Sometimes this is called ‘termination of pregnancy’. If you’re pregnant and considering abortion its important to know that you’re not alone. SAM'S CLINIC has been providing care for over 40 years to women who are faced with either an unplanned pregnancy or a pregnancy they choose not to continue with. We provide counselling for unplanned pregnancy and abortion treatment for women who decide this
option is right for them. There are two main methods of abortion:
1. Medical abortion: The abortion pill
The abortion pill involves taking medicines to end the pregnancy. At least two separate visits to the clinic are required. Involves taking medicines to cause an early miscarriage (It can feel like having a heavy and more painful period)
At the first appointment the abortion pill (mifepristone) is swallowed. Mifepristone works by blocking the hormone progesterone. Without progesterone the lining of the uterus (womb) breaks down and the pregnancy can’t continue. At the second appointment misoprostol tablets are inserted into the va**na either by the woman herself or by the healthcare professional. Misoprostol makes the womb contract, causing cramping and bleeding similar to a miscarriage. More information on the abortion pill.
2. Surgical abortion
Surgical abortion involves a minor operation. There are two types of surgical abortion:
Vacuum aspiration
Up to 16 weeks of pregnancy. Vacuum aspiration uses gentle suction to remove the pregnancy and takes about 5-10 minutes from start to finish. Can be done awake (under local anaesthetic) or asleep (under general anaesthetic). It requires one visit to the clinic and you are able to go home the same day. More information about vacuum aspiration abortion. Dilatation and Evacuation
Usually performed between 15- 24 weeks of pregnancy. Dilatation and Evacuation is carried out under general anaesthetic (asleep). A doctor will remove the pregnancy using narrow forceps passed through the neck of the womb and gentle suction. It requires one visit to the clinic, usually returning home the same day for abortions up to 20 weeks. If the pregnancy is over 20 weeks more than one visit may be required or an overnight stay. More information about dilatation and evacuation abortion. Which abortion treatment? At SAM'S CLINIC consultation is the first stage of the process. It’s when you will have all the time you need to discuss your options. If you then decided to have an abortion you will talk to a SAM"S healthcare professional about the different abortion methods available to you. They will answer all your questions and help you to choose the best type of treatment for you. The type of abortion procedure you may have depends on how many weeks pregnant you are, whether you would like to be awake or asleep and your personal choice. If you have any medical conditions they may affect which treatment types we can offer you. In cases where there is a substantial risk to the woman’s life, or in cases of foetal abnormality, there is no legal time limit for abortion.
