An abortion is a procedure to end a pregnancy. It uses medicine or surgery to remove the embryo or fetus and placenta from the uterus. The procedure is done by a licensed health care professional.
How Much Does It Cost To Have Abortion In South Africa
Prices at your GP will vary if you go with this option.
Prices at Marie Stopes start from R800 depending on gestation and the method you choose.
It is a prescribed minimum benefit on some medical aids, but Whitney says due to red tape with the medical aid system, this is not often the case.
You might want to review your policy if you are considering an abortion and want them to pay for it.
Is abortion legal in SA?
Since February 1997, it has been legal in South Africa for any woman of any age to request and get an abortion with no reasons given if she is less than 13 weeks pregnant.
If she is between 13 and 20 weeks pregnant, she can get the abortion if:
Her own physical or mental health is at stake
The baby will have severe mental or physical abnormalities
She is pregnant because of incest, she is pregnant because of rape
She is of the personal opinion that her economic or social situation is sufficient reason for the termination of pregnancy
If she is more than 20 weeks pregnant, she can get the abortion only if her or the foetus’ life is in danger or there are likely to be serious birth defects.
Do I have to tell anyone if I don’t want to?
Those under 18 are advised to speak to their parents, and those in a marriage or long term partnership are advised to speak to their partners, but they have the right not to do so.
If the woman in question cannot advocate for her herself due to being unconscious or severely mentally ill, then a legal guardian or next of kin may make that decision for her.
What about people who have a uterus but are not female?
This language is what is described in the original act and does not include transmen or non-binary people explicitly.
We spoke to Marion Stevens, director of the Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition, about queer bodies and abortion.
Does abortion hurt?
Having an abortion feels different for everyone it can be super painful or just a little uncomfortable. Your level of discomfort can depend on the medications you get, how far into your pregnancy you are, and how much cramping and pain you have. For most people, it feels like strong period cramps.
What happens to your body after an abortion?
After having an abortion, you’ll probably have some period-type pains, stomach cramps and vaginal bleeding. This should start to gradually improve after a few days, but can last for 1 to 2 weeks. This is normal and is usually nothing to worry about. The bleeding is usually similar to normal period bleeding.
Does abortion affect future pregnancy?
Having an abortion will not usually affect your chances of becoming pregnant and having normal pregnancies in the future. But there’s a very small risk to your fertility and future pregnancies if you develop a womb infection during the procedure that’s not treated promptly.
How long does it take to bleed after abortion?
Expect to bleed like a normal menstrual period, and you may pass small blood clots. Bleeding usually stops after 1-2 weeks, but some women spot until their next period. Sometimes you may have a short episode of pain, with a gush of blood or a clot several weeks after the abortion – contact us if this continues.