Clinical Guideline for Abortion Care

Abortion is no longer a criminal offence and is available on request and for any reason up to 22 weeks of pregnancy. It’s here that I’ll confirm the pregnancy has ended and organise a form of contraception that’s right for you. The ultrasound and blood test can be done locally and are usually bulk billed. A blood test is also helpful at this time to measure pregnancy hormone levels and to check for anaemia. It’s vital to have a plan for ongoing contraception, something I’ll always discuss with you when the time is right. Some radiology companies will bulk-bill the ultrasound, while others might charge – it’s best to check before making your appointment.
Broadly speaking, medical terminations can be prescribed up to nine weeks of pregnancy, through administering the abortion pills fertility control mifepristone and misoprostol, also known as MS-2 Step. Unfortunately, access to abortion due to cost and legal restrictions means access to the procedure is  not equal for Australian women. But if you are seeking an abortion, here is the breakdown of costs.

If the patient’s condition deteriorates or changes, please re-refer them with additional information and new/more recent investigations (if applicable). All referrals, whether emailed or faxed, are centrally processed by our Access Centre. Our facilities, procedures, practices and people continually go through rigorous quality assurance testing and accreditation. This is at the very core of who we are and serves to guide pretty much everything we do. Strip away any religious or societal judgement regarding abortion, and you are left with a difficult decision.
On the day of your procedure, you can expect to be at the hospital or clinic for 3 to 4 hours. While the procedure itself is quick, you’ll need to read and sign some paperwork, prepare for the procedure, and spend some time in the recovery room. You may feel slightly drowsy for some time after the procedure. But the process took too long and a few days later, when Dr Hyde was ready to present the options, her patient was gone. She started her clinic – which is currently performing 10 to 15 terminations a week – because she was tired of the lack of abortion care available in the region. Conscientious objection is far from the only roadblock to equitable access.
In Victoria, the cost of a medical abortion can differ depending on several variables. It is imperative to familiarize one’s self with these elements in order to make an informed decision about their healthcare. In today’s progressive society, it is essential to empower women and guarantee their reproductive privileges. Access to safe and inexpensive abortion services is a hugely important component of reproductive healthcare. Medical abortion in Victoria is lawful and commonly attainable for those wishing to terminate a pregnancy in its infancy.

Before your medical termination, it is important that you book a few days off work and consider the care  of any children. You may also wish to organise for a close family member or friend to stay with you as you undergo the procedure. Make sure you are located close to a hospital in case any complications arise.
As we are a Registered Day Hospital, private fund rebates may be available, depending on your level of cover & waiting periods. Abortion is a common and legal procedure in all Australian states and territories. If you have been referred to the Abortion and Contraception Service, they will contact you to discuss the referral. Talk to the clinic to find out more about which option may be best for you. If you are using the internet for information, only use reliable and reputable websites, such as the ones provided above.

Our doctors offer medical and counselling support for your unplanned pregnancy. A referral is not required to access our family planning service. We support your right to choose what is best for you and your individual circumstances.
Every woman’s situation is unique, our caring team are here to provide confidential, supportive, and compassionate care. There is no cost for attending a pregnancy options counselling appointment. For pregnancy options counselling or abortion referrals, the pregnancy must be confirmed (urine/blood hCG) prior to referral. Do not delay referral while awaiting US or other pathology results.

However, if you experience really heavy bleeding — bleeding that soaks through two pads an hour, for at least 2 hours in a row — call your doctor or the clinic where you got your abortion. Sometimes, doctors insert small dilators into the cervix a few hours  before your procedure, or even the day before. Before your procedure begins, a doctor or nurse may give you some medication to help with cramping. They may also give you medication to help open your cervix, the passageway between your vagina and your uterus.
The Abortion guideline provides the first evidence-based bi-national clinical practice guideline on abortion care for Australia and New Zealand. The resource assists GPs to provide timely and high-quality care, with medical and surgical methods presented as safe, effective and acceptable options. In Queensland, NSW, Victoria and WA, most surgical abortions are performed in private clinics clustered in capital cities. Some public hospitals, community health services and GP clinics will have lower fees, or fully bulk bill.
Other things to think about include the cost of logistics like travel, child care, and time off work. Immediately after your procedure, your doctor may check your uterus to ensure it’s completely empty. Many people will feel cramping during the procedure, but the cramping typically decreases after the tube is removed from the uterus. Before your procedure begins, you will typically be offered light sedation.