Sexual and Reproductive Health Services

"Why is there not just a simple national website that lists the providers, what they can offer, what they can't, if they're free or if they charge and then their number?" she says. In the lead-up, she was required to undergo counselling with one of the hospital's social workers, and make arrangements for a birth and death certificate, given the foetus was more than 20 weeks. Her doctor had called Orange Health Service but was told their abortion service had been "suspended". Distraught, Kate went back to the GP and then had to wait several days for an ultrasound, which confirmed she was still pregnant — now 20 weeks along. Kate was meant to have a blood test 10 days later to confirm the pregnancy had passed. Most people with a story of obstructed access to abortion prefer to conceal their identities.
The most consequential change is the TGA’s August 2023 deregulation of MS-2 Step prescribing, which removed the certification requirements that had limited prescribing to a small registered pool of medical practitioners. Abortion service providers are located across Victoria in a range of health services and private practices. The costs, procedures and time required can vary from service to service. Having an abortion earlier in a pregnancy can minimise procedure costs and maximise fertility control clinic your options.

Taking a pain reliever half an hour before misoprostol can alleviate discomfort. From their offices in Brisbane, the counselling service Children By Choice provides guidance to women like Amy as they grapple with the difficult decision. Once bleeding starts, it is normal to pass large blood clots and clumps of tissue. After the first few hours, your bleeding should settle to the same level as your normal period and remain like this for the next few days to a week. You can also expect an onset of heavy vaginal bleeding within the first 24 hours of taking the second dose of abortion medication.
Please refer to our medical abortion and surgical abortion pages for more detailed information about your options. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our health service is built, those of the Taungurung and Wurundjeri people, and we acknowledge their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present.
Choosing what type of abortion is right for you is a personal decision; however will be largely determined by how far along you are in your pregnancy. It is important to note that this is calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period and not the date that conception occurred. Surgical abortion services were reinstated at Queanbeyan and expanded across the region after the ABC's investigation. Every day, in hospitals across the country, surgeons compete for resources in what doctors argue is a chronically under-funded and under-staffed health system. In a hospital setting, that might involve a nurse or specialist refusing to take part in a surgical abortion and letting their managers know. The result, she says, is that progress depends on individuals within those hospitals who are willing to go above and beyond to ensure essential health care is provided.

Dedicated GP's at Healthy Haven Family Clinic are here to guide you through the process of a medical abortion in Melbourne. Expect a compassionate approach, ensuring you’re fully informed and comfortable with every step of the process. Should you require any further support after your medical abortion, our doctors will be there to provide ongoing care and additional referrals to help you properly maintain your health. We will organise two follow-up appointments scheduled 7 and 14 days after taking the first medical abortion pill. During your first follow-up appointment, we will perform another blood test to check if your hormone levels have dropped and confirm you are no longer pregnant. Cramps are a common side effect of a medical abortion and typically start around 1-4 hours after taking the second dose of medication, but how painful is a medical abortion, exactly?
We’re a confidential and free phone line and online service, giving you information about contraception, pregnancy options (including abortion) and sexual health. Patients will experience some pain, cramping and bleeding that can range from mild to severe. Your doctor will prescribe pain relief along with the medical abortion tablets to take as required. Other common side effects include nausea, vomiting & diarrhoea as well as headaches. The cost of a medical termination varies from patient to patient because there are a range of factors that must be taken into account such as health cover, Medicare rebate and services required.
If you have a concession healthcare card you may be eligible to have an abortion at your local public hospital. You can choose to have an IUD contraceptive device, or Implanon fitted at the time of surgical abortion. Most abortions in Victoria are performed by private providers (such as GPs, private clinics and specialists) which means you will need to pay for the abortion. Most people will also need to pay for blood tests and ultrasound scans. As each private provider has their own schedule of fees and charges, you will need to speak to them directly about their costs.

Supportive healthcare professionals can offer essential guidance and help navigate the emotional aspects. Access to support communities allows individuals to connect with others who have undergone similar experiences, fostering shared understanding and healing. Managing pain and side effects is crucial during the medical abortion process. Pain, often similar to strong menstrual cramps, can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol, ibuprofen and sometimes codeine.
As the patient inhales, the liquid vaporises into a non-opioid, fruity-smelling gas that blocks pain signals. A single dose delivers consistent relief that typically lasts for 25 to 30 minutes. For more information on where to get an Abortion in Australia, costs involved, and processes, please see our article on How to Get an Abortion in Australia. When it comes to finances, the choice between condoms and a vasectomy seems pretty obvious.

Northern Health celebrates, values and includes people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures, bodies and abilities. The process of passing the pregnancy tissue can vary from a few hours to several days. Light bleeding may ensue for approximately two weeks after your abortion. Explore the different types of abortion procedures available with 1800 My Options. Gain insights into each method, including how they work and what to expect, to make an informed choice about your reproductive health. An abortion or termination is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy.
After 24 to 48 hours, take the four misoprostol tablets, located in the purple box. These tablets should be placed between your cheek and gum and left to dissolve for 30 minutes. After this time, you can swallow any medication remnants with water.