What you need to know about
Safe abortions in South Africa
Terminating your pregnancy (abortion) is your legal right. We offer safe abortions
for unwanted pregnancies up to 20 weeks. Our nurses and doctors are accredited
professionals, in sexual and reproductive healthcare. Our work is strictly governed
by the Choice
on Termination of Pregnancy Act (amended 2008), and we adhere to World Health Organisation
Find out more about us, South Africa’s leader in safe abortion and
sexual health services here.
The reality is that ‘backstreet’ methods may lead to severe complications, infections
causing prolonged absence from work, permanent infertility and, in the most
heart-breaking cases, even death. Please know that you never have to feel
embarrassed about considering to have an abortion, it’s your legal right, and we are
here for you, always.
95% of women don’t regret their decision when it comes to having a safe
abortion
Termination of pregnancy:
Procedures for safe abortions
A pregnancy can be terminated using either a medical or
surgical process. The correct process for your termination will depend on the stage
of your pregnancy as well as your preference. We offer both types of safe abortion procedures:
The medical process can only be used if you are less than 9
weeks pregnant. The abortion is performed by using a combination of two medications
which work together to terminate the pregnancy. The first medication blocks the
hormone called progesterone. Without progesterone the pregnancy will not be
sustained. The second medication opens the cervix (mouth of the womb) and causes the
uterus (womb) to contract, this will cause the pregnancy to be expelled. After you
take the medication, the process is completed at home.
The process may be performed up to 20 weeks of pregnancy
but is less complicated the earlier it is completed. You will be seen by a provider
at one of our centres, who will examine you and may perform an ultrasound to confirm
how far pregnant you are. You may be given medication to open the cervix (mouth of
the womb). The procedure is then completed using a suction technique to remove the
pregnancy. During your consultation, our nurses and doctors will recommend which safe abortion procedure is right for you. Our prices are affordable
and abortion clinics are located across South Africa.
Depending on the stage of pregnancy, abortion pills or
other options may be the right choice for you. We offer two types of safe abortion
procedures:
- Medical abortion (a method for pregnancies less than 9 weeks) is
accomplished by using a combination of two medications that work together to
terminate a pregnancy. The first pill stops your ovaries from producing the
hormone, progesterone – which is needed for sustaining the pregnancy. The second
pill (taken 24 to 48 hours after the first pill) causes cramping and bleeding,
which results in your uterus being emptied.
- The Abortion Procedure (a minor same-day surgical procedure) at
any of our clinics. Surgical abortion is commonly performed in the
first trimester, (up to 12 weeks’ gestation period) – it has a low risk when
performed during this timeframe. The procedure can also be performed when you’re
in your second trimester (up to 20 weeks). However, the surgery is more
complicated if undergone at this point.
Based on the gestation (stage of your pregnancy), our nurses and doctors will
recommend what safe abortion procedure is right for you. Our prices are affordable
and abortion clinics are located across South Africa.
What is procedural
Sedation?
Procedural sedation is when you are given a sedative through an oral tablet or an IV
line – used to reduce anxiety, discomfort, and pain during surgical procedures. This
medication works by minimising pain, making you drowsy and less aware of the
procedure as it takes place. Unlike a general anaesthetic which makes you
unconscious, you will be awake and will be able to communicate verbally with the
doctor.
Up to 24 hours after the procedure, your coordination will be affected and you
should not undertake skilled tasks.
What are the risks?
The incidence of side effects with sedation are very rare and include unintended
loss of consciousness, drowsiness, dizziness, shivering (4%), headaches (4%), and
post sedation nausea & vomiting (0.7%)
If you become too drowsy, the effects will be reversed by the use of another
medication. You may experience a reduction in the amount of oxygen in your
bloodstream, due to reduced breathing during sedation. Your breathing level will be
monitored throughout the procedure. You should inform the clinician about your
medical history, including any medication you are taking and if you had any problems
with having either general anaesthetic or sedation
- Very rare risks: – Allergic reaction to the sedative drugs that you have been
given
Side effects of an
abortion
Planning on making an appointment for an abortion? Before proceeding with terminating
a pregnancy find a safe abortion provider and be informed about the side
effects of an abortion.
Post-abortion
contraceptives
When you do an abortion, and you elect to start a contraceptive method on the day of
your procedure, we include the contraceptive as part of the package.
Medical abortion: Post-abortion family planning is available on the
day of the service and includes: contraceptive pills, the contraceptive patch, and
injectable contraceptives*
Surgical abortion: Post-abortion family planning is available on the
day of the procedure and includes: contraceptive pills, the contraceptive patch,
injectable contraceptives, and the intra-uterine contraceptive device (i.e.:
copper-IUD)*. In some instances, it may not be possible for the IUD to be placed on
the same day, if this is the case, and you elect to come back on another day for an
IUD to be inserted, the standard fee (family planning consultation plus the cost of
the IUD device) would apply.
*IUS ( e.g.Mirena, Kyleena) devices are not bundled in the
post-abortion package. If you would like an IUS fitted, then please note that you
will be required to purchase your own device and be eligible for the cost of the
fitting of the IUS.
Providing access to safe abortion and post-abortion care is
at the core of our mission.
