You do not need to feel alone – talk to any one of our helpline professionals.

We are here to help guide and support you through any choice you need to make.

Questions and facts about Safe Abortion

Questions

1. At what age is it legal to have an abortion?

The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act states that a woman can have an abortion. If you’re young and have concerns, we advise that you chat to a trusted adult (a parent, aunt or teacher). You can also ask someone to accompany you to the centre for your appointment, but this is not required.

Medication abortion: Medication abortion, also known as the ‘abortion pill’, uses a combination of two medications (in pill form) to terminate a pregnancy. The first pill (Mifepristone) is taken orally in the clinic, and the second pill (Misoprostol) is taken later at home.

Surgical abortion: Early surgical abortion (4-12 weeks) involves a gentle suction method, which the nurse will use to remove the tissue from the uterus. This is a speedy and straightforward procedure that takes less than 5 minutes.

The Surgical abortion (12- 20 weeks) is a surgical procedure where the pregnancy is removed vaginally; it is performed by a doctor.

Is pregnancy after abortion possible? Is it possible to fall pregnant again after one week. So, it’s essential to talk to a medical professional about a contraceptive method that’s right for you.

Yes, having an abortion is safe provided that the procedure takes place at a reputable, accredited clinic and is performed by a medical professional.

You can expect sporadic mild to severe cramps whether you choose to have a medication abortion (often called the abortion pill) or a surgical abortion (a minor same-day procedure). However, pain can be managed by medication.

Facts

  1. Safe abortion is a legal human right in South Africa.
  2. The morning-after pill and the abortion pill are not the same things.
  3. Abdominal scans/ultrasounds and a blood test are the most accurate ways to confirm if you’re pregnant.
  4. The type of abortion that will be recommended is dependent on your gestation period (number of weeks into your pregnancy.)
  5. It is illegal for abortions to be performed after 20 weeks’ gestation period.
If you are still unsure about abortion,  abortion side effects  and the options you have in this regard
please contact us on info@pregnancybychoice.co.za
and we will help guide and support you.

CONFIDENTIALITY. We guarantee your rights to confidentiality during your pregnancy.
All personal information submitted remains private and confidential.

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