Until how many weeks is abortion safe

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.

It's important to think about what contraception you're going to use after the abortion. You can usually start using contraception on the day of the abortion. If you do this you'll be protected against another unplanned pregnancy straight away. If you're less than 10 weeks pregnant and having a medical abortion, the hospital or clinic can usually give you the second dose of medicine to take at home.

Most people having an abortion do not usually need to stay in the clinic or hospital overnight, but you may need to go to appointments on different days. Before having an abortion, you'll need to have an assessment appointment.

This usually happens at the hospital or clinic, but you may be offered a phone or video assessment. When you're sure you want to have an abortion, you'll be asked to sign a consent form and the clinic or hospital will arrange a date for the abortion. Abortion services are still open. You can self-refer by contacting an abortion provider directly.

You may be able to have a medical abortion at home, without going to a hospital or clinic, if you're less than 10 weeks pregnant. If you're more than 10 weeks pregnant, an abortion provider can discuss your options with you. In very limited circumstances an abortion can take place after 24 weeks — for example, if there's a risk to life or there are problems with the baby's development.

The medicines are prescribed by the hospital or clinic, and you usually take them 1 or 2 days apart. The pregnancy is passed comes out through the vagina. This usually happens several hours after you take the second medicine. Surgical abortion involves an operation to remove the pregnancy from the womb. 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. If you go to a place that offers pregnancy counselling and you're not sure if they will refer you for an abortion, ask if they refer people for an abortion. Before having an abortion, you'll have an appointment to talk about your decision and what happens next.

Whenever possible, you should be given a choice of how you would like the abortion to be carried out. After an abortion, you'll probably need to take things easy for a few days. It's likely you'll have some discomfort and vaginal bleeding for up to 2 weeks. Read more about how an abortion is carried out. Abortion is a safe procedure.

Abortions are safest, and happen with less pain and bleeding, when carried out as early as possible in pregnancy. Most women will not experience any problems, but there is a small risk of complications, such as:. If complications do occur, you may need further treatment, including surgery.