Abortion

With no contraceptive method 100% effective, unplanned pregnancy is a reality in women's lives. Research has shown that half of all Australian women have experienced an unplanned pregnancy and of those 60% were using at least one form of contraception at the time.

Abortion is the end (termination) of a pregnancy. Most abortions are performed during the first trimester of pregnancy (up to 12 weeks), but some might be performed in the second trimester (12–24 weeks) or, in rare circumstances, in the third trimester (24–36 weeks).

A number of studies show most Australians support the idea of safe and legal abortion. It’s important that all women have access to accurate information about abortion so they can make their own informed decision.

Abortion types

Two types of abortion are currently available:

Surgical abortion - a low-risk procedure most commonly used for first trimester (7–12 weeks) abortion in Australia. Known as suction aspiration or suction curette, it involves removing the lining and contents of the uterus (womb). A range of other surgical techniques are used for abortion later in pregnancy.

A Surgical abortion usually requires you to fast before the procedure and you will not be able to drive yourself home. 

Medical abortion - a low-risk alternative to surgery used for terminating pregnancies earlier than 7–9 weeks (depending on the clinic). RU486 (mifepristone), also known as ‘the abortion pill’, is the most widely known medication used for this procedure. It’s available in some clinics in Australia and is up to 98 per cent effective when used in the first nine weeks of pregnancy.

Medical abortion has been recommended by experts as an effective and safe method of terminating early stage pregnancies.

Medical abortion is an alternative to surgical termination and both have unique advantages and disadvantages. These include the time taken to complete the procedure, the number of clinic visits required, effectiveness, side effects and complications.


Learn more about :
Complications of abortion

Causes of Miscarriage