At GCA, we perform abortions only in the first trimester.
While it’s important to understand that all medical treatments and surgical procedures do carry some risks, a first-trimester surgical abortion performed by an experienced doctor in a modern clinical setting is a very low-risk procedure. It is statistically 10 times safer than natural childbirth (based on global study results).
Approximately one-third of all Australian women have at least one abortion during their lifetime. In the hands of an experienced doctor proceduralist, a surgical abortion takes only around 10 minutes; an intravenous anaesthetic is used, and this medication is also deemed to be medically very safe.
All of our doctors at GCA are highly experienced in reproductive healthcare and have performed many of these procedures. All have extremely low complication rates, and we are unwaveringly committed to the highest levels of patient care and satisfaction.
There is no evidence that infertility is associated with having had a legal abortion performed under clinical conditions. As long as the procedure is performed by an experienced doctor in an appropriate clinical setting, and there are no major complications (these are extremely rare), having an abortion (or even several abortions) does not affect future fertility. Many women find it very easy to become pregnant again soon after they’ve had an abortion – even before the next period occurs. It’s important to use contraception going forward if you do not wish to become pregnant.
Most women who experience issues with fertility have other gynaecological conditions or concerns, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, a prior ectopic pregnancy, sexually transmissible infections (especially Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia), or advanced maternal age.
At GCA, we take infection control extremely seriously. Our clinic employs stringent infection control standards at all times in order to protect both our patients and our staff.
All of our clinical staff ensure the highest level of infection control by using all appropriate PPE and following strict hand-washing and sanitisation protocols.
We use single-use, disposable items wherever possible.
All reusable surgical instruments are disinfected and then sterilised according to AS5369:2023 and AS4187, and equipment, including ultrasound probes, is cleaned and disinfected before each use with our onsite Lumicare UVC system.
Most women who experience issues with fertility have other gynaecological conditions or concerns, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, a prior ectopic pregnancy, sexually transmissible infections (especially Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia), or advanced maternal age.
A termination of pregnancy is most commonly performed whilst you are sedated. You will not be aware during the procedure and therefore you will have no pain. You may or may not experience some menstrual-type cramps after the procedure, which may be relieved with simple analgesia.
Tests for infection are taken at the time of the procedure and you will be contacted within a few days after the procedure if you require more antibiotics. There is no conclusive evidence from any medical studies that avoiding tampons, intercourse, swimming or taking a bath reduces the chance of infection after termination of pregnancy. Tampons may be used when the bleeding settles but should always be changed frequently.
Screening for infection at the time of the procedure allows for notification and treatment of partners if infection is identified, which has benefits in prevention of reinfection.
Bleeding afterwards may be variable. Bleeding may last only a few days or it may last for 2 weeks. If it lasts that long it shouldn’t be heavier than a normal period. Sometimes you may have no bleeding at all. Sometimes you may not bleed initially or it could be quite light then it may become heavier between day 3 to 6. There may be accompanying pain and cramps during this time and the loss could be in the form of clots. This may last a few days then it should settle down. This can happen even if the pregnancy was early. Bleeding may then stop and start and be dark brown until the next period. Spotting can occur in the first few cycles on the Pill. The next normal period is usually expected 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure.
Nausea should subside over the next few days and should be gone by 1 week. Breast enlargement or tenderness may take a couple of weeks to subside. A urine pregnancy test may still be positive for two to three weeks after the procedure.
It is not unusual to experience a feeling of depression after any operation or stressful situation ‘ not just because of a pregnancy termination. This may start a few days after but shouldn’t last long, especially if there are no pre-existing psychological problems. The extensive literature review of the psychological consequences of termination of pregnancy indicates that legal and voluntary termination of pregnancy rarely causes immediate or lasting negative psychological consequences in healthy women, especially where there is partner or parental support. On the other hand, long-lasting, negative effects on both mothers and their children are reported where termination of pregnancy has been denied.
You may get pregnant again even before your next period so it is important to start contraception as soon as possible. If the Pill is the chosen method of contraception, you should start it the day after the procedure in the appropriate section rather than waiting until your next period. If you choose to have an injection for contraception, you may have the injection when you see your doctor for a check-up in 10 to 14 days but you should abstain from intercourse during this time. If an intrauterine device is to be inserted, you should wait until your second period. The first period comes in 4 to 6 weeks but it may be a little heavier and more painful than usual.
You may feel slightly drowsy for some time after the procedure. Therefore for the rest of the day it is important to NOT drive a motor vehicle, operate machinery, consume alcohol, take any drugs not prescribed, sign any important documents, do anything that requires big decisions, etc.
We recommend a check-up with the local doctor in 10 to 14 days. Of course, if there are any concerns or things are not as expected, we may be contacted at any time. We are available 24 hours a day for emergency contact.
Yes. All medical information is regarded as confidential, irrespective of the medical condition. Clerical staff will ask, when making appointment, whom may be contacted, if necessary. Medicare Australia also maintains strict confidentiality.
No. However, we do encourage developing a relationship with a general practitioner for any future health issues, but if you feel uncomfortable discussing your condition with your GP, then you may refer yourself to us.If you would like to see your GP first, then download our Referral Brochure and take it with you to your GP appointment. Referral Brochure
The consultation is conducted with only you and the doctor. Partners are not allowed during recovery but 20 minutes before you are discharged the nurses will call your partner or support person to come back and pick you up. There are no legal requirements for a partner to consent or object to a termination of pregnancy.
No. There has been a debate about a possible association between abortion and breast cancer, but the quality of medical studies have varied and results have been inconsistent. A comprehensive analysis of data from 53 studies (83,000 women with breast cancer) concluded that ‘pregnancies that end as a spontaneous or induced abortion do not increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer’. The Colleges of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in the UK and US support the statement.
If you are aged 14 years or above, you do not need your parents’ consent to have an abortion. You do not need to tell them at all if you do not wish to.
If you’re aged under 14 years, you are legally required to have the consent of a parent or adult guardian. If you feel you can’t tell your parent, you need to talk to another trusted adult (e.g. another family member, a close friend, a doctor, or a school counsellor). This is very important.
It’s also important to know that, for a lot of young women who are initially worried or scared about their parents’ reaction to their pregnancy, they find them to in fact be very supportive and understanding during this time.
All patients who attend our clinic for an abortion (or another women’s health matter) are guaranteed confidentiality, and we (and Medicare) are legally bound under the Privacy Act.
Even if you are on your parents’ Medicare card, you can claim directly in person from a Medicare office without details being disclosed to your parents. By law, Medicare can not reveal details of your medical history to your parents or other family members. If you are aged 15 or over, you are eligible to have your own Medicare card.
Women have abortions at all stages of their reproductive years and, contrary to common belief, only a tiny minority (fewer than 8%) who come to us at GCA are under 20 years of age.
The average age of a woman attending GCA for an abortion is 28 years.
Furthermore, the vast majority of women seeking abortion services were using some form of birth control when they became pregnant.
There are many reasons why a woman might seek an abortion. Many women have completed their family, and find themselves with an unplanned pregnancy. A woman may have fallen pregnant unexpectedly, or early in a new relationship. Some couples are not ready or willing to commit to raising a child. She may be at a critical point in her career. She may not be able to practically or financially afford to have a child. She may be stuck in an unhealthy relationship and unwilling to bring a child into it. The pregnancy could be a result of abuse.
All reasons are personal, and all are valid. At GCA, we welcome all women with compassion, understanding, and respect.
