Termination of pregnancy (abortion)

Among women of reproductive age, recent Australian research shows that approximately half will have experienced an unplanned pregnancy making it a normal part of women’s reproductive experience. About 50% of women who experience an unplanned pregnancy will choose to have an abortion (termination) and 1 in 3 women in Australia will have an abortion in her lifetime.

While many women are clear that a termination is the best choice for them given their circumstances and the context of their lives, for other women it can be a complex and difficult decision. Women often consider their relationship status, the support available to them, their housing, financial and work situation, if they already have children, the impact on them, as well as moral, spiritual and emotional issues when making a decision. See the Pregnancy Counselling topic for information about where to access professional support if you feel you need it.

In South Australia the vast majority of abortions are provided through the public health system and are free to women who hold a Medicare card. There are also a small number of providers in the private sector (you will need a doctor's referral – and there will be charges).

-          The Pregnancy Advisory Centre is a free standing government funded clinic which provides termination of pregnancy from 6 – 22 weeks gestation. Counselling and abortion services are free of charge.

http://www.pregnancyadvisorycentre.com.au/

-          Services are also provided at the major metropolitan public hospitals.

http://www.pregnancyadvisorycentre.com.au/other...

-          Women who live outside metropolitan Adelaide should contact their local or regional community health service for information or can contact the Pregnancy Advisory Centre for advice on local services. Toll free for country callers: 1800 672 966.

Physical aspects of abortion

Safe, legal abortion, performed by qualified staff, is very rarely associated with any future risk to fertility.

Most women return to their pre-pregnancy fertility immediately following the abortion procedure. A small number of women have a delay in the return of normal menstrual cycles.

It is recommended that you use contraception as soon as you resume sexual activity after the abortion.

Information about methods of contraception will be available at the time of the abortion to assist you to make choices.

Termination does not increase the risk of breast cancer.

Emotional aspects of abortion

After a termination of pregnancy, the majority of women feel relieved, and happy they can get on with their lives. The pregnancy was a crisis and the abortion provides a woman with the opportunity to regain control of her life. The abortion might also provide the opportunity for her to reaffirm her life goals or make some serious, positive life reassessments and changes.

Research and clinical experience indicate that approximately 1 in 10 women can experience some troubling feelings following an abortion. You are more likely to experience emotional or psychological problems after an abortion if

-          you felt pressured or forced into the decision,

-          you were not supported in your decision,

-          if you are experiencing problems with your mental health,

-          if you have strong religious or spiritual beliefs against abortion.

The stigma attached to abortion, and for some women the need to keep an abortion secret, can also make coping with an abortion more difficult.

These feelings can range from short lived and mild to longer term, complex and challenging feelings. If you feel you are not coping, all of the services that offer unplanned pregnancy counselling also provide post abortion counselling (see topic on Pregnancy counselling).

The Pregnancy Advisory Centre website also has resources that you may find useful.

-          Information about counselling

http://www.pregnancyadvisorycentre.com.au/counselling.html

-          Information brochures

http://www.pregnancyadvisorycentre.com.au/brochures...

How a termination is done

In most cases the woman is given a light general anaesthetic for the termination procedure. Local anaesthetic or local anaesthetic plus sedation (medication that makes you feel drowsy and calm) are also available at some services. The woman must fast (not eat or drink) for 4-6 hours before the procedure.

The procedure involves the doctor inserting a small plastic tube through the vagina and into the uterus (womb). The pregnancy tissue is suctioned through the tube. This can be done in day surgery. The actual procedure only takes about 10 to 20 minutes but it is usual to stay in the clinic for one and a half to three hours afterwards.

At a later stage in the pregnancy the procedure is more involved as the cervix needs to be prepared using medication before the operation. This ensures that the procedure is still very safe. Contact the Pregnancy Advisory Centre for information about termination of pregnancy after 12 weeks. (It is not necessary to see a doctor (for referral) or counsellor about this option unless that is what you want).

What the law says about termination

In South Australia and the rest of Australia, pregnancy termination is legal if continuing your pregnancy would harm your physical or mental health more than having the procedure, or if the child is found to be suffering from physical or mental abnormalities. 

Legally, the male partner does not have to give his consent for a woman to have an abortion. Men may want their say in whether a pregnancy or termination goes ahead - but the woman makes the final choice.

In South Australia, if you are 16 or over, your parents do not have to give consent. If a young woman is under 16 and feels she can't talk to her parents about the pregnancy, she can still give consent for the operation however two doctors will need to certify that she understands her decision and the procedure.  Termination services will also make sure that a young woman under the age of 16 is safe and encourage her to get support from an adult she trusts.

Resources in South Australia

The Pregnancy Advisory Centre provides pregnancy testing, pregnancy counselling, abortion and contraceptive services for women and their partners. 

Pregnancy Advisory Centre

21 Belmore Terrace

Woodville SA 5011

Phone: 08 8243 3999

Toll free for country callers: 1800 672 966

Website: http://www.pregnancyadvisorycentre.com.au/

SHine SA has a pamphlet giving further information about abortion, including about other service providers, pregnancy testing and referrals 'Information on abortion in South Australia'  You can access it via the SHine topic 'Pregnancy options'.

The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see your doctor or midwife.