Unplanned Pregnancy. Practical Information FOR women living in Ireland

Transcription

1 Unplanned Pregnancy Practical Information FOR women living in Ireland

2 ABOUT MARIE STOPES REPRODUCTIVE CHOICES 10/11 Berkeley Street Dublin 7 Phone: (01) (24 hours) info@reproductivechoices.ie Website: Marie Stopes Reproductive Choices is a Dublin based sexual and reproductive health service. Our clinic is small and friendly and our team of experienced nurses, doctors and counsellors provide professional support and advice. You can trust them to respect your feelings and privacy. Our services include: Unplanned pregnancy counselling Information about abortion clinics in England Abortion help and advice Cervical smear tests Male and female health checks Contraception all methods available Vasectomy services Sexually transmitted infection screening Thousands of women and men from all over Ireland visit us every year. We keep our fees as low as possible and booking an appointment is easy. An unplanned pregnancy can be a confusing, stressful and difficult time. You may not know what to do or who to talk to. Here, at Marie Stopes Reproductive Choices we offer confidential advice. We give you clear, non-judgemental information about all of the options available so you can decide what is best for you. THINK YOU MIGHT BE PREGNANT? Signs of pregnancy vary. They can include any of the following: Late or missed period Swelling or tenderness of the breasts More frequent trips to the loo Nausea or vomiting ( morning sickness can in fact occur at any time of day) Every woman experiences different symptoms. So if you think you might be pregnant, the first step is to take a pregnancy test. You can get a test at your GP, local family planning clinic or by visiting Marie Stopes Reproductive Choices. You can also purchase a home test from most chemists, and some chemists may provide pregnancy testing services. Do this as soon as possible. If you are pregnant, what are your options? 1. Continue with the pregnancy and become a parent. If you wish to do this, you should contact your GP, who will arrange ante-natal care. 2. Continue with the pregnancy and consider adoption or fostering. Please see the back page for contact details. 3. End the pregnancy through abortion. If you do not want to continue with the pregnancy, abortion is safer and you have more treatment options, the earlier it is carried out. Marie Stopes Reproductive Choices (01)

3 IRISH ABORTION LAW Abortion is highly restricted in Ireland. However, it is not against the law to ask for and obtain advice or information about abortion, or to travel to a clinic in the UK (or any other country where abortion is legal) to have an abortion. HOW CAN MARIE STOPES REPRODUCTIVE CHOICES HELP YOU? It is hard to know where or who to turn to when faced with an unplanned pregnancy. Marie Stopes Reproductive Choices is a pro-choice organisation, which means that our team respects every woman s right to receive impartial information to make her own decision about what is best for her. We believe that: Every woman has the right to complete confidentiality All information given should be clear and factual You should have information about all your options You should have all the support you need to make your own decisions Our clinic is open five days a week and there is no wait for appointments. We also offer a completely confidential telephone consultation service if you are not able to come to the clinic. You can call us on (01) hours All calls are confidential At your appointment at Marie Stopes Reproductive Choices you will be able to: See a professional counsellor if you wish to Discuss your options with an experienced nurse Have a scan to confirm how many weeks pregnant you are Have a check on your health Receive advice on contraception for future use Ask any questions you might have If you decide you want to end the pregnancy, we will give you all the information you need to contact a clinic in England about accessing an abortion as well as prices, maps and travel information. WARNING: SOME ORGANISATIONS MAY NOT HELP YOU Not all agencies trust women to make their own decision. A number of organisations in Ireland may seem sympathetic but, because they oppose abortion, may not give you the information you need and may try to persuade you against having an abortion. They are often run by pro-life or anti-choice groups and may employ some of the following tactics: Provide information that is heavily biased against abortion Show graphic or anti-abortion pictures or films Tell you myths about abortion Make you feel guilty Try to separate you from your friend of partner if you have brought one with you for support Refuse to provide information about abortion and where you could go in England or elsewhere for abortion Ask you to make repeat appointments for scans or further counselling Accuse pro-choice organisations of pushing abortion in order to make money If any of the above happens, or if you find yourself in any situation that makes you uncomfortable, simply leave. It is important that you do not provide these organisations with personal information about yourself as they have been known to harass women who might be considering an abortion.

4 ABORTION MYTHS Groups and individuals who are against abortion have spent years circulating inaccurate information about abortion and its effects on women, such as: Abortion causes breast cancer There is no evidence from the medical profession that abortion causes breast cancer. This was reiterated by a collaborative study analysing data from 83,000 women in 53 countries. (The Lancet, June , Reardon D.C.) Having an abortion will make it difficult to have a child at another time There are few health risks associated with a straightforward abortion and little evidence of any effect on future fertility. A woman s partner has to give consent to an abortion This is not true. It is solely a woman s right to have an abortion or not. More information on this can be found at and any questions you might have can be answered by the team at our clinic. WHAT IF YOU DECIDE TO HAVE AN ABORTION? Women choose to end a pregnancy for a number of reasons all of which are completely valid. A woman is in the best position to know whether or not she can continue with a pregnancy. No one else can make this decision for her. While many women are very clear about their decision to have an abortion, others are less so. If you are at all unsure or wish to discuss your situation or your options further, we can arrange for an appointment with our counsellor. Young women under the age of 16 need to see a counsellor. We appreciate that this may be difficult, but it is best if you can make your decision as soon as possible. As abortion is highly restricted, women in Ireland who decide to have an abortion must travel to obtain this service. Those who go abroad, including to England, have to pay for an abortion and go to private clinics. Due to the additional costs faced by women in Ireland, Marie Stopes International clinics offer discounted prices. If you decide to have an abortion but think you cannot afford one, call our helpline on (01) TRAVELLING TO ENGLAND Abortion providers in England, including Marie Stopes International, provide abortion help for thousands of women every year. They are able to offer one-day visits, but you will need to think about your travel arrangements. Can you get to the airport, to the clinic for the procedure, and back home in one day? When you call to make an appointment we will be able to advise you about how long you will be at the clinic so you can estimate your travelling times. There are a number of airlines that fly from Ireland to England (see back of the booklet). It is very important that you co-ordinate your flight with an appointment. Check the available flights but don t book a flight until you have made an appointment with the clinic. Take some time to weigh up your travel options carefully and don t forget about getting to and from the airport. Can you get transport? How long will it take? Marie Stopes International has centres in Bristol, Manchester, Essex and London. Fares to these cities can be cheaper. It is also less expensive to fly during the week as opposed to over weekends. It is really important to face the situation and assess how far into the pregnancy you are as soon as you can. The legal time limit for abortion in Great Britain is 24 weeks of pregnancy and the simplest procedures (best if you re travelling) can be done to 14 weeks. Between 14 and 19 weeks you can still have the treatment in one day but you will need to stay a little longer at the centre. Between 19 and 24 weeks gestation you would probably need to stay at least one night, local to the clinic. There is an Abortion Support Network that provides accommodation and help with funding for women travelling to England for an abortion who cannot afford it. See the back of this booklet for details.

5 WHAT HAPPENS AT THE CLINIC IN ENGLAND? Abortion providers and clinics in the UK will keep your details and any other information you provide them with completely private and confidential. METHODS OF ABORTION There are two main methods of abortion. Medical abortion sometimes called the abortion pill involves taking a combination of two different types of medication. Surgical abortion involves a minor procedure. Both are safe, effective and straightforward. HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT? You can call the Marie Stopes International 24 hour booking and information service on (or if you are calling from the UK). Be sure to let them know that you will be travelling from Ireland. They will also be able to offer advice on travel and accommodation. At the clinic in England, you will: See a doctor and a nurse Be informed of your abortion treatment options Have the opportunity to speak to a counsellor if you wish to talk further about your situation. Marie Stopes International also has counsellors available to speak to you over the telephone while you are in Ireland if that is more convenient. If you would like to speak to a counsellor ask them about this when you call Have a scan if necessary to determine how many weeks pregnant you are The nurse will check your medical history and you may have a blood test (usually just a finger prick), and a chlamydia test will be offered Under the terms of the 1967 Abortion Act, medical professionals need to know the reason why you are requesting an abortion, and two doctor s signatures are needed for an abortion to take place. These signatures are provided at the clinic in England. Surgical abortion Involves a minor procedure where the pregnancy is removed vaginally by gentle suction. Early surgical abortion (up to 12 weeks) Takes less than 5 minutes. Can be done without anaesthetic, under sedation or general anaesthetic. Surgical abortion (12-19 weeks) Takes minutes. Choice of conscious sedation or general anaesthetic (depending on gestation). Later surgical abortion (19-24 weeks) Performed in two stages, one in the morning for preparation of the cervix and one a few hours later that requires general anaesthetic. Medical abortion is a termination of pregnancy through the use of a combination of drugs to cause the pregnancy to pass vaginally. Early medical abortion (up to 9 weeks) As medical abortion requires taking two doses of medication over two visits (one or two days apart), it will mean that you will have to stay for at least two days. It is therefore not usually recommended to women travelling from Ireland to England as the bleeding experienced after taking the second pills could occur on the journey home. If you would prefer this option please talk directly to the provider for information. Medical abortion can also be used between 9 and 24 weeks and is offered in some clinics in England. You will receive additional, in-depth information about each of these treatment options during your consultation at the clinic. You will also have the chance to raise any questions or concerns. If you would like more information about each procedure, please visit or

6 COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED Does an abortion hurt? Most women experience cramping after an abortion very much like bad period pains. This doesn t last very long and you can take painkillers to ease the discomfort. There are different forms of anaesthetics that you can choose. You could be awake during the procedure or sedated or have a general anaesthetic. The clinic will let you know about the pros and cons of each method so you can choose what is best for you. Is abortion safe? Complications are extremely rare. Abortion is one of the most frequently performed gynaecological procedures in the UK. However, any surgical procedure or medical treatment carries some risks. You will receive information about possible risks and complications at the clinic you travel to. How will I feel after my abortion? Most women experience a sense of relief, but others may feel more emotional. It is quite normal to feel a bit low for a few days. The consensus of all authoritative psychiatric and medical opinion is that for the vast majority of women, the effects on psychological health of having an abortion are neither major nor long-lasting. Very few women suffer prolonged emotional distress following an abortion. However, distress may be triggered if the circumstances surrounding the abortion are especially stressful. Marie Stopes Reproductive Choices has specialist counsellors available should you wish to talk through your feelings at any point after your abortion. Will anyone else find out? No. Like all other medical procedures, abortion is strictly confidential and no one will be told about your visit unless you want them to be. This includes your parents, partner and doctor. Nothing that happens at the clinic will go on your medical record without your permission. How soon do I have to make my decision about abortion? Although it might be difficult, it is best if you can make a decision as soon as possible. The earlier you make your decision the more abortion options are open to you. Is it up to me if I have an abortion? Can my boyfriend or parents stop me from seeking an abortion? It is entirely your right to decide whether or not to have an abortion. No one else can make this decision for you or stop you from making the decision that is right for you. UK clinics will respect your decision. Can I have more than one abortion? Yes. Women are free to seek abortion services on more than one occasion. However, there are reliable methods of contraception available which if used properly should reduce the risk of an unplanned pregnancy and reduce the need for abortion. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY ABORTION? Post-abortion check-up It is recommended that you have a pregnancy test and check-up about three weeks after an abortion. If you have any symptoms following an abortion, or continuing signs of pregnancy you should seek medical help straight away. If you have any questions or concerns, please call: Marie Stopes Reproductive Choices (01) or Marie Stopes International Both 24 hour helplines Women who attend the Marie Stopes Reproductive Choices Clinic for a consultation prior to travelling for an abortion, are entitled to a free check up at the clinic after their abortion. There is a small fee for other women. We can arrange for your to discuss your feelings about your abortion with a non-judgemental specialist counsellor if necessary.

7 Don t forget about your contraception Contraception You can conceive as early as one week after an abortion. Whether you have just had a pregnancy scare, or whether you have recently had an abortion, if you do not want to get pregnant, it is important to find the method of contraception that is best for you. Marie Stopes Reproductive Choices also provides a full range of contraceptive methods and can discuss your options with you. Emergency contraception (morning after pill) This is contraception that can be used after unprotected sex - whether you have not used any contraception at all or whether your normal contraception has failed (a split condom, missed pill etc). It should not be seen as a regular method of contraception it is much better to use a reliable method every time you have sex and to be aware of the other risks carried by unprotected sex, such as sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS. There are two methods of emergency contraception: Up to three days: emergency contraceptive pill. Sometimes called the morning after pill, it can in fact be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, the sooner the better. It is available from your GP or family planning clinics like Marie Stopes Reproductive Choices. It is 95% effective if taken within 12 hours after unprotected sex and 54% effective at 72 hours after unprotected sex. A new emergency contraceptive pill called ELLA One is effective up to five days after unprotected sex available soon in Ireland. Up to five days: intrauterine device (IUD/Coil). If you have left it too late for the emergency contraceptive pill then you can still have an IUD, also known as a coil, fitted up to five days after unprotected sex, to prevent pregnancy occurring. It is 98%-99% effective. UNPLANNED PREGNANCY CHECK LIST Take a test to ensure you are pregnant Call or visit Marie Stopes Reproductive Choices Clinic to learn about all of your options If you decide to end the pregnancy, book an appointment at a UK abortion clinic like Marie Stopes International Make your travel arrangements Have your consultation and treatment in a UK clinic (try to go with your partner or a friend if possible) Attend a post-abortion and contraceptive advice appointment at Marie Stopes Reproductive Choices Keep our number - (01) in case you ever need to talk to us or need advice after your abortion

8 Unplanned pregnancy, a daily reality for women What is the legal situation in Ireland? Abortion in Ireland is illegal unless the pregnancy endangers the life of the woman. Ireland is only one of three European countries, with Malta and Poland, that severely restricts women s abortion rights. What are your rights? Although abortion is not legally permissible thousands of women from Ireland travel abroad, mainly to England to access the procedure. It is every woman s right to access information in Ireland about all her pregnancy choices including safe abortion. What do Catholics think about abortion? Although the Catholic Church prohibits abortion in all circumstances, even at the earliest stage of pregnancy, many Catholics are more ambivalent. Opinions vary greatly but most Catholics recognise that abortion should be allowed, at least in some situations. Italy, which is predominantly Catholic, allows abortion on request in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and recently legalised the medical abortion pill. For more information, please visit: Marie Stopes Reproductive Choices (01) What do Irish people think? Public opinion on abortion in Ireland is changing and becoming less prescriptive. This was confirmed in recent research that Marie Stopes International commissioned through YouGov (2009) which asked about the views of men and women in Ireland about abortion being permitted in Ireland. 41% of people surveyed, agree that a termination of pregnancy in Ireland should be permitted if the women believes it is in her or her family s best interests, only 3% of those asked thought that abortion was not acceptable under any circumstances. 87% of people agreed that a termination of pregnancy in Ireland should be permitted if the pregnancy seriously endangered her health. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1002 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 3rd - 8th December The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all adults from The Republic of Ireland (aged 18+). GET INVOLVED Every year thousands of women from Ireland have to travel overseas to obtain an abortion. Others are forced to continue with an unwanted pregnancy against their will. If you support calls for legalisation, make your voice heard and vote in our online poll. Visit CONTACT INFORMATION Marie Stopes International If you need to access an abortion Abortion Support Network (or from the UK) If you need to travel to England but need help with the cost of your abortion, or need overnight accommodation. Positive Options One Family (01) Provides support and help for single parents The Adoption Authority of Ireland (01) Provides information on adoption Irish Foster Care Association (01) Provides information on fostering Other useful information AIRLINES There are many flights going between Ireland to UK cities, check these websites for more information. Airline Aer Arann Aer Lingus BMI (British Midland) Ryan Air Websites

9 Marie Stopes Reproductive Choices 10/11 Berkeley Street, Dublin 7 Call (01) (24 hours) for information and appointments Opening hours: 9.30am - 6pm Monday to Friday HOW TO FIND US: Marie Stopes Reproductive Choices is situated near the centre of Dublin and can be reached easily by: Bus: Local - Number 10 and 38 buses from O Connell Street stop on the corner of Mountjoy Street. Provincial - Buses to Busaras Station, just a short taxi ride to the centre of Dublin. Train: The nearest stations are Connolly and Heuston, both are just a short taxi ride to the centre of Dublin. Walking up from the city centre: Walk straight up O Connell Street away from the city centre, proceed up North Frederick Street. Cross at the main junction with Dorset Street, walk up Blessington Street. Berkeley Street is half way up on your right.