Ending a Pregnancy: Medical Termination
In Australia, one in three women will have a termination of pregnancy. Of these women, a third, if not more of them, will have a second one at some point during their reproductive years.
Deciding to end a pregnancy is a difficult choice for any woman.
In Australia, one in three women will have a termination. Of these women, a third, if not more of them, will have a second one at some point during their reproductive years.
Reasons for terminating a pregnancy are complex.
Whatever the reason might be, women can educate themselves on their options.
Medical termination of pregnancy was introduced to Australia ten years ago, though it was already widely used in other parts of the world. In Scotland and the Scandinavian countries, for example, 90% of all abortions are performed medically.
To end a pregnancy, women have two choices – a medical termination of pregnancy, known as MTOP, or a surgical termination of pregnancy, known as STOP.
The Bubble practitioners provide a professional yet supportive and compassionate experience for those going through this difficult decision. Extensive non directive counselling is provided with qualified trained doctors.
Medical termination (MTOP) services are available at The Bubble. Referrals can be provided to the STOP clinics within the local public hospital.
In Australia it is available to most women up to 63 days’ gestation (9 weeks).
Medical termination within 9 weeks gestation is a low risk, non-surgical procedure with a high success rate. If you are more than 9 weeks pregnant you cannot have a medical termination and we can help with arranging a surgical termination for you.
You will need to have an ultrasound (dating scan) and blood test before having a medical abortion. This can either be arranged by your GP and forwarded to us or we can arrange for you prior to your appointment. In most instances, our doctors can perform the dating scan at your initial appointment.
You will typically need 2-3 visits (2 visits only if you have been referred to us by your GP with investigations ordered or we have arranged investigations for you prior to your appointment). Please disclose when booking an appointment that you require an appointment to discuss medical termination of pregnancy.
A medical termination happens in two stages:
- you will be given a tablet to take straight away
- you will then be given tablets to take 24-48 hours later.
After taking both of these tablets you will experience something similar to a miscarriage. Bleeding may be heavy at first and then becomes lighter. Sometimes bleeding can last longer than 2 weeks. Your doctor will discuss what to expect after the medical termination. There are risks involved with all medical procedures, including termination. The doctors will discuss these risks with you.
The consults will confirm pregnancy and non-directive counselling of options (continuation of pregnancy, adoption, MTOP, STOP) will be provided. Suitability for medical termination is gained. Prescription is provided and follow up arranged (blood test form will be provided to have done prior to next visit to ensure completion of termination). The consults can last anywhere between 40-60 minutes.
Costs of these specialised appointments are detailed within our Fees page. There will be an additional cost to the pharmacy for the prescription (this is a PBS script) and the ultrasound.
Offering appointments for Ending a Pregnancy: Medical Termination:
