregnancy, so that another surgical procedure is required (this happens in about 1 in 1000 cases of surgical abortion)

An uncomplicated abortion will not affect your chance of becoming pregnant in the future.

What should I expect after having a medical or surgical abortion?

Vaginal bleeding

It’s normal to experience some vaginal bleeding and cramping after a surgical or medical abortion. The amount of bleeding varies from person to person.

Following a medical abortion, you may have up to 6 weeks of bleeding.

After a surgical abortion, the bleeding usually stops after about 2 weeks. It’s normal for bleeding to stop and start. Some people have very little bleeding.

Pain and discomfort

Many people experience mild abdominal pain, similar to period pain. Here are some tips to help ease your pain and discomfort after a medical or surgical abortion.

• Take over-the-counter pain-relief medicines, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
• Use a heat pack or hot water bottle.
• Gently massage your lower abdomen (tummy) while you sit on the toilet. You may find that this helps you pass blood clots.

Return to regular activities

Most people find that they can return to their normal activities the day after an abortion.

It's best to take it easy and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for at least a week after the procedure.

Preventing infection

Here are some tips for reducing your chance of infection.

• Use sanitary pads instead of tampons or menstrual cups.
• Do not put anything in your vagina for at least 2 weeks — this includes avoiding vaginal sex and douching.
• Avoid baths or swimming — showering as usual is fine.

Emotional effects

Everyone has different feelings after an abortion. There is no right or wrong way to feel.

If at any time you would like to talk to someone, there are many support services available. It’s best to get help early.

Follow up with your doctor

Call your doctor if:

• you bleed very heavily (you soak 2 pads every 30 minutes for 2 hours or more)
• you have cramps that don't get better with medicine
• you have a fever — a temperature of 38℃ or higher

After about 2 weeks, you will usually have a follow-up appointment with your doctor.

If you have had a medical abortion, you may also have a referral for an ultrasound or blood test to confirm that you are no longer pregnant.

Remember that you can get pregnant again right away. Make sure you discuss contraception options with your doctor.

How much does an abortion cost?

The cost of an abortion will depend on:

• if it’s a medical or surgical abortion
• how far along you are in your pregnancy (how many weeks pregnant)
• if you go to a public or private clinic
• where you live

The MS-2 Step medicine is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This means that part of the cost of this medicine is covered by the government.

For more information on how much medicines cost, ask your pharmacist or visit the PBS website.

Some clinics may offer bulk billing, or their costs may be partially covered by Medicare. Abortion in a private clinic can cost several hundred dollars.

As well as the cost of the procedure, you may need to pay for travel to get an abortion. There may be a lack of abortion services in rural and remote areas.

What can you expect from your healthcare team?

As a patient in Australia, you can expect your treating team to respect your healthcare rights.

The healthcare rights of all Australians are set out in the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights. These rights apply to the healthcare you get anywhere in Australia.

It includes public hospitals, private hospitals, general practice and in the community. You have a right to:

• be treated with respect
• be involved in making decisions about your health and include anyone you want
• be informed about your health conditions and any tests or treatments you are offered
• receive help understanding this information, if you need it
• ask your healthcare team any questions you may have

Your health care team might give you a decision aid. This is a resource that helps to explain your options and gets you to think about what’s important to you.

Learn more about shared decision making and understanding consent and your rights.

Resources and support

Australia has safe and supportive abortion and family planning clinics that provide reliable advice and care.

To find these clinics, and for reliable, unbiased information about abortion in your state or territory, contact:

• Family Planning Alliance Australia
• MSI Australia (1300 003 707)
• ACT - Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT
• NSW - NSW Pregnancy Choices Helpline (1800 008 463)
• NT - Family Planning NT (08 8948 0144)
• QLD - Children by Choice (1800 177 725)
• SA - Pregnancy Advisory Centre (08 7117 8999)
• TAS - Family Planning Tasmania
• VIC - 1800 My Options (1800 696 784)
• WA - Sexual Health Quarters

Children by Choice has an Easy English leaflet about pregnancy choices and abortion.

Languages other than English

The Victorian Government's Health Translations website has information about abortion in other languages.

You can also get information about abortion in several languages from 1800 My Options.