‘Conflicting information’: Abortion myths and misconceptions leaving young Australian women baffled

It’s a very common issue – but confusing and conflicting health information has left countless Australian women in limbo.

Abortion eduction should be given in schools, and if not provided by parents directly to their children. Picture: iStock

Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from news.com.au. This week, Dr Zac Turner explains in practical terms about abortion.

Question: Hi Dr Zac, I was brought up in the Catholic school system in Melbourne, and one subject we were never taught was abortions (for obvious reasons). I am now stuck in a situation where I don’t know what to do if I were to get pregnant and not wish to continue down that road. When I search on the web, I get lots of conflicting information as a result of what’s happening in America at the moment. I get most of my information from social media, and it’s a subject that is rarely discussed, so hopefully you can help. Can you tell me more about the pros and cons of taking the pill to prevent pregnancy, what medication is available if I do fall pregnant, and what is involved if I need to get surgery? – Grace, 20, Geelong

It’s a subject that is rarely discussed.

Answer: Please know that even if your school won’t teach you, your local GP will.

I would also recommend reading about abortions on your state government’s health website, or even the federal government one.

Abortions are not taboo, and they are not uncommon.

Education is key to ensuring we can tear down this stigma, and make sure women and people with the capacity for pregnancy across Australia have access to safe, equitable and reliable treatment for abortions.

An abortion (or termination) is the medical process of ending a pregnancy so it does not result in the birth of a baby. Depending on how many weeks you have been pregnant, the pregnancy can be ended by taking medication or by having a surgical procedure.

Various methods

There are two different types of abortion that you could have based on your stage of pregnancy: medical abortion or surgical abortion. Some people get these confused with emergency contraceptives, commonly referred to as the morning after pill.

Abortions will terminate a pregnancy, whereas emergency contraceptives stop pregnancy from occurring.

Emergency contraception can be taken up to five days after having unprotected sex.

There are two types of medication available to prevent pregnancy in Australia. The levonorgestrel pill can be taken up to 72 hours (three days) after unprotected sex. Ulipristal acetate (UPA) can be taken up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex.

Both are available over the counter from a pharmacist, without a prescription.

The earlier you speak to your doctor, the more choices you will have. It’s very important to assess all choices, and some may be better for your health than others.

Let’s unwrap both types of abortion.

Protesters support abortion rights in the United States. Picture: iStock

Medical abortion

This is a relatively low-risk alternative to surgery used for pregnancies earlier than nine weeks. It’s a medication named mifepristone, or otherwise known as the abortion pill.

Medical abortion is a two-stage process. The first stage involves taking a tablet that blocks the hormone necessary for the pregnancy to continue. This is followed 36 to 48 hours later by a second medication that causes the contents of the uterus to be expelled.

You can undertake this process yourself, or you can have the help of a trained GP or gynaecologist.

After taking both of these tablets, you will experience something similar to a miscarriage. Bleeding may be heavy at first and then becomes lighter. Sometimes bleeding can last longer than two weeks.

Clinical staff will discuss what to expect after the medical abortion. The staff will give you a 24-hour advice number to call for support.

There are risks involved with all medical procedures, including abortion. Your doctor or the staff at the clinic or hospital will discuss these risks with you.

Clinical staff will discuss what to expect after the medical abortion. Picture: iStock

Surgical abortion

The most common type of abortion is a surgical procedure called a suction curette.

This involves removing the lining and the contents of the uterus by applying gentle suction to the inside of the uterus with a small plastic tube.

Surgical abortion is a safe and straightforward day surgery procedure most often performed in the first trimester (up to 14 weeks gestation).

The procedure takes about 15 minutes, but you will need to be at the clinic or hospital for about four hours.

Abortion education should be given in schools, and if not, it should be provided by parents directly to their children.

There is nothing shameful about the procedure.

Got a question? Email [e-mail]

Dr Zac Turner is a medical practitioner specialising in preventive health and wellness. He has four health/medical degrees and is the medical director for his own holistic wellness medical clinics throughout Australia, Concierge Doctors.