Important Changes to Medical Abortion Procedures
From August 2009
- Medical abortion procedure now done up to 9 weeks (63 days)
- Patients who are 7 weeks pregnant or less (49 days) can choose to go home after medication has been administered on day 2
MTOP Procedure at AMAC - Day One
Anticipate that you will be at the clinic for approximately two and a half hours. Please be on time or it may not be possible to see you that day. and our next available appointment may be too late for you to use medical abortion.
Bring any information from your doctor (e.g. test results) and a community service card for prescriptions.
On Arrival
A receptionist will show you to your private room, request you to complete admission forms, and assist with payment transactions. You will be shown to where you can access bathroom facilities, complimentary coffee, and a variety of teas, chilled water and biscuits throughout your stay.
Your AMAC support person will collect all of the relevant tests and forms from reception, then meet you shortly after completion of your forms.
Counselling
Your AMAC support person will be a nurse or a nurse with counselling training. Counselling is a helping process that to be effective must have your willing co-operation. The decision for counselling is yours in law and will not be forced upon you. However your nurse will still need to ensure that you have all the information you require to be able to make an informed decision and consent, in order for the abortion to proceed. She will produce a written report for the two certifying consultants on your behalf.
A translator, who is fluent in both English and your own language, will need to accompany you if your English is insufficient for the interview and informed consent. (Family members and partners are not acceptable in this role). A competent English speaker must stay with you overnight in case an emergency arises. Full understanding of information is a necessary part of your careful decision and safe treatment.
First Certifying Consultant
Following your nurse/counsellor interview, you will meet the Consultant to discuss your request for abortion. Your abortion will be approved if the doctor believes it is indicated and meets the legal criteria. If you are declined by this consultant or decide to continue your pregnancy at this stage of the day you will be refunded your fee, less $250.00, the charge for administration and consulting fees, which have already taken place.
Second Certifying Consultant
The second Certifying Consultant will meet with you next to assess your request and answer any questions. This doctor must also approve the abortion. Neither doctor will approve your abortion to proceed on the same day if there is any doubt about your decision, or they believe the decision is not of your own free will. Once approved, the doctor will assist you with your choice of contraception and administer Mifepristone (the abortion pill) this must be taken at AMAC.
Recovery
We require you stay and rest for a minimum of 30 minutes, to ensure there are no adverse reactions like vomiting. You will be discharged with written instructions on how to take care of yourself until the next visit, emergency contact numbers and an appointment time for your second visit.
Procedure Day Two (The next day)
Bring with you
- Spare underpants, toiletries, and sanipads if you have a long journey home.
- A light lunch (there is a bakery close by)
- Books, puzzles or music CD’s
Most women stay between 3 - 6 hours. The medication will be administered shortly after your arrival. You will be made comfortable to enable you to rest and read a book, watch TV or a DVD. During your stay you may eat and drink normally unless there is abdominal discomfort at which stage we suggest fluids only.
Recovery Day Two
Once the pregnancy is passed you will need to rest for about half an hour. If all is well you will be discharged home with written aftercare and follow-up instructions. If after six hours the abortion is not complete you will be offered the choice of either going home to complete the abortion or undergoing a surgical procedure that afternoon. Either way you will be given comprehensive written aftercare instructions.