What should I bring to my abortion appointment

Why do I need to bring an identity document?

This is the one thing we ask you not to forget. If you are Indian, please bring a government-issued photo identity card, such as your Aadhaar card, voter ID card, driving licence or passport. If you are not Indian, please bring your passport. Please bring the card or passport itself. We use it to confirm your identity for your hospital record, and that record is confidential: it is kept securely, and your details are not shared with your family, your employer or anyone who telephones asking about you. Having your document ready means your visit can begin smoothly, without delays at the start of what may already feel like a long day.

Which reports and medical details should I bring?

Bring any reports you already have: a recent ultrasound scan, a pregnancy test result, and any blood reports, including your blood group if you know it. Bring a list of the medicines you take regularly, or simply bring the strips or bottles with you, and tell us about any allergies. Let us know about health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, asthma or anaemia, and about past operations, including any caesarean. None of this is to pry; it is how we keep you safe and plan the right care. Please do not take any medicine to end the pregnancy on your own before you come. If you already have, tell us openly. You will not be judged, and knowing helps us look after you properly.

Do I need to stop eating and drinking beforehand?

If you may be having a surgical procedure, yes. A surgical abortion is done under anaesthesia so that you are comfortable, and for your safety under anaesthesia your stomach needs to be empty. When your appointment is confirmed, we will tell you exactly when to stop eating and drinking. Please follow that advice closely, because it is there to protect you. If you take regular medicines, ask us whether to take them on the morning of your visit, rather than stopping them on your own. If you are having an abortion with medicines instead, there is usually no need to fast, and we will tell you so. If you are ever unsure, call and ask. It is a very ordinary question, and we would much rather you checked than guessed.

Can I come alone, or do I need someone with me?

It depends on the type of care. 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, even if you feel well. For other types of abortion, you may come on your own. Your companion can be anyone you trust, such as a friend, a sister or a relative, and only you decide how much they are told about your care. If arranging a companion feels difficult, tell us when you call and we will help you find a way. Free patient transport is available from across Goa and nearby areas, which can make the journey much easier.

What should I wear and pack for the day?

Wear loose, comfortable clothes that are easy to change in and out of, and comfortable flat shoes. Bring a pack of sanitary pads, because some bleeding afterwards is normal, and a change of underwear. Leave jewellery and valuables at home, and if you are having a surgical procedure, please remove any nail polish, as it can interfere with the monitoring clip placed on your finger. Bring your phone and its charger, and something that helps you feel calm while you wait, such as a book or earphones. A bottle of water and a light snack for the journey home can help too. You do not need to bring much more than that; we look after the rest.

What happens when I arrive?

You are met privately and shown to a quiet area, and only the people involved in your care are part of your day. The doctor talks with you, examines you and does an ultrasound scan, and blood tests are taken if needed. Everything is explained in plain words, and you sign the consent form yourself; as an adult woman, your own consent is what counts. Every instrument used in your care is 100% single-use disposable, opened fresh for you, so there is no cross-contamination between patients. Any surgical procedure, whether suction or D and C, is done under real-time ultrasound guidance, with the doctor watching your womb on the screen throughout. This lowers the risk of complications such as perforation, and shows the exact moment the womb is empty, so the procedure stops right there, with no unnecessary scraping, which helps protect the lining of the womb for future pregnancies. Our guide to what to expect on the day walks you through it step by step.

Is this care lawful, and can the first step be online?

Yes. Abortion care is lawful in India under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, and ours is provided at a government-licensed hospital in Goa. Your first step can be a call, a message or an online consultation, which can tell you whether treatment is feasible and guide your next step. But any abortion service is received in person, at the hospital: we do not send medicines by post or courier, and no abortion is done by phone. Married or unmarried, you are welcome, and you will be treated with the same respect. This guide is by Dr Mayur Pai, MBBS, MS in Obstetrics & Gynaecology.

Getting started

When you are ready, call or message us to arrange your visit, and ask anything you are unsure about; no question is too small. If you would like to understand the options before you come, see our guide to medical or surgical abortion, or reach us through our contact page. 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.