Bookings & Contact

Abortion

Olika is a Canberra-based women’s health clinic that understands that deciding to have an abortion is a deeply personal decision.

Olika provides compassionate, non-judgemental support to help you make informed choices that are right for your health, wellbeing, and circumstances.

Olika is committed to ensuring women have access to safe, respectful, and high-quality abortion care, along with the information and resources needed to make empowered decisions about reproductive health.

What is Abortion?

Abortion is a medical procedure to end a pregnancy. In Australia, abortion is a legal and common healthcare service. The type of abortion available to you will depend on how far along the pregnancy is, your medical history, and your personal preferences.

There are two main types of abortion:

  • Medical abortion: Involves taking medication to end a pregnancy and is available up to nine weeks (63-days) gestation.
  • Surgical abortion: A minor surgical procedure used to remove the contents of the uterus. It is typically offered beyond nine weeks and may be recommended based on clinical or personal factors.

In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), abortion is legal and accessible.

Olika provides abortion care in a private, supportive setting with access to experienced medical professionals.

There are many valid reasons why someone might choose to have an abortion, including:

  • Unplanned pregnancy
  • Health risks to the mother
  • Foetal abnormalities
  • Personal, financial, or social circumstances

We recognise the complexity of these decisions and provide supportive counselling, education, and medical guidance without judgement.

At Olika, we offer clear, step-by-step care throughout the abortion process. This may include:

  1. Initial consultation: Medical history, gestational dating (via ultrasound if needed), discussion of your options, and consent.
  2. Medical abortion (if eligible): A combination of two medications – mifepristone followed by misoprostol – is taken under guidance.
  3. Surgical abortion (referral provided): We coordinate care with trusted surgical providers in Canberra and ensure aftercare support.
  4. Follow-up care: We check on your physical and emotional wellbeing, confirm the abortion is complete (typically via phone, blood test or ultrasound), and discuss contraception if desired.

We can also refer for counselling or support services to ensure your emotional wellbeing is cared for.

Medical abortion involves two stages:

  • Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone needed to maintain the pregnancy.
  • Misoprostol, taken 24-to-48 hours later, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue.

Symptoms include cramping, bleeding (similar to a heavy period), and mild flu-like symptoms. Most people recover quickly, but we are here to support you through the process.

Surgical abortion is typically performed under sedation and involves gentle suction to remove pregnancy tissue from the uterus. It is a safe, effective, and quick procedure usually completed in less than 15-minutes, with most people going home the same day.

Abortion is a low-risk medical procedure when performed by trained professionals. Serious complications are rare. Possible risks include:

  • Infection
  • Incomplete abortion (more common with medical abortion)
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Emotional impact

We provide detailed information on what to expect and ensure that aftercare and support are available.

It’s normal to experience a range of emotions before and after an abortion. While many people feel relief, others may need space to process. At Olika, we:

  • Offer a safe space to talk
  • Provide referrals to counselling services
  • Support your mental and emotional health at every stage

Following an abortion, we can help you explore long-term contraceptive options to prevent future unplanned pregnancies. Options may include:

  • Oral contraceptive pill
  • IUD (hormonal or copper)
  • Implanon (contraceptive implant)
  • Depo injection

We tailor contraception advice to your individual health needs and preferences.

Australian Context

Abortion is a common and safe procedure. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around 70,000 abortions are performed each year in Australia. Increased access to early medical abortion and community education has helped reduce stigma and improve timely access to care.

Book a Confidential Consultation

If you are considering an abortion, or are unsure of your options, contact Olika in Canberra for a confidential, supportive consultation. Olika women’s health clinic will provide the care, information, and support you need to make the decision that’s right for you.

Your health, your body, your choice. Let us support you with compassion and respect.

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