Abortion & Adoption Information

Where can an abortion take place?

 
Abortions can take place in hospitals, family planning centres or in private clinics. You can take advice from your doctor or gynaecologist or search on Google to find a location suitable for you.

How soon can the abortion take place?

An abortion can usually be performed within the 12 weeks following conception, however laws vary in different countries. In the UK, an abortion can be performed within the 24 weeks following conception and in some USA states the limit is 6 weeks.

If you wish to have an abortion, it is advisable to consult a doctor or a gynaecologist as quickly as possible to inform him/her of your intention to abort in order to date the age of pregnancy.

The abortion can never take place during your first medical appointment. A delay of several days for reflection must be respected between the first interview and the abortion itself unless there is an urgent medical reason for the woman to advance the termination of pregnancy. You therefore have time to reflect on whether or not to confirm your decision.

Exceptions beyond the legally allowed weeks can be made in the case of a medical termination of a pregnancy. For example, if the pregnancy endangers the health of the woman or when medical examinations reveal that the unborn child will be suffering from a serious condition, recognized as incurable at the time of diagnosis. This type of intervention is performed only in the hospital.

What is the process?

Usually there are three stages involved in an abortion; a preliminary interview, the abortion itself and the follow-up appointment.

The Preliminary Interview:

During a first interview, a welcoming person (normally a psychologist or social worker) listens to you, confidentially and without judgment. He/She is subject to professional secrecy. This profession helps you, if necessary, to clarify your situation. He/She informs you in a global way about abortion (law, procedure, methods, etc.) and about alternatives to abortion.

The listening professional does not judge, does not identify the situation and does not blame the person (s) in front of him/her.

During this first interview, you will also meet a doctor from the Center who will be cover three areas.

Gynecological examination

The doctor assesses the state of your pregnancy (via an ultrasound). He/She ensures that there are no contraindications. He/She advises if additional examinations are required. He/She performs a Pap smear (sexually transmitted infection screening). He/She also determines the number of weeks of pregnancy and what method of intervention can be offered. He/She must also know your blood group before the procedure.

Appreciation of the state of mind

The doctor and the host make sure of your determination to want to terminate your pregnancy and that you act of your own free will (without pressure from anyone).

Information

The doctor gives you all the useful information relating to the procedure itself (procedure, possible risks, possible pain and precautions).

The abortion

On the day of the intervention you must confirm your decision in writing. This confirmation will be attached to your medical file (this provision is provided for by law). Women who do not speak or read the national language can use an interpreter to make an informed commitment.

There are 2 methods for abortion, the drug method (abortion pill) and the surgical method. Your doctor will discuss with you the best option for you.

During the intervention, the host is present with the doctor to accompany you. If you wish, you can be accompanied by the person of your choice (partner, parent, friend, etc.).

The two methods of abortion

 
The drug method (abortion pill)

This is a non-surgical method. It causes the expulsion of the embryo, which can be likened to a miscarriage. It is practised in two stages:

You are take a medicine in the presence of an authorized person (doctor or caregiver).This medication works to block hormone receptors which weakens the course of pregnancy.

After approximately 48 hours, you must return and stay for 4 hours at the Family Planning Center. You take a further medicine that causes contractions in the uterus and triggers the expulsion of the embryo naturally. During these 4 hours, professionals will be able to observe your reactions to the medication (pain, drops in blood pressure, etc.) and assist if need be.

The abortion will not necessarily take place at the Center. It can happen later, in the evening or the next day if your doctor has allowed you to leave the centre and return home. The doctor or host will give you the necessary advice and answer all your questions so that the abortion goes as smoothly as possible.

The surgical or method

This method is performed under local anaesthetic of the cervix. In some hospitals, general anaesthetic is possible. However, general anaesthetic is not the norm due to associated risks and costs.

The doctor introduces a probe through the vagina into the uterus. The pregnancy is removed using suction. The process lasts 15 to 20 minutes. It also includes the administering of local anaesthetic and dilation of the cervix. Most women rest for a few hours before returning home.

Does it hurt?
 
The feeling of pain varies from woman to woman. Your doctors will asses your pain and may try to relieve you. Most women experience pain near the end of the procedure (whether by medication or surgery) when the uterus contracts. This pain is often compared to that experienced during painful periods. It is sometimes stronger but does not last long. Afterwards, you may experience nausea, diarrhoea, bleeding and stomach cramps.

Follow-up
 
Two to three weeks after the abortion, a follow-up visit takes place. During this visit, the doctor examines the state of your physical and psychological health. He/she will return to the question of contraception which would have already been mentioned during the preliminary interview.

What is the purpose of the follow-up visit?

To be screened if there are no medical problems likely to cause complications later.

To assess possible emotional, emotional or psychological difficulties following abortion. If necessary, the host and doctor are there to support you and talk about your situation;

To consider effective contraception adapted to your situation.

The Family Planning Centres are at your disposal during the intervention, for the follow-up interview but also, afterwards if you need it. The professionals of the Centres are at your disposal for any question related to abortion, contraception and relational, emotional and sexual life in general.

In case of emergency, outside the hours of consultation of the Family Planning Center and during the weekend, do not hesitate to contact the gynaecologist on call at the Hospital or Center nearest to you.

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