The pregnancy test was positive. Now what? If being pregnant was completely unexpected, you might be considering abortion. Before making your decision, you need more information.
Take time to get the facts about the procedures and possible risks associated with abortion. Learn about all your options.
Considering Abortion?
As with any medical procedure – abortion can involve risks. We provide information from a holistic point of view. We will furnish you with a pregnancy test, and if this is positive, a non-diagnostic ultrasound is available on your request at no cost to you – which will give you the critical information that you require.
The ultrasound scan can determine the gestational age of the pregnancy and its location. It is possible that a pregnancy test may yield a positive result, but an ultrasound may indicate that the pregnancy is not developing. This information is important to know as 1 in 5 pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage.
Let our Client Advocate lead you through your appointment in a calm and professional manner.
Current Abortion Regulations
Abortion was legalised in the Republic of Ireland in 2019. The majority of abortions are being done in the first trimester with abortion pills. There is a 3-day waiting period in place which gives the opportunity for reflection on the decision being made. Your medical history will be taken in your first appointment by specific doctors who have signed up to the scheme (your own GP may not be involved) and if the decision is taken to proceed with the abortion, the pills will be dispensed after the 3-day waiting period. It is important that you are sure of your dates. Taking pills beyond 9 weeks and 6 days may cause medical issues for you. Having an ultrasound scan to determine your dates is very important if you are unsure. At the Advocate Women’s Centre we may offer you (subject to certain criteria) a limited, non-diagnostic abdominal scan at no cost, which can provide you with the critical information that you need to know.
Abortion has not yet been fully ‘commissioned’ in Northern Ireland, but it is legal. In October 2019, abortion was decriminalised in Northern Ireland. An interim early medical abortion service was established in April 2020. Early abortions are available up to 9 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy (dated from the first day of your last menstrual period).
The Medical Abortion Procedure
Medical abortion is also called the ‘abortion pill.’ The abortion pill method requires that two drugs are ingested. The first drug, mifepristone, begins the abortion. This drug blocks the pregnancy hormone progesterone, causing the lining of the uterus to thin, which prevents the embryo from staying implanted and growing. Mifepristone can cause nausea.
The second drug, misoprostol, is taken. It is usually taken 24 to 48 hours after the first drug. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract. Strong cramping and potentially heavy bleeding can be expected. This drug is either taken in hospital or at home.
If you’re taking the pill(s) at home, make sure you have someone’s help. You can expect the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
Seek medical and psychological attention if you experience:
- Heavy bleeding — soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
How We Can Help
Schedule an appointment with our team or request a call-back.
Advocate Women’s Centre does not provide or refer for abortions or emergency contraceptives.