Abortion: Let's Talk About It.

Abortion: Let’s talk about it.

why talk about it?

Despite Victoria being praised for its abortion access compared to other Australian states and territories, many Victorians feel unsure about how it all works.

This is largely due to a lack of public dialogue about our options, and social stigmas against talking about it in everyday conversations. So, let’s talk about it.

the basics

Any pregnant person can get a surgical abortion up to 24 weeks. After the 12 week mark, it can be a more complicated process, even more so after 24 weeks, but it is very rare for a person to need an abortion by that stage.

Up to 9 weeks gestation, there is also the option of a medication abortion, which can be taken in two doses at a clinic or at home.

Both of these options are very safe and have a high success-rate.

the law

• Abortions up to 24 weeks can be performed by a medical practitioner with the pregnant person’s consent.

• After 24 weeks, two doctors must consider the abortion appropriate in all circumstances.

• Pharmacists or nurses can supply prescription abortion drugs.

• If a GP has a conscientious objection to the abortion then they must refer the patient to another medical practitioner.

• Abortion providers are surrounded by 150m of a ‘safe access zone’, where patients are legally protected from harassment or obstruction.

what’s a medication abortion?

A medication abortion is a set of two pills that a pregnant person can take either in a clinic or at home, and can be purchased in pharmacies across Victoria. They are only eligible up to 9 weeks gestation, and can still cost around the same amount as a surgical abortion.

The pills are taken over two days, with the first pill’s (Mifepristone) effects being unnoticeable, so you can go about your day as usual. The second pill (Misoprostol) essentially induces a miscarriage, and therefore can be more a painful/uncomfortable experience. Because of this, you need to organise a support person to be there with you for the second dosage in case you need any help or emotional support. It typically takes two days to physically and mentally recover from the abortion, and you then need to attend a follow-up appointment.

where can i get an abortion?

Clinics and hospitals specialising in abortions are spread throughout Victoria, and while there are online resources that can help you find your nearest option, you can also ask your GP to refer you to one.

Medication abortions are available to buy throughout Victoria, and telehealth options are available so that you don’t have to travel to a clinic if it is inconvenient.

There are currently only 24 clinics in Victoria o ering surgical abortions, half of which are located in the Melbourne Metro area.

what happens after 24 weeks?

Abortions veryrarely occur after 24 weeks, and are usually in response to a planned pregnancy where the fetus and/or mother’s life is now at risk in some way. Abortions at this stage are also significantly more expensive and require two doctors’ approval for the procedure to go ahead. The decision to have an abortion at this stage is not made lightly.

Other common circumstances include:

• The fetus has an abnormality that will result in either death or a very short and painful lifespan.

• They were not able to access any abortion services earlier.

• The pregnant person has been diagnosed with a terminal illness.

• The pregnant person did not know they were pregnant until this stage.