Having an abortion
Having an abortion is a major life decision. The emotional and physical impact of this pregnancy loss will be different for every woman, but it is important that you explore your feelings, values and beliefs before you make a decision to terminate your pregnancy.
You may decide to have an abortion for a variety of reasons:
- You are being pressured into terminating the pregnancy by your partner or family members.
- You believe that abortion is your only option.
- You feel afraid of the reaction of your parents and family members, and so, do not want to tell them.
- You believe that no one would support your decision to keep your baby.
- Keeping your baby might ruin your chances to finish your education
or pursue a career.
PCL counsellors will help you clarify your thoughts and feelings about these issues to ensure you make an informed decision. Counselling can often be helpful for your partner and family.
Click here to make an appointment for counselling.
Emotional Risks
You may experience some unexpected emotional reactions following an abortion including:
- Immediate feelings of loss, emptiness or sadness in the days or weeks following. This varies in degree from individual to individual.
- Feelings may surface some time after the termination. This is often due to triggers such as the birth of subsequent children, an anniversary or other significant date, or the birth of a baby to other family members or friends.
- Symptoms such as nightmares, depression, drug or alcohol abuse and/or
suicide tendencies may become apparent. In extreme cases, these can
manifest as a type of post-traumatic stress disorder, often with long
term coping problems.
Physical Risks
It is also possible to experience physical consequences after an abortion:
- Damage to the cervix. This can lead to difficulties with subsequent pregnancies. The risk is greater after ten weeks gestation.
- Damage to the uterus. This can be minor damage, which will heal itself, whilst more serious damage will necessitate further medical attention.
- Risk of infection. This is usually counteracted by the use of prescribed antibiotics.
- Bleeding. This may be accompanied by lower abdominal pain and may indicate that infection is present. In this case, your doctor should be consulted urgently.
No medical procedure is risk-free, particularly when an anaesthetic is used.
It is important that you carefully consider the consequences of each
of your options when you have an unplanned pregnancy. Having accurate
information about the risks involved for each of your options will ensure
you have the opportunity to make an informed decision about your future.
The counsellors at PCL are there to give you the opportunity to fully explore the consequences of all your options.
Click here to organise an appointment, or use our easy email form for more information.
The Abortion Process
Abortions are usually carried out between six and twelve weeks of pregnancy. After this time, there can be more complications and, therefore, greater risk.
In Queensland, most abortions are usually performed as Day Surgery. Prior to this surgery, you will be given an ultrasound. Following this you will be offered a local, twilight or general anaesthetic, and will need to stay at the clinic for at least two hours following the abortion procedure. Abortion is considered legal under certain circumstances. Driving is not possible for 24 hours after an anaesthetic.
PCL counselling is available for you to discuss any concerns you have about having an abortion, before you make this vital decision. Our counselling is non-judgemental, and as such, allows you to talk freely and make your own decision.
