Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs, we provide access to safe abortion and post-abortion care is at the core of our mission. Family planning is available on the day of the service and includes: contraceptive pills.
General Questions
I just found out that I am pregnant, what are my options?
You have three options when facing an unplanned pregnancy. You can carry the pregnancy to term and raise a child yourself. You can continue with the pregnancy and place the child for adoption or in foster care, or you can choose to have an abortion to terminate the pregnancy. You must take the time to consider all of your options and discuss the issue with your partner, a friend or a family member (if you feel safe and comfortable doing so). Ultimately the decision of whether or not to continue with the pregnancy should be yours.
What if I want to have an abortion?
If you choose to have an abortion, ensure you choose a safe and legal provider like us, Connect women clinic in Pretoria. There are many unsafe, backstreet abortion providers out there.
Coming into our clinic is easy, you just need to book an appointment online or call us or WhatsApp us on +2773 048 1767.
Our team will tell you what to expect and let you know what plans to make for the day of your appointment..
What safe abortion options are there?
There are two options available to you which are the safe abortion pill (4-9 weeks) and the Connect Women Clinic Surgical Abortion (4-20 weeks).
What if I'm not sure I'm pregnant?
All our clinics offer ultrasounds as well as a pregnancy test to confirm if you are pregnant and, if so, the stage of the pregnancy.
At what age is it legal to have an abortion?
The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act states that a women can have an abortion at any age- you should never be denied the service because of your age. If you’re young we advise you to chat to a trusted adult (a parent, aunt or teacher) and ask someone to accompany you to the clinic for your appointment, but this is not required.
Can I get an abortion at Connect women clinic if I am not from South Africa?
Yes, we can assist women from anywhere in the world. If you are travelling from another country.
What will happen during my appointment?
You will have a consultation with a nurse who will explain your options to you. She or he will take your medical history; it is important to be honest and disclose a full history; your confidentiality is assured.
She or he will then perform a physical examination, including a vaginal exam to determine the stage of your pregnancy.
This may include an abdominal ultrasound/scan. If you are more than 12 weeks pregnant, your procedure will need to be performed by a doctor.
We may need to book an appointment for you to return on a separate day, depending on the doctor’s availability.
Why do you only start offering abortions at 4 weeks?
Before four weeks, pregnancy can be difficult to detect on a scan or by doing a physical exam. Sometimes even at 4 or 5 weeks, a pregnancy can be too small to detect on a scan, and you may be asked to rebook and visit the clinic in another week. This is for your safety.
What kind of pain management is available?
One of the Connect women clinic’ staff will be talking to comfort you and relieve pain without medication during the procedure. This is called the Vocal Local method. Some of our clinics also have an option called conscious sedation, which makes you sleep during the procedure.
What is conscious sedation?
Conscious sedation is available at selected connect women clinics. It is a form of anesthetic that allows you to feel sleepy and relax or fall asleep during the procedure.
If you decide to opt for sedation its important to let us know when you make your booking so that we schedule you on the appropriate time and date. You will also receive a set of fasting guidelines to follow, so you know when to stop eating and drinking.
What if I think I'm still pregnant after the abortion?
In approximately 1% of medical processes, the pregnancy may continue even after taking the medication. If you have continued symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea, vomiting or breast tenderness you should contact our Client Services clinic. A positive pregnancy test 2 to 3 weeks after your process began does not indicate a continued pregnancy.
This may just be caused by the pregnancy hormones still in your system. If the pregnancy is continuing after the Connect Women Clinic Medical Process, we will perform the Connect Women Clinic Surgical Procedure at our clinic at no cost to you.
When can I have sex again after an abortion?
We advise that you do not have vaginal intercourse or insert anything into your vagina for one week.
Can I fall pregnant after an abortion? How soon after?
You can conceive again as early as one week after an abortion so, it’s important to talk to a nurse about a contraceptive method that’s right for you.
We have a wide range of contraceptive and family planning methods available from which you can choose.
Do I need to come back to the clinic after my process or procedure?
If you opt for the Connect Women Clinic Procedure you do not need to come back to the clinic unless you have a question or would like another service.
If you choose the Connect Women Clinic Medical Process you will need to come for a follow up visit 3 weeks later. Call us on +27730481767 or make a booking for your follow-up consultation.
What if I think I'm still pregnant after the abortion?
In around 1% of medical processes the pregnancy may continue even after taking the medication. If you have continued symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea, vomiting or breast tenderness you should contact our Client Services clinic.
A positive pregnancy test 2 to 3 weeks after your process began does not indicate a continued pregnancy. This may just be caused by the pregnancy hormones still in your system.
If the pregnancy is continuing after the Connect Women Clinic Medical Process we will perform the Clinic Surgical Procedure at our clinic at no cost to you.
When can I travel after my abortion?
You can travel as soon as you feel well enough to after the procedure but we do not recommend the Connect Women Clinic Medical Process for women who are travelling a significant distance (by air or road).
What should you not do after sedation?
- Drive a motor vehicle or ride a bike for 24 hours after treatment
- Operate machinery or electrical items of any kind
- Drink alcohol
- Take sedative drugs
- Be responsible for other people/children
- Return to work immediately
- Make significant decisions or sign any important documents.
- Climb heights (e.g. ladders, scaffolding)
- Owing to the after-effects of the sedative drugs used, care should be taken when using the internet for personal communication
Women Clinic FAQs
Why do you stop offering abortions at 20 weeks?
The law which governs abortion in South Africa restricts procedures at 20 weeks except in some cases where there is a threat to the woman’s health. Connect Women Clinic South Africa is only designated to provide abortion services for up to 20 weeks.
Safe Abortion Pills Vs Surgical Abortion?
Connect Women Clinic Medical Process abortion, sometimes referred to as the safe abortion pill, uses pills/tablets to terminate a pregnancy.
The first set of tablets is taken orally in the clinic, and the second set is taken later at home.
Early surgical abortion (4-12 weeks) involves a gentle suction method, which the nurse will use to remove the pregnancy from the uterus.
This is a very quick and simple procedure that takes less than 5 minutes.
The Surgical abortion (12- 20 weeks) is a surgical procedure where the pregnancy is removed vaginally it is performed by a doctor.
Which option is better?
Neither option is better than the other- it’s a question of both personal choice and medical history that will determine the method that is best for you.
Some women say they prefer to finish the procedure in one day; others feel that the medical process more suits their lifestyle.
A nurse will provide all the details to help you decide during your consultation.
How do I know which option (s) I am eligible for?
On the day of your appointment, one of our supportive nurses will offer you a consultation session, including a physical exam.
Once the stage of your pregnancy is confirmed you’ll be asked some questions about your medical history- it’s important to provide all of the relevant information requested (i.e. if you have a blood disorder like anaemia or deep vein thrombosis).
What if I have had a cesarean section?
Your eligibility for the Connect Women Clinic Medical Process may be affected by previous pregnancies and deliveries.
It will depend on how many cesarean sections you have had and how recently.
What if I started an abortion at home or from someone that doesn't work for Connect Women Clinic South Africa?
Because we do not have triage facilities if you are already in the process of an abortion we recommend you present yourself at your nearest hospital for treatment.
If you have purchased “abortion pills” from someone who is not a designated provider do NOT consume the medication. Call us on +27730481767 to book a safe abortion.
Will I be uncomfortable and feel any pain while under sedation?
Even though you are not completely asleep, you will be drowsy and relaxed. The sedation doctor will use medication to control any pain you have.
What can I eat or drink before sedation?
No solid food for six (6) hours prior to the procedure. Only have clear liquids until four (4) hours before the procedure.
If you are diabetic, you will get special instructions as far as food intake is concerned.
Failure to comply may result in your procedure being cancelled.
What does procedural sedation feel like?
It differs from person to person with the most common feelings being drowsiness and relaxation.
You may feel a tingling sensation throughout your body, which may be accompanied by a heaviness or sluggishness that makes it feel harder to lift or move your limbs and your reflexes are delayed.
When will I be able to go home?
You should be ready to go home 1-2 hours after the start of your procedure, when an assessment is done.
Your clinician will give you any extra care instructions.
You may not drive yourself home after the sedation as the medication used may affect your coordination.
Please arrange for someone to take you home.