Unplanned pregnancy and abortion | Women Clinic Forest Hill
Abortion is permitted in South Africa under strict regulations. Since 2002, women may terminate a pregnancy during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy of her own free will. After the 13th week, a doctor must show that the abortion is necessary to prevent danger to the woman’s life or physical health/Women Clinic Forest Hill or to prevent serious emotional distress. A second medical opinion is not necessary.
Procedure at Women Clinic Forest Hill
Within the first 12 weeks of the pregnancy, the pregnant woman should request the termination in writing expressing the distress caused by the pregnancy. She must then undergo in-depth medical counselling. Local family planning centres or our Women Clinic Forest Hill can offer guidance on a doctor who can provide suitable advice.
Up to the 7th week (7weeks after the first day of the last period) an early abortion can be carried out using a hormonal medicine called mifepristone (the abortion pill). This type of abortion is safe and physically much less demanding than surgery. However, the emotional strain is still severe.
Between 7th and the 12th weeks the abortion is a surgical operation as an outpatient.
After the 12th week, you will stay overnight in hospital.
Teenage pregnancy | Legal Women Clinic Forest Hill
Young pregnant women under the age of 16 must attend a specialised consultation centre.
Please note!
An abortion cannot be carried out without the consent of the pregnant woman. This is the case also for women under the age of 18.
Follow-up care
The physical and psychological strain after an abortion can be enormous and it is important you get all the support and help you need. Care and advice are available at Women Clinic Forest Hill centres.
Who pays for abortion?
You must pay by cash; the cost of legal abortion depends on the number of weeks of your pregnancy at our Women Clinic Forest Hill.
