Medical (Pill) Abortion
At Reproductive Choices SA in Centurion, Gauteng, medical abortions are safely performed using approved medication under medical supervision in a registered clinic environment. Medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill procedure or medical termination of pregnancy, involves the use of specific medication to terminate an early pregnancy safely and effectively.
Our clinic uses the French Abortion Pill, which is approved by the South African Medicines Control Council and must always be taken exactly as prescribed by qualified medical professionals.
All medical abortion procedures at Reproductive Choices SA include:
- Ultrasound (sonar) assessment
- Counselling session
- Medical consultation
- Medication
- Follow-up check-up with another scan after approximately 3 weeks
Patient safety, confidentiality, emotional support, and future reproductive health remain our highest priorities.
Medical Abortion Procedure
Medical abortion is most effective during the early stages of pregnancy and can usually be performed as soon as pregnancy has been confirmed.
Medical abortion procedures are generally effective within the first 7 weeks of pregnancy, calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period.
At Reproductive Choices SA, ultrasound assessment is performed before treatment to determine:
- Pregnancy size
- Pregnancy location
- Eligibility for a tablet procedure
- Risk factors such as ectopic pregnancy
If the ultrasound shows a pregnancy over 7 weeks, a surgical abortion procedure may be recommended to reduce the risk of complications and incomplete abortion.
How the Abortion Pill Procedure Work.
Medical abortion involves two different sets of medication.
The first medication is taken orally at the clinic and works by weakening the attachment of the pregnancy to the uterus.
The second medication is taken approximately 36–48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract and bleed, resulting in a miscarriage-like process that expels the pregnancy tissue.
Once a medical abortion has started, it is extremely important that both sets of medication are taken correctly and the procedure is completed according to medical instructions.
Medical Supervision Is Important.
Medical abortion should only be performed under proper medical guidance and in a controlled clinical environment.
Unsafe or illegally supplied abortion pills may:
- Be taken incorrectly
- Be unsuitable for the patient
- Fail to terminate the pregnancy completely
- Delay diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy
- Lead to severe bleeding or infection
- Result in retained products of conception
At Reproductive Choices SA, all patients are examined and screened before treatment to ensure that medical abortion is safe and appropriate for their individual medical situation.
Who May Not Qualify for a Medical Abortion?
Medical abortion may not be suitable for patients with certain medical conditions or risk factors, including:
- Suspected ectopic pregnancy
- Severe uncontrolled asthma
- Long-term corticosteroid medication use
- Bleeding disorders
- Severe anaemia
- Severe cardiovascular disease
- Severe uncontrolled high or low blood pressure
- Porphyria
- Intra-uterine device (IUD) still in place
- Inability to return for follow-up care
- Inability to access emergency medical services if needed
A full consultation and ultrasound scan are therefore essential before treatment.
Effectiveness and Safety of Medical Abortion
Medical abortion is effective in approximately 95% of cases when performed correctly under medical supervision.
In some cases, the pregnancy may not pass completely. This is known as an incomplete abortion or retained products of conception. If this occurs, a surgical procedure may be required during the follow-up visit to complete the treatment safely.
Both medical and surgical abortions performed by trained medical professionals do not affect a woman’s future ability to have children.
On the Day of Your Appointment.
Patients should:
- Drink approximately 3 glasses of water before arriving
- Eat breakfast before the appointment
- Arrange approximately 45 minutes at the clinic
- Arrange childcare beforehand, as no children are allowed in the clinic
During the appointment:
- An ultrasound scan is performed
- Counselling and medical consultation take place
- The first tablet is administered at the clinic
- Remaining medication is provided with instructions for home use
Approximately 48 hours later, the patient experiences a miscarriage-like process at home.
A compulsory follow-up appointment with another ultrasound scan is scheduled approximately 3 weeks later to ensure that recovery is complete and no retained tissue remains.
Sick notes for work can be provided if required.
Costs and Payment Information.
The total cost of the medical abortion procedure is R2900.
This includes:
- Ultrasound scans
- Counselling
- Medication
- Follow-up consultation and scan after 3 weeks
Reproductive Choices SA is a private cash practice and does not process medical aid claims directly.
Accepted payment methods include:
Cash
Credit cards
Debit cards
PayJustNow payment plans
Deposit Policy
A R1500 deposit is required to secure an appointment booking. The deposit is deducted from the total procedure cost on the appointment day.
Appointments are confirmed only once proof of payment has been received.
Important booking terms:
Payments are non-refundable
Cancellations require at least 24 hours notice
No-shows or late cancellations may result in forfeiture of payments made
Appointments may be rescheduled once within 2 weeks of the original booking date
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Abortion
What is a medical abortion?
A medical abortion is a pregnancy termination procedure using specific medication to end an early pregnancy safely under medical supervision. It is commonly referred to as the abortion pill procedure.
How do abortion pills work?
Medical abortion involves two different medications. The first medication weakens the pregnancy attachment to the uterus, while the second medication causes uterine contractions and bleeding to expel the pregnancy tissue.
How many weeks can you use abortion pills?
Medical abortion is generally effective during the first 7 weeks of pregnancy. An ultrasound scan is necessary to determine eligibility.
Is a scan necessary before abortion pills?
Yes. An ultrasound assessment is extremely important before treatment to confirm pregnancy size, pregnancy location, and to exclude dangerous conditions such as ectopic pregnancy.
What happens after taking the second set of tablets?
Approximately 36–48 hours after the first medication, the second medication causes bleeding and cramping similar to a miscarriage as the pregnancy tissue passes.
Is medical abortion painful?
Most patients experience cramping and bleeding similar to a heavy miscarriage or strong menstrual cramps. The severity varies from patient to patient.
How effective is medical abortion?
Medical abortion is effective in approximately 95% of cases when performed correctly under medical supervision.
Can abortion pills fail?
Yes. Some people do not have the receptors for the medicine used and then the procedure will fail. In some cases the pregnancy may not pass completely, resulting in retained products of conception. A surgical procedure may then be required to complete the abortion safely.
What are retained products of conception?
Retained products occur when pregnancy tissue remains inside the uterus after the abortion process. This may cause bleeding, infection, or ongoing pregnancy symptoms and requires medical evaluation.
Can I still have children after a medical abortion?
Yes. Medical abortion performed correctly by trained medical professionals does not affect future fertility.
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the pregnancy develops outside the uterus. This is a medical emergency and cannot be treated safely with abortion pills alone.
Do I need a follow-up appointment?
Yes. A compulsory follow-up appointment with another ultrasound scan is scheduled approximately 3 weeks later to confirm that the abortion is complete and recovery is progressing normally.
Can I buy abortion pills online safely?
Patients should be extremely cautious of illegal abortion pill providers operating online or through social media. Medical abortion should only be performed under proper medical supervision after a consultation and ultrasound assessment.
Is medical abortion legal in South Africa?
Yes. Abortion has been legal in South Africa since 1997 when performed by trained medical professionals at approved clinics or hospitals.
Is the procedure confidential?
Yes. All consultations, counselling sessions, medical records, and treatment information are kept strictly confidential.
Can someone come with me to the clinic?
Yes. Partners or support persons are welcome to accompany patients if desired. However, no children are allowed in the clinic.