FAQ

Is the clinic accessible by public transport?

Yes, Choices South West is located about an eight minute walk from the Dunsborough bus stop, which is on bus route 815 and South West Coachlines’ route from Perth via Bunbury, Capel and Busselton. See the Public Transport Authority website and South West Coachlines to plan your journey.

What is an abortion?

A termination (historically known as an abortion) is a way of ending a pregnancy. There are two methods of termination; surgical and medical.

A surgical termination is a simple procedure using gentle suction under ultrasound guidance to remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. It is performed under general anaesthetic at a specialised clinic or hospital by a qualified doctor. The procedure is commonly known as a D&C.

A medical termination is when medication is used to end a pregnancy. They provide an alternative to surgical termination in the first nine weeks of pregnancy. They are best performed at specialised clinics.

I’ve decided to have a termination... what next?

Contact us and we will guide you through the process.

Do I need a referral?

The laws in Western Australia around abortion recently changed so a Doctors referral is no longer required. Please complete the confidential online enquiry form. so we can receive all of the info we need.

How soon can I get an appointment?

We pride ourselves on our prompt response to your enquiry.

How much does it cost?

Fees differ depending on whether you require a medical or surgical termination, and if you have a valid Medicare card.

See the Fees page for a guide.

First and foremost, a woman’s access to services and support is our top priority. If you are concerned about affordability, please speak to us.

I’m under 16, do I need parental consent?

If you are under 16 years of age and still living at home, a parent, legal guardian or adult friend must be informed that you are considering a termination. While the parent or guardian must be given the opportunity to participate in the counselling and consultation process between you and the doctor, the final choice is yours.

If you do not have an adult friend or parent to talk to please still reach out - we can help.

Is the procedure confidential?

All our procedures are completely confidential, as are any counselling appointments you attend at South West Women’s Health and Information Centre.

Is terminating a pregnancy legal?

Terminations are legal in Western Australia if a woman has given informed consent and if the procedure is carried out by a qualified doctor.

Will there be protestors outside the clinic?

Fortunately, no. And there is a new law introduced to prevent protestors.

We are located within the Dunsborough Medical Centre that has General Practitioners (GPs), nurses and administration staff working and other patients waiting to see a doctor.  Your appointment and procedure is completely confidential so only the medical professionals will know the reason for your visit.

What are the risks involved?

A termination is considered to be a safe, low-risk procedure, particularly if done in early pregnancy (up to 12 weeks).

Risks will be discussed during the consultation with your treating Choices doctor.

There is usually some bleeding and it is quite common to have cramps (like period pain) for a short while afterwards, and painkillers can help. Some women feel tired or sick after the procedure so it’s advisable to plan to rest afterwards. If you are experiencing excessive bleeding or severe pain, contact us as soon as possible.

Infection is uncommon, especially if you follow instructions given to you by the doctor and hospital. These may include avoiding tampons, vaginal intercourse and baths for around two weeks after the procedure.

In some cases, further treatment (a procedure or dose of medication) may be required. There is also a small chance of damage to the uterus or cervix during a surgical termination.

Is there a chance for the surgical termination to fail or be incomplete?

There is a small risk of retained tissue and continued pregnancy, however this is very rare. Our Choices surgeons will speak to you about this during the consent paperwork.

Will the procedure affect my fertility and future pregnancies?

There is no evidence to suggest that a termination has any effect on future fertility or future pregnancies. However, there are a small number of possible, but rare, complications involved with the procedure - the doctor will discuss these with you in more detail.

It is important to have a check up two weeks after the procedure to ensure you’re making a full recovery.

Which contraception is best for me?

There are a number of contraception options available for women.

The contraception that is right for you will be as individual as your circumstances. Our consulting doctor will discuss these with you and recommend an appropriate contraception option for you to consider.

For general advice and information on contraception, visit our contraception page to find a method that suits you.

Can an IUD be inserted during the procedure?

Yes, if you wish to have an IUD inserted for future birth control, we can do this after your surgical termination while you are asleep. Ask us for a prescription, and bring the device with you to the day surgery unit. Note some devices are provided free by the Hospital Pharmacy.

Am I asleep when I have the surgical termination?

Yes you are. You will be given a general anaesthetic and the procedure normally takes around 15 minutes. However, you can expect to be at the hospital for about 5-6 hours in total.

After the procedure you may still be a little drowsy and you will need someone to drive you home. This is a requirement as it is also illegal to drive for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic.

Is a termination painful?

Surgical termination:

No, a surgical termination is not painful as you are under an anaesthetic during the procedure.

Once the anaesthetic wears off, you may experience some mild discomfort, similar to menstrual cramps for a day or two. It’s a good idea to have some Panadol or Nurofen on hand if required. Note; some people cannot take anti-inflammatory medication so check with us first or the pharmacist. If your pain is not relieved by these simple measures and is worsening contact us.

Medical Termination:

The pain can vary and the Choices doctor will discuss pain relief options with you.

How long does it take?

Please see our page on medical and surgical termination for details.

How will I feel?

Although a termination is a simple procedure, it is important that you know it is completely normal to feel more emotional than usual afterwards. It is normal to experience some grief after a stressful decision, even for partners. This shouldn’t last for long. If it persists contact us.

Do I need a follow-up examination?

The Choices doctor will discuss follow up during your consultation.

This is also a good time to discuss contraception, to prevent future unplanned pregnancy.

When can I return to work?

You may be able to return to work the next day, depending on your occupation. We are able to provide you with a medical certificate for your employer if you require one.

If having a surgical termination and general anaesthetic, you won’t be able to drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery for 24 hours.

When can I have sex again?

It is recommended that you do not have vaginal intercourse for one week after your termination. This is to avoid any infection or falling pregnant again straight away if you are not using any contraception.

When can I use tampons?

You will not be able to use tampons immediately after or for 7 days after the procedure. This is so we are able to monitor any bleeding and also to avoid infection.

How do I know if I am getting an infection ?

If you feel unwell or suspect symptoms of infection please contact us. Symptoms of infection include;

• increased vaginal discharge that smells

• loss of appetite, feeling nauseous

• an increase in vaginal bleeding

• abdominal pain

• night sweats or fevers

Infection may present with one or many of these symptoms, get in contact with us immediately if you are concerned.

How soon can I exercise after termination?

Avoid any strenuous exercise for one week, like contact sports, jogging, horse riding and swimming. 

When should I start my contraception?

The Choices doctor will advise you on contraceptive options and starting times that best suit you.

What counselling is available?

We’re here to give you non-judgemental counselling, and all the information you need to make the decision that is right for you.

We partner with South West Women’s Health and Information Centre to offer the opportunity to access free counselling before and after a termination.

The counselling offered is pro-choice and will help you explore all options and support you in whatever decision you make; whether to terminate or continue with the pregnancy and or adopt.

We can also do a GP mental health care plan if you need access to a psychologist.

I became pregnant because of a sexual assault or forced sex by my partner- can you help me?

Finding support after a sexual assault or being coerced into sex is important to help you get through what is a confusing and overwhelming time.

Here are some things you can do straight away:

• Ensure safety – if you are still in danger contact emergency services on 000 or try to get somewhere safe

• Talk to someone you trust such as family, friend, youth worker, teacher,  counsellor or doctor

• Medical support – access medical help as soon as possible. Get to a hospital or health care centre to seek care.

For more support visit https://au.reachout.com/articles/sexual-assault-support

Sexual assault support services

National sexual assault support

1800 RESPECT - www.1800respect.org.au

Provides confidential sexual assault and family and domestic violence counselling via phone and web chat. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Phone: 1800 737 732