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Medical Termination of Pregnancy

Medical termination of pregnancy means ending a pregnancy with the help of a doctor. It is lawful in India within the conditions set out below. Care at Icon Nursing Home is confidential.

The Law Today

Under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021, in force since September 2021:

  • Up to 20 weeks, on the opinion of one registered medical practitioner.
  • From 20 to 24 weeks, on the opinion of two registered medical practitioners, for specified categories — survivors of rape or incest, minors, women whose marital status changed during pregnancy, differently-abled women, and cases of foetal abnormality.
  • Beyond 24 weeks, there is no upper limit where a Medical Board diagnoses substantial foetal abnormality.
  • The contraceptive-failure ground applies to any woman or her partner, not only married women.

Your Options

Medical Termination (with Tablets)

Tablets are used to end the pregnancy. It is used in early pregnancy, up to the stage the doctor confirms is suitable. The process takes a few hours to a few days, with bleeding and cramping like a heavy period. A follow-up visit confirms it is complete.

Surgical Termination (a Procedure)

The pregnancy is removed through a short procedure, with pain relief or anaesthesia. It is used at later stages, or when tablets are not suitable or have not worked. It usually takes under an hour, with a few hours of rest afterwards, and bleeding for some days.

If You Are Still Deciding

Many women come to us before they have made up their mind. There is no pressure here. The doctor will explain what is possible at your stage of pregnancy and answer your questions, whatever you decide afterwards.

  • Confirm the pregnancy and how many weeks it has been. This decides which methods are lawful and safe for you, so it is the first thing we check.
  • Take the time you have. Early pregnancy allows more choices and simpler methods, so it helps to speak with a doctor sooner rather than later.
  • Think about your health, your circumstances at home, and any support you have. You can talk any of this through in private.
  • Ask about contraception for afterwards. Whatever you choose now, the doctor can explain how to avoid an unplanned pregnancy later.

You may bring someone with you, or come alone. Nothing is decided for you, and nothing is done without your written consent.

Medical Abortion — How the Tablets Work

Medical abortion uses prescribed medicines, taken under a doctor's supervision, to end an early pregnancy without surgery.

  1. The first medicine blocks progesterone, the hormone a pregnancy needs to continue.

  2. A second medicine is taken some hours later. It makes the womb contract and empty, with bleeding and cramping like a heavy period.

  3. It is most effective in very early pregnancy, and the doctor confirms by scan whether you are within the suitable stage.

  4. You will usually pass the pregnancy at home over a few hours to a few days. Bleeding can continue, lighter, for some days after.

  5. A follow-up visit — usually a scan — confirms the abortion is complete. If it is not, a short procedure is needed to finish it safely.

Surgical Abortion — How the Procedure Works

A surgical abortion empties the womb through a short procedure carried out in the operation theatre here.

  1. Gentle suction (vacuum aspiration) is used to remove the pregnancy through the cervix.

  2. The procedure itself is short — usually a few minutes — and is done with pain relief or anaesthesia so that it is not painful.

  3. It is used at later stages, when tablets are not suitable, or when a medical abortion has not completed.

  4. You rest here afterwards for a few hours, and you are checked before you go home.

  5. Bleeding is usually lighter than with tablets and settles over some days. Completion is confirmed before you leave.

Afterwards, and When to Call Us

  • Rest for a day or two. Ordinary activity can usually be resumed soon after, as the doctor advises.
  • Bleeding and cramping settle over days. Periods usually return within four to six weeks.
  • Attend the follow-up visit even if you feel well — it confirms the process is complete.
  • Call us at once if you have very heavy bleeding, fever, severe pain or a foul-smelling discharge.

Please Do Not Self-Medicate

Abortion tablets bought without a prescription are a serious risk. Taken at the wrong stage, or where the pregnancy is outside the womb, they can cause heavy bleeding, incomplete abortion and infection.

  • A scan is needed first to confirm the stage of the pregnancy and rule out an ectopic pregnancy.
  • The medicines must be prescribed and supervised by a registered medical practitioner.
  • If you have already taken tablets and feel unwell, come in or call us. You will be treated, not judged.

No Sex Determination

The sex of a foetus is never revealed here. Determination or disclosure of foetal sex is a criminal offence under the PCPNDT Act, 1994, and we follow that law without exception.

What Happens When You Come to Us

  1. You speak with the doctor in private. You are asked about your health and the date of your last period.
  2. An examination is done, and an ultrasound if it is required, to confirm the stage of the pregnancy.
  3. The doctor explains which methods are lawful and suitable at that stage, and what each involves.
  4. Your written consent is taken. Nothing is done without it.
  5. The procedure is carried out here, and you rest for as long as needed.
  6. You are given instructions, contraception advice if you want it, and a follow-up date.

Confidentiality

Under Section 5A of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, we may not reveal the name or any details of a woman whose pregnancy has been terminated, except to a person authorised by law.

Cost

Costs depend on the consultation, tests and care required. The team will explain expected charges privately before treatment.

Common Questions

Ask Us to Call You Back

You do not need to give your name. Give a mobile number and a time that is safe for you, and we will call.

When Can We Call?
+91 90041 82440WhatsApp Us