What Happens Before You Have an Abortion?

You won’t be rushed into making a decision when you visit a private abortion clinic. Instead, you will spend some time talking with the doctor and having some important medical checks.

Before Seeing a Doctor

The first think to do if you think you are pregnant is to perform a pregnancy test. If the result is positive, you will then need to think about your next steps. Most women will take some time to consider how they feel and what having a baby would mean for them before talking to a doctor. You might also want to discuss the pregnancy with your partner, a friend or a family member.

The Initial Consultation

When you are ready to see a doctor, you can make an appointment for an initial consultation at a private abortion clinic. You won’t be given an abortion right away, even if you are sure about your decision. You will need to go through the following steps before making your decision or having an abortion.

The doctor will perform a check up that may include the following tests:

• A transvaginal ultrasound to date the pregnancy as this can determine which types of termination can be performed
• Blood test to check your blood type and look for any health problems such as anaemia or infections that need to be treated
• STI testing

You will also spend some time discussing your pregnancy. The doctor will ensure that you understand your options so that you can make the right decision for yourself. You will talk about:

• Your reasons for considering a termination
• The options for your pregnancy, including the different types of abortion
• What will happen if you have an abortion and what the risks are
• How you might feel if you have an abortion

If you decide to go ahead with the termination, you can make another appointment at the private abortion clinic for treatment. However, you may want to take some more time to consider your options before making a decision about the pregnancy. You won’t be under any pressure to make a decision during the initial consultation if you aren’t ready. You can always go home and think about it or talk things over before arranging another appointment if you want to proceed with the termination.