What to expect on the day of your abortion

A day that is smaller than the fear

Most of the fear around an abortion comes from not knowing what the day will actually be like. So let us walk through it, step by step, the way we would explain it to you in the clinic. Almost everyone tells us afterwards that it was quieter, gentler and quicker than they had imagined. Knowing what happens, and in what order, takes away a great deal of that fear.

First, one thing that matters more than any other. Everything here happens in person, at our hospital in Goa, with a doctor. There is no such thing as a safe abortion done over the phone, and we never send medicines to your home by post or courier. You are very welcome to call or message us first, and an online consultation can tell you whether treatment is likely to be feasible and guide your next step — but the treatment itself is always carried out here, safely. This is lawful, dignified medical care, and whether you are married or not makes no difference to how you are treated or to your right to this care.

Before you come in

When you call or message us, we will tell you what to bring and how to prepare. In general, bring any scan reports or prescriptions you already have, and wear comfortable clothes. Because the procedure is done under anaesthesia, we will usually ask you not to eat or drink for a few hours beforehand, and we will tell you exactly how long. For a surgical abortion, which is done under anaesthesia, our policy is that you come with a responsible adult who can take you home afterwards — it is not safe to travel home alone after anaesthesia. For other types of abortion, you may come on your own. If arranging a companion feels difficult, tell us when you call and we will help you find a way. If travel is a worry, please ask us — free patient transport is available from across Goa and nearby areas.

Arrival and privacy

When you arrive, the first thing we do is protect your privacy. You are not asked to explain yourself to a room full of people. You are shown to a private area, your details are taken discreetly, and only the people directly involved in your care are part of your day. Many of the women we care for come quietly, or have told no one, and that is completely respected. You will not be judged, lectured or made to feel small. You came to a hospital for safe medical care, and that is exactly what you will receive.

Assessment, ultrasound and consent

Next, the doctor sees you and takes a careful history — your health, any medicines you take, any past pregnancies or surgery. This is not to pry; it is how we keep you safe. We then do an ultrasound. The scan confirms the pregnancy, shows us exactly what we are dealing with, and rules out anything that would change the plan, such as an ectopic pregnancy, which needs different and urgent care. The scan is also how we decide, with you, which method is right; the details of that are covered in our guide to surgical abortion. Please be assured that an ultrasound in our care is only ever used to look after your health. We do not, and by law cannot, use it to reveal the sex of a pregnancy.

Before anything is done, we explain the procedure to you in plain language, answer your questions, and take your written consent. Consent means you understand what will happen and you agree to it freely. Nothing proceeds until you are ready.

The procedure itself

The surgical procedure is short. You are given anaesthesia so that you are comfortable and do not feel the procedure — in most cases you rest through it and are aware of very little. Our trained team is with you throughout, watching over you the whole time. Because everything happens in one place, with our own theatre and our own staff, there is no being sent from one building to another on a difficult day.

Recovery, and going home the same day

After the procedure you rest in a recovery area while the anaesthesia wears off. A nurse checks on you, and we make sure you are comfortable, steady on your feet and have had something to eat and drink before you leave. For most women this is a day-care visit — you come in, you are looked after, and you go home the same day. Some cramping and light bleeding afterwards is normal, rather like a period, and we tell you clearly what is expected and what is not.

The days after, and follow-up

Before you leave, we give you clear instructions in writing: how to rest, what is normal, which medicines to take, and the warning signs that mean you should contact us. We also arrange a follow-up so we can confirm that everything has settled well. This step matters, so please do not skip it. Recovery is usually quick, and most women are back to their routine within a short time.

This is also the right moment to talk about what comes next, if and when you want to. We can discuss contraception so that you are in control of your own timing in future. There is no pressure — it is simply part of caring for the whole person, not just the day.

When to call us

Once you are home, you are not on your own. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain that is not eased by the medicines we gave you, a fever, or you simply feel that something is wrong, call or message us straight away. It is always better to ask. Being able to reach us easily is part of what makes proper hospital care safer than trying to manage alone.

Getting started

If you are thinking about this, the simplest first step is to call or message us. An online consultation is a private, unhurried way to tell us your situation and ask your questions, and it will tell you whether treatment is likely to be feasible and what the next step is. Please remember that the consultation only guides you — to receive any abortion service you must come to the hospital in Goa in person, where care is carried out safely by a doctor. We never send medicines by post and never carry out an abortion remotely. You can read more about our safe and legal abortion services and the MTP Act that protects your right to this care. This article is for education only and is not personal medical advice; please consult your doctor about your own situation.

Or call +91 75582 52088 · 0832 251 3641

This page is for general education and is not personal medical advice. Treatment depends on your own examination and reports, so please speak to a doctor about your situation. We do not carry out or offer sex determination of any kind.