Yes, there are spontaneous abortions and induced abortions.

A spontaneous abortion is usually called a miscarriage. It happens when the uterus contracts and pushes the foetus (the baby in the womb) out before it is fully developed and can breathe by itself. Miscarriage most often happens early in a pregnancy. Often the woman may not even realise she has been pregnant. She may think that she is just having a very heavy period, which is a bit later than usual. Most miscarriages happen before 12 weeks of pregnancy. We often don’t know why it happens, but it is a natural process and about 15 percent of pregnancies end this way.

With induced abortion, there are several different procedures that are used for different stages of pregnancy. The most common procedure for early-stage abortion that is done between six and 12 weeks after the first day of your last period is called suction abortion or vacuum aspiration. It is a fairly simple procedure and is very safe. The procedure for later stage abortion takes longer and is more difficult This means there is a greater risk.

It is also possible to take medications that cause an abortion to happen. This is more common in other countries, but is only rarely done in Australia. It can only be used in very early pregnancies, under seven weeks from the first day of your last period.

If you think you might be pregnant, find out as soon as possible so that you have plenty of time to think about what you want to do. Then if you decide to have an abortion, you will be able to have the more straightforward procedure before the end

of 12 weeks.

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