Where Can I Get Free Advice on Abortion?

Abortion is a deeply personal and often challenging decision for women globally. At Medical Services Pacific (MSP), we are committed to empowering individuals with accurate information, compassionate care, and access to safe services. This article explores the medical, legal, and emotional aspects of abortion, guiding you through the process and helping you make informed choices while respecting your rights.

Legal Status of Abortion in Fiji

Abortion in Fiji is permitted under specific legal circumstances, as outlined in the Fiji Crimes Act. An abortion is considered lawful in the following instances:

1. To protect the life or physical health of the mother.
2. In cases of rape, incest, or sexual abuse (including when the pregnancy results from sexual intercourse between family members such as a parent and child, brother and sister, or grandparent and grandchild).

It’s important to understand your rights under Fijian law to ensure access to safe and legal abortion services. MSP offers confidential guidance to help you navigate these legal frameworks and ensure you receive the care and support you need.

If you have questions or concerns about your rights and the process, MSP’s team is here to provide you with the necessary support, information, and counseling.

Why Women Seek Abortions?

Women choose to seek an abortion for a variety of personal, medical, and social reasons, including but not limited to:

• Health risks that endanger their lives or physical well-being.
• Financial or emotional constraints, such as not being able to support a child.
• Personal circumstances, including the lack of family or partner support, or not feeling ready for parenthood.

Every decision is unique, and it is essential that every woman has a safe, non-judgmental environment in which to make her choice.

What are the Methods of Abortion?

1. Medical Abortion
   • Suitable for early pregnancies (typically up to 10 weeks gestation).
   • Involves two medications:
     • Mifepristone: Stops the pregnancy from progressing.
     • Misoprostol: Causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
   • Medical abortions are non-invasive and effective when carried out under proper medical supervision.
2. Surgical Abortion
   • Performed for pregnancies that are further along or when medical abortion is not an option.
   • Common procedures include:
     • Vacuum Aspiration: A gentle suction method used during early pregnancy.
     • Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): A procedure for pregnancies in the second trimester.
   • Both procedures are performed by qualified healthcare professionals in a clinical setting to ensure safety and comfort.

Post-Abortion Care

Prioritizing your physical and emotional recovery after an abortion is essential. Here are some important aspects of post-abortion care:

• Rest and Recovery: It’s important to allow yourself time to rest and heal physically and emotionally.
• Hydration and Nutrition: Support your body’s recovery with proper hydration and a balanced diet.
• Follow-Up Care: Schedule a follow-up medical appointment to ensure there are no complications or concerns.
• Counselling and Emotional Support: Abortion can evoke a range of emotions. MSP offers confidential counseling services to help you process your experience and make decisions regarding your ongoing care.

Debunking Common Myths About Abortion

Myth: Abortion causes infertility.
Fact: Safe abortions, when performed by trained professionals, do not impact future fertility.

Myth: Only irresponsible women seek abortions.
Fact: Women from all walks of life may seek abortions for a wide range of valid reasons. Each situation is personal and complex.

Myth: Abortion is extremely dangerous.
Fact: Modern abortion methods, both medical and surgical, are safe and effective when performed in accordance with medical guidelines by qualified professionals.

How MSP Can Help

At Medical Services Pacific (MSP), we provide compassionate, confidential, and professional services to support women considering abortion. Our team of healthcare providers ensures that you are fully informed and well-cared for throughout the process, and we stand by your side to provide all necessary support.
Our services include:

• Confidential Counselling: Speak to professionals who understand your situation and offer non-judgmental support.
• Medical Consultations: Receive information about safe abortion methods, available care, and post-procedure options.
• Access to Resources: MSP offers comprehensive information, referrals, and resources tailored to your specific needs.
  Your health, safety, and well-being are our top priorities, and we are committed to supporting you through every step of your journey.

Take Charge of Your Reproductive Health

Making an informed decision about your reproductive health is your right. At MSP, we are here to provide the care, guidance, and support you need throughout the process, ensuring that your decision is respected and your health is prioritized.

For confidential support and services, please contact us:

• Phone: 4502908 (central), 2224595 (West) or 4502909 (North)
• Email: [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]
• Website: www.msp.org.fj

 
Your health matters. Reach out to MSP today for trusted guidance and care.

Legal Considerations

As part of your informed decision-making process, it is essential to understand the specific legal aspects of abortion in Fiji. According to Section 234 of the Fiji Crimes Decree:

• Medical practitioners authorized by the Ministry of Health to perform abortions under certain conditions, such as protecting the woman’s physical health or in cases of rape, incest, or sexual abuse.

Note: Private Hospitals and facilities like MSP do not perform abortions.

• In cases where the pregnancy has lasted more than 20 weeks, the abortion may only be performed if two medical practitioners confirm that the woman’s or unborn child’s health is at serious risk. The procedure must take place in a facility approved by the Ministry for Health.

Additionally, the concept of informed consent is vital. You will be provided with all relevant medical information, risks, and alternatives before making a decision. For minor women (under 16), parental involvement may be required unless a magistrate grants an exception.

Risks of Unregulated Abortions

Undergoing an abortion outside the legal framework or through unqualified individuals in black market or “backdoor” settings poses significant risks to the woman’s health and safety. These risks can be severe and include:

• Unsuccessful Abortion: In some cases, an abortion may not be fully successful, leaving parts of the pregnancy tissue inside the uterus. This can lead to ongoing bleeding, infection, and further complications, requiring medical intervention.
• Disability to the Foetus: In cases where the abortion is attempted late in pregnancy or improperly carried out, the foetus may survive but could suffer lifelong disabilities due to the trauma or lack of proper medical care during the process.
• Death of the Mother: The risks of haemorrhage (severe bleeding), infection, or organ failure can lead to the death of the mother. In some situations, inadequate care or lack of proper sterile equipment can result in septic shock or complications that may prove fatal.
• Poisoning and Toxic Shock: If the individual performing the abortion uses unsafe substances or methods, the woman may experience poisoning or toxic shock due to harmful chemicals, improperly administered medications, or unsanitary instruments, which could lead to severe health complications or death.
• Severe Infection: Unsafe abortions increase the risk of infection, which can spread to the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Infections, if not treated promptly, can lead to sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition. Peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining) and other serious infections can result in long-term damage to reproductive organs, infertility, and, in extreme cases, death.
• Injury to Organs: An improperly performed abortion can cause injury to the uterus, cervix, or other reproductive organs. These injuries may lead to long-term health problems, including infertility, chronic pain, and difficulty carrying future pregnancies to term.
• Psychological Trauma: Apart from the physical risks, unregulated abortions may leave women with emotional and psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and long-lasting guilt or regret. These emotional effects can be exacerbated by the unsafe, illegal, and often secretive nature of black-market abortions.

These severe risks highlight the importance of seeking an abortion only through authorized medical facilities, such as government hospitals in Fiji, where the procedure is performed by trained and licensed professionals, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for the woman.

Family Planning Services Offered by MSP

Although MSP is not authorized to perform abortions, we do offer a range of family planning services to help prevent unintended pregnancies. Our services include:

• Cooper T/Loop
• Condoms (Male and Female)
• Oral Contraceptive (Morning after Pill)
• Injection (Depo-Provera)
• Insertion (Jadelle)

These services are available to help individuals make informed decisions about their reproductive health and prevent unintended pregnancies. If you are seeking an abortion, we will guide you to government hospitals in Fiji, where the procedure can be performed under the guidance of trained professionals, under the regulations and limbs of the Law.

Disclaimer: The material being rendered is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.