An unplanned pregnancy can be one of the most difficult times of a woman’s life and our team at Women's Health Road on Sydney's Northern Beaches is here to support and care for you during this time. We are a non-judgemental and passionately pro-choice service who will provide you with expert care and compassion during this difficult time. For many women the topic of abortion or termination is somewhat of a taboo and women can feel very isolated and alone during this time. Terminations are very common and it is estimated that 1 in 4 women will have an abortion during their life, so you are not alone. We are here to work with you and counsel you through your options. Our clinic can provide onsite or telehealth medical termination as well as onsite sensitive ultrasound imaging for pregnancy dating and follow up of any complications that may arise. No referral is required to attend our clinic. 

About Medical Termination

• It is available up until 9 weeks (63 days) gestation.

• It is completed after confirmation of an intrauterine pregnancy via ultrasound which can be completed onsite.

• It involves taking two medications in the privacy and comfort of your own home supported by a loved one. 

• The medications essentially induce a miscarriage and thus causes bleeding and cramping.

• It is 95-97% effective. 

• It is considered very safe for most women and does not impact on your future fertility. 

What is involved in a Medical Termination?

• No referral is required to attend our clinic, but you may have had a blood tests and/or ultrasound with your regular doctor prior to our visit. If you have not had these, we can organise these.  

• You will be required to have a number of blood tests, complete an ultrasound and have at least 2 consultations with the doctor. 

• You will then need to take the medications as described below. 

Taking the medication

• The medication is called MS2Step.

• The first step is Mifepristone. This is 1 tablet you take with water. Some minor spotting or bleeding may occur but are usually short lived. Most women are able to carry out their normal activities after taking the first medication. Once this medication is taken the process must be completed. 

• The second step is called Misoprostol.This is 4 tablets dissolved in the mouth and taken 36-48 hours after the first medication (mifepristone). Misoprostol causes contractions of the uterus and expel the contents of the uterus. You are likely to have bleeding and cramps within 1-4 hours after taking the tablets so we recommend you take this medication when you can stay home for most of the day. 

What are the side effects?

• Most people have bleeding and cramping that ranges from mild to severe. It would be heavier and more painful than a typical period. The cramping usually lasts around 24 hours but the bleeding may continue for two weeks or more. Taking regular pain relief is recommended and having a support person is also important. Alternate child care arrangements for existing children is strongly recommended if possible.

• Other Side Effects may include - fevers, chills, diarrhoea, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. 

What happens after I have taken the medications?

• You will be given a 24 hour aftercare phone number for advice should you need it, as well as a fact sheet about what to expect. 

• You will need to have a blood test 7 days after you take the first medication to ensure the medication has worked. 

• You will then have a follow up appointment in person or via telehealth 14-21 days after taking the medication. There is no fee for this follow up appointment. 

• It is recommended to not use tampons, go swimming, having sex or baths for 2 weeks after a termination or until the bleeding subsides.

When can I expect to be back at work?

• Most people are able to return to work within 48 hours of taking the second medication. 

• Please ask for a medical certificate if one has not already been provided. 

Contraception

• After a medical or surgical termination your fertility returns immediately and it is strongly recommended to have a clear contraception plan for after the termination is completed. 

• All Contraception options can be provided by our clinic and include the the following:

• Hormonal intrauterine device such as a Kyleena, Mirena or Copper IUD

• Hormonal implant - Implanon

• Oral contraception pill 

• Progesterone only pill 

• A separate follow up appointment will be required for the insertion of an IUD. 

Who can not have a medical termination?

• Pregnancy beyond 9 weeks, contact our to talk about surgical options

• Pregnancy which is not within the uterus - ie an ectopic pregnancy. 

• Those with certain medical conditions including chronic adrenal failure, long term steroid use, hypocoagulation diseases, anticoagulant use

• Allergy to the medications. 

Useful resources 

• Pregnancy Choices Helpline may be helpful on deciding what is the best option for you 1800 008 463

• Medical Termination Patient Information Booklet

Post termination telehealth counseling service:

https://birthline.org.au/counselling/post-abortion-counselling/