Safe Abortion Procedures in South Africa
The only way to terminate your pregnancy – don’t be fooled!
The info graphic below outlines the 6 fundamental steps
Abortion is a safe procedure if performed correctly by a medical professional. If a service provider doesn’t explain and follow all of these 6 steps, walk away!
Q. When can I terminate my pregnancy?
A. After 20 Weeks
Are you considering an abortion?
Having an abortion can be an unnerving emotional decision, but there are options available to you. Before making a decision, it’s best to consider booking an appointment for a counseling session where you will be able to discuss any questions/concerns so that you can make a well-informed decision about the type of safe abortion method that is best for you. If you decide to have an abortion, there are two procedures: medical or surgical. Click here to view our safe abortion website
Learn about a safe abortion
Various articles on abortions are listed to help you carefully decide on your pregnancy options and better understand a safe abortion.
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Is Abortion After Rape Okay?
Is Abortion After Rape Okay? No woman wants to be sexually assaulted, and the potential outcomes – pregnancy and birth – can be dangerously traumatic for rape and sexual assault victims. As a consequence, women [...]
Does post-abortion stress syndrome exist?
Does post-abortion stress syndrome exist? Post-abortion There’s a debate within the medical community about whether post-abortion stress syndrome (PASS) exists; however, whatever a medical professional’s stance may be, the emotional symptoms that many women [...]
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You can expect intermittent mild to severe cramps whether you choose the medical process (often called the abortion pill) or procedure (a minor same-day procedure). However, the pain can be managed by medication.
The cost of our services varies according to:
- the location of the Marie Stopes centre you choose
- the stage of your pregnancy
- the method you choose (medical process or procedure)
Please contact us for more information.
Yes. Neither abortion method will prevent you from getting pregnant in the future.
- The abortion pill is 98 – 99 percent effective.
- The procedure is 99 percent effective.
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 a Marie Stopes clinic. 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.
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sore breasts
- Fatigue
- Light vaginal bleeding
Emergency complications can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Excessive heavy bleeding
- Strong-smelling vaginal discharge
- Severe abdominal pain
