A surgical abortion can also be known as an in-clinic abortion or suction abortion. Although it is called a surgical abortion, it is a procedure rather than surgery. If you are less than 15 weeks along this is a safe and effective option to end a pregnancy.
A surgical abortion is a procedure that uses gentle suction to empty the uterus.
The procedure involves coming into one of our clinics for around three hours, although the procedure itself only takes about 10 minutes. You are more than welcome to bring a support person with you to the clinic.
Your first half an hour in the clinic is spent with one of our nurses. They will walk you through what your time in the clinic will look like. They will take you through the steps of your procedure, what to expect, and guide you over the paperwork. You will be given two types of medication. The first medication is to help with any discomfort. The second medication, Misoprostol, prepares your body for the procedure.
Over the next hour, the Misoprostol will begin working to prepare your body for the procedure. You can either cosy up in one of the chairs in our recovery room or head out of the clinic – it’s up to you. You will begin to experience cramps and start to bleed. It will be like having a very heavy, crampy period.
After an hour, one of the nurses will take you through to the procedure room. The doctor will pass a small tube through your cervix and into your uterus. Gentle suction is applied to empty your uterus. Throughout the procedure, one of our nurses will be by your side.
After your procedure, you will spend time recovering in our recovery room. The nurse will check in on you to see how you are and prepare you to head home. You will be able to walk out of the clinic 30 minutes after your procedure. It is not safe to drive after taking the medication we give you to help with the discomfort. It is best to have someone drive you home.
If you would like to bring someone on your journey with you, they can accompany you to the clinic. Your support person can sit beside you in the recovery room before your procedure and/or hold your hand during. It is up to you to decide and invite them on the steps you are comfortable with. If you prefer knowing your support person is there but not right beside you, they can always wait in our waiting room.
Recovery takes a day or two. You may feel tired after your procedure, so take it easy during the days following. You can return to work, school, or any other commitments as early as the next day, as long as you feel up to it.
A surgical abortion is a procedure designed to empty your uterus using gentle suction. Before deciding on your procedure, you will talk with one of our nurses who will help you to decide if a surgical abortion is the right option for you, we call this a nurse consultation.
You can meet with the nurse by coming into one of our clinics for your consultation, or you can talk with them over the phone. Whichever is more convenient for you.
If you opt for an in-clinic consultation, you will most likely also be given an ultrasound. If you decide to proceed with a surgical abortion, you will be booked in for your procedure within the next 14 days.
If you would like more time to go away and think about your decision, that is okay. We can always book you in at a later date if you do decide you want to proceed.
If you opt for an over the phone consultation and decide to proceed with a surgical abortion, you will be booked you in for your procedure within the next 14 days. If the nurse determines that you need an ultrasound at this consult, one will be arranged for you in your local area.
If you would like more time to go away and think about your decision, that is okay. We can always book you in at a later date if you decide you want to proceed.
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
If you need to have an ultrasound, we will organise for this to happen at one of our clinics or in your local area
You decide the direction of your journey and if you want to proceed with an abortion
Book the day and time of your procedure
Organise to take the day off work, school, or any other commitments
Arrange for someone to drive you to and from our clinic
Stock up on pads, movies, books, and snacks
Arrive at our clinic on the day of your procedure
Take it easy for the next couple of days
Take time to process your journey
Reach out to us for support and help at any time
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.
