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Teenage Mums:

Abortion

By: Melissa McGregor

Abortion: This can be a very sensitive topic when talked about. Some people are totally against abortions, others aren't. I personally think that this is one decision that really needs to be thought through thoroughly and not quickly. Think about why you really want to have an abortion? Is it because you have little or no support from your family and friends? Talk your decision through with either one of your friends or someone in your family.

Take your time deciding if you can, though the number of weeks you have* varies from state to state within Australia. Something that many people don't think about is that the pregnancy could be a result of rape or sexual abuse and having an abortion may be the only option for teenage girls that are in this situation. It is also a good idea to get as much information as possible before you decide if this is the option for you. There is a list of websites and some phone numbers at the bottom of this article if you need help.

What does an abortion mean? It means the deliberate termination of a pregnancy. It involves the removal of the foetus and placenta from the uterus. If you are considering terminating your pregnancy it is a good idea to talk to your local doctor or an agency. It is also a good idea to tell either your parents or a friend, so you have someone to support you. This is not always an option though.

Some important things to think about before you make a decision include:

  • Your relationship with the father of the baby
  • Support from family and friends
  • Your financial situation
  • Your education or career
  • Your overall general health

Abortions are done free of charge at clinics, but if carried out at a hospital there may be a fee. An abortion can be performed anywhere between 7 and 20 weeks after your last period (depending on your state*). All abortions are confidential, but if you are under 16 it is recommended that you take someone with you. It doesn't necessarily have to be a parent, it may be a friend or even a doctor or healthcare worker. In some states of Australia you may need a letter from your doctor stating that you have talked about your options and that this is the best option for you.

What does an abortion involve? It is not as straight out as some people think (I know I didn't think it was as complex). On arrival at a clinic you will be asked to fill out some forms about yourself, your health history and your pregnancy. You will then see a health care worker, a doctor and a nurse. The health care worker will talk to you about your decision (why you have made this decision etc.), explain the procedure, the possible risks, the post op care and ask if you have any questions.

The doctor will then confirm how many weeks pregnant you are by doing an ultrasound, check your medical history and obtain consent from you to do the procedure. There are three options when it comes to anaesthetic: you may have a local anaethestic (which means you will be awake throughout the procedure), a local anaethestic with a light sedation or you may have a general anaethestic, which means you will be asleep.

The procedure is then done by using a vacuum aspiration. The cervix is opened and a small suction tube is used to empty the uterus. The procedure normally takes anywhere between 10-20 minutes.

Afterwards you will be taken to the recovery room and looked after by nurses. The recovery time varies from person to person and also depends on what kind of anaesthetic you had. You will remain in the recovery room until you are ready to leave and you can walk unaided. It is recommended that you have a follow up check up two weeks later, either at the clinic or with your local doctor.

As I said in the beginning, abortions can be a sensitive topic, but if you are considering having one, have a serious think about it first, don't go making split second decisions as you may regret it later. Below are some websites and phone numbers that may help you with more information about abortions.

 

* See the "Availability of legal abortion" heading. LMP is the number of weeks after your last menstrual period.

Author: My name's Melissa McGregor, I am 22 years old and a mother of twin girls. I had my girls when I was 19.

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