STOP Procedure at AMAC
For the Day
You will be at the clinic for approximately 6 hours. Discharge from our care is generally between 3.30 pm - 5.30 pm.Please plan to be here for at least that time.
What to bring with you:
- Any information from your doctor, e.g. letter or test results
- A spare pair of underwear
- Sanipads if you have a long out of town journey home
- Lens case for contact lens wearers
- Community service cards 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, a variety of teas, chilled water and biscuits throughout the day.
Your AMAC support person will collect all of the relevant tests and forms from reception, then will meet you shortly after your forms are completed.
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). ). Full understanding of information is a necessary part of your careful decision and safe treatment.
Lunch Break
An appointment will be given to meet the Consultant/ Operating Doctor then you may leave the clinic for a light lunch.
First Certifying Consultant
You will meet the Consultant/Operating Doctor shortly after your return 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.
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 pre-operative medication.
Surgical Procedure
Your procedure will follow approximately 45-90 minutes after taking the medication, to allow it to take effect. You may use this time to have a shower or simply relax read a book, watch TV or a DVD.
The procedure is performed using sedation to make you drowsy (not asleep). Local anaesthetic is used to numb the cervix and a pain relieving injection and/or gas will assist in controlling discomfort. The surgical procedure normally takes 5 -10 minutes.
Recovery
We require you stay and rest for a minimum of one hour, most women are feeling well and recovered by this time. You must not drive a vehicle for 12 hours after having sedative drugs so you must arrange a responsible person to drive or escort you home.