Affordable Abortion Procedures And When To Choose One
Although accessing public primary health care is not an option for most women, public awareness of women’s rights and access to information regarding abortion is still important. Women in need of abortion services are supposed to know the different abortion procedures available at their disposal in order to make informed decisions before they run outta of time.
Although abortion is legal in South-africa, it is important to note the regulations and restrictions surrounding the termination of pregnancy in various stages of pregnancy and the this timeline and when abortions are legally and ethically acceptable in order to make informed decisions about ones reproductive health.
Time-line for Abortion in South Africa
In the first trimester, 4 – 13 weeks, a woman can obtain an abortion simply by requesting it. Absolutely no reason is required, making this a convenient option for any woman of any age seeking to terminate a pregnancy.
In the second trimester, 13 – 20 weeks, this abortion option is permitted in the event that there is a threat to physical or mental health of the woman, or if the baby is expected to exhibit severe abnormalities.
Available Abortion Procedures in South Africa
Medical Abortion
When considering an abortion procedures, many women find medication abortion to be the best option for them because it is quick, feels more natural and the procedure can be completed in the comfort of their own home.
This procedure requires two different types of abortion tablets along with antibiotics to ensure safety and effectiveness.
- The first tablet administered is Mifepristone, an anti-hormone medication that blocks progesterone, this hormone is essential for a pregnancy to continue.
- The second tablet, Misoprostol, is taken 12-24 hours later and works to open the cervix and prompt powerful uterine contractions that cause the expulsion of the pregnancy.
Surgical Abortions
Surgical abortion also known as in-clinic procedure is a more illusive and complex abortion procedure carried out under conscious sedation with the help of a local anaesthetic for optimal comfort.
Once the anaesthetic has fully taken effect, the abortion doctor uses a gentle suction technique called vacuum aspiration procedure to insert a small tube into the lining of the uterus and remove the contents of the womb.
It is an efficient and effective method when it comes to ensuring optimal outcomes during the abortion. It is also utilized in cases of incomplete abortions, where the contents and lining of the uterus need to be removed to avoid complications.
We understand that deciding on the best abortion procedure can seem overwhelming, but we are here to help guide you through this process. By taking into account your weeks of pregnancy and your past medical history, we can ensure that you receive the best possible care tailored to your unique needs.
This Article: – What is the best abortion option for me Is A Must Read
Conclusion
As a responsible individual, it is important to ensure that you are well informed about your healthcare options, risks involved with abortions in order to make the best decision for yourself and your loved ones. This is particularly true when it comes to sensitive and deeply personal matters like choosing the most suitable abortion procedure for your unique circumstances.
Sources:
- WHO, Preventing Unsafe Abortion (2020). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/preventing-unsafe-abortion
- HEARD, Country Fact Sheet: South Africa, Unsafe Abortion (2018). https://www.heard.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/south-africa-country-factsheet-abortion-20161.pdf
- Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (1996). https://www.parliament.gov.za/storage/app/media/ProjectsAndEvents/womens_month_2015/docs/Act92of1996.pdf
- Reproaction, Understanding, and Advocating for Self-Managed Abortion. https://reproaction.org/campaign/self-managed-abortion/
You Are Not Alone!
With the help of trusted healthcare providers and supportive resources, you can approach this decision with the peace of mind and assurance you need.
You don’t have to face this alone. Allow us to support you every step of the way, starting with a comprehensive evaluation of your situation at our state-of-the-art facility.
With our experience and expertise, we can provide personalized recommendations to help you make an informed decision about your reproductive health.
Simply walk into our clinic and let our compassionate team take a closer look to suggest the best treatment options for you.