Your guide to a medical abortion

What is a medical abortion?

A medical abortion, also known as an early medical abortion (EMA), or abortion pill is an alternative to a surgical abortion. A medical abortion is a safe option to end a pregnancy if you are less than 10 weeks along. It is designed for you to complete your abortion and miscarry at home or in your chosen safe space.

10 weeks pregnant

Suitable if less than 10 weeks pregnant

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Involves taking two types of medication

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You come into clinic to chat to our nurse and pick up your pills or just to collect your medication

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Miscarry in your chosen safe space

How does medical abortion work?

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A medical abortion involves taking two different medications 24-hours apart – Mifepristone and misoprostol.

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The first medication, Mifepristone, works by blocking your body’s production of progesterone – the hormone that is needed for the pregnancy to continue.
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The second medication, Misoprostol, causes the miscarriage to begin. These pills are taken 24 hours after the first pill. It is best to plan the day and time you wish to miscarry so that you can take time away from work, school, or any other commitments you may have.
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You will experience cramps and bleeding after taking the Misoprostol. This is your body emptying your uterus. It is like having a very heavy, crampy, period. A period where you want to lie somewhere comfortable with a hottie on your tummy. What you experience is the same as a natural miscarriage. The Misoprostol triggers your uterus to contract, and your body then naturally continues the process.

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Recovery from a medical abortion takes a few days. You may feel tired after your miscarriage so take it easy during the days following. As long as you feel up to it you can return to work, school, or any other commitments as early as the next day.

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We provide you with the medication and guidance needed for you to safely miscarry at home. If you have questions or concerns we encourage you to reach out to us. We are here to support you 24/7.

What’s involved in getting a medical abortion?

A medical abortion is designed for you to carry out your abortion in a space you feel safe and comfortable. You have a couple of options for meeting with our nurses and getting your pills.

Consultation Options

You can either come into one of our clinics for your consultation with one of our nurses, or you can meet with them over the phone. Whichever is more convenient for you.

In-clinic consultation

In-clinic consultation

If you opt for an in-clinic consultation, and you decide you want to go ahead, you will be given your medical abortion pack at your consultation. This pack will contain the abortion pills, medication to ease your discomfort, a special pregnancy test (to be taken 21 day’s after miscarrying), a guide of how to take the medication, as well as our after-hours phone number so you can contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

At your consultation we will also discuss contraception options with you.

If you would like more time to think about your decision that is okay. We can prepare a medical abortion pack for you to come and collect at a later date if you decide to proceed.

Over the phone consultation

Over the phone consultation

If you opt for an over the phone consultation and decide you want to go ahead, we will arrange a day and time for you to collect your abortion pack from us in clinic. This pack will contain the abortion pills, medication to ease your discomfort, a special pregnancy test (to be taken 21 day’s after miscarrying), a guide of how to take the medication, as well as our after-hours phone number so you can contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

During your consultation the nurse will discuss contraception options with you and this can also be provided when you come into clinic.

If during your consultation you decide you need more time to think things over, we can organise a day and time for you to collect your abortion pack once you are certain of continuing.

What are the steps of having a medical abortion?

Reach out to us

  • We will organise a blood test request, and book you in for a consult with one of our nurses either in-clinic or over the phone

  • You will need to have your blood test done at your local lab prior to your consultation

Our nurses will talk to you and discuss your options and support

  • You decide the direction of your journey and if you want to proceed with an abortion

If you choose to proceed, our nurses will help you plan when is best for you to miscarry

  • Stock up on pads, movies, books, and snacks

  • Prepare your safe and comforting space

Collect your abortion pack from us in clinic

  • Read the information provided in your pack

Safely miscarry in your chosen safe place

The following day one of our nurses will call to see how you are

Take it easy for the next couple of days

Take a pregnancy test 21-days after your miscarriage

Take time to process your journey

Reach out to us for  support and help at any time

Ready to take the next step in your journey?

Reach out online or call 0800 226 784 to speak to one of our nurses. We are here to support you every step of the way. This is your journey.

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