Instructions for patients who are visiting for medical abortion.
The following instructions are for women who are visiting the clinic for a medical termination of pregnancy (the abortion pill).
These instructions are for medical abortion only. If you received a link to this page and were under the understanding that your appointment was for a surgical abortion, or if you are uncertain as to what the medical abortion process involves, please call the clinic immediately.
If you have changed your mind and would prefer to have a surgical abortion instead, it may not be possible to change the type of procedure on the day. Specific instructions are required for surgical abortions and these appointments usually need to be scheduled on different days and times. Please call the clinic to discuss.
Please read about the medical abortion process before your appointment
Important:
Only patients will be permitted into the clinic waiting room. We aim to maintain a safe and private space for patients only.
If you have ANY cold or flu-like symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, headache, aching muscles or joints), please reschedule your appointment immediately. You must postpone your appointment until your symptoms have resolved.
Under Fairwork guidelines, we are unable to provide a medical certificate for your initial visit or for the timing of the tablets taken at home.
We are at
120 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills, approximately 300m to the East of Central Station.
If coming by train, when leaving the platform at Central Station, take the stairs at the Southern end of the platform that are marked “To Southern Concourse”. The stairs at this exit will take you to the intersection of Chalmers Street and Devonshire Street. Follow the light-rail tracks up Devonshire Street, crossing at Elizabeth Street, and the clinic is on the left. We don’t have a sign on the front of our building. Look for a cream coloured building with a black gate.
If coming by car or taxi, it is not possible to park on Devonshire Street owing to the light rail, however metered street parking is readily available on Cooper Street, Holt Street or Waterloo Street which are only a short walk away. If navigating with your car GPS, we suggest that you set your destination to Cooper Street, Surry Hills.
Click for location in Google Maps
Is medical abortion suitable for you?
Medical abortion is only possible up to 9 weeks (63 days) from the start of your last period. Please be aware that even if you have had a positive pregnancy test, it is possible to be too early to have a medical abortion, so if your period will possibly be less than 10 days late at the time of the appointment there is a risk that the pregnancy may be too small to detect on ultrasound and at this early stage it is not possible to perform a medical (or surgical) abortion. At the Private Clinic, we require you to be no less than 6 weeks at the time of your appointment.
Please call the clinic for advice.
If you have any of the following conditions, please call the clinic immediately as medical abortion may not be safe for you.
- bleeding or clotting disorder
- liver or kidney disorder
- if you are diabetic
- have severe chronic disease
- severe anaemia
- known allergies to any of the medications used
- if you currently have an IUD in place, it will need to be removed first
- if there is a risk of an ectopic pregnancy
- if you are breastfeeding, please call the clinic for advice.
Essential requirements
- 24 – 48 hours after your initial visit at the clinic at the clinic, you should have access to a quiet location with easy access to a bathroom. After taking pain relief in preparation, you must take the four GyMiso tablets as directed. Pain and heavy bleeding will usually last for about 6 hours although bleeding may continue for 2 to 3 weeks.
- You may be required to have a blood test at a pathology lab if requested by the doctor.
- If the medical abortion is not successful (approx 1 in 20), you must be prepared to undergo a procedure to complete the process. There will not be a charge for this procedure.
- You must be within 1 hour of a 24 hour hospital emergency department to allow for the possibility that urgent treatment may be required if bleeding becomes too heavy or other complications develop.
- You must not travel overseas or to other remote locations within 3 weeks.
- You must have the support of a responsible adult who is aware that you have undergoing the abortion process and can provide assistance if needed.
- You must be reasonably fluent in English.
- You must be certain of your decision to have a pregnancy termination. The medications can not be reversed once treatment commences.
Bring the following
- Medicare card. (or number, including expiry date and your Medicare reference number)
- Payment of the quoted fee is required shortly after arrival and prior to treatment. We accept POS, MasterCard, Visa or cash.
- If your GP has ordered blood tests or an ultrasound scan, please bring a copy of these reports with you or ask your GP to fax the reports to us prior to your visit. Fax 9690-2505.
- If you would like us to send a letter to your GP after the abortion is complete, please bring their name and practice address.
- A GP referral is not required, although if your GP has provided you with a referral letter, please give this to our receptionist upon arrival.
Your appointment
You will be at the clinic for approximately 1 hour.
Please aim to arrive close to your allotted appointment time as possible. We do not require you to arrive early. Upon arrival you will be asked to read and compete several forms. You will then speak with the doctor. This consultation is between yourself and the doctor only.
Cancellations
We ask that if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please call us on 9690-0000 as soon as possible and preferably 24 hours before your appointment so that your appointment time may be offered to another patient.
Parking
Metered street parking is available in the surrounding area. Best parking is in Cooper Street, Holt Street and Waterloo Street. Parking is not possible on Devonshire Street owing to the light rail.
Google Maps
Click to open location in Google Maps
After your appointment
We will provide you with;
- Personalised instructions explaining what to do.
- The medications used for the medical abortion.
- Additional medications to treat nausea and provide pain relief.
- A special low sensitivity urine pregnancy test which must be kept until we call you for a telephone consult which will be three weeks after your initial visit.
- A copy of your payment receipt(s).
If you have any questions, please call the clinic during business hours.
Admission forms
You can save time by completing these forms before visiting the clinic, otherwise you can complete the forms upon arrival.
Personal details and medical history form (all patients)