Queensland Virtual Early Medical Termination of Pregnancy Service
About the virtual early medical termination service
A medical termination (also known as abortion) is when you take a series of tablets over 2 days that safely end a pregnancy in the early stages. These tablets are called MS-2 Step.
You may be able to have a medical termination before 9 weeks of pregnancy without seeing a clinician in person. Under the virtual early medical termination of pregnancy service, your care will be provided by video or phone. A prescription for the tablets will be sent electronically or to a Queensland Health hospital for you to collect.
Who can have a virtual medical termination
If you can’t access a medical termination through your local health care services, our service may be an option for you.
You must:
- live in Queensland and not be travelling overseas within the next month
- be less than 9 weeks pregnant
- live or be able to stay at a place less than a 2 hour drive from a 24 hour emergency medical service in case there are complications.
Help with travel and accommodation costs
If you need to travel more than 50 kms for medical services, you may be eligible for the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS). This helps patients with travel and accommodation costs who need to use specialist medical services that aren't available in their local area.
Read more about the subsidy scheme on the Queensland Government website.
Working out how many weeks pregnant you are
If you’re not sure how many weeks pregnant you are, you can use your period dates by counting the weeks from the first day of your last normal period.
You can also use an online pregnancy calculator. If you’re still unsure, contact your GP or another health professional for help. Sometimes an ultrasound is needed to work out how many weeks pregnant you are.
What to expect during a medical termination
You’ll take 2 different types of medicines over 2 days that will end the pregnancy.
As well as bleeding and cramps, you may have other side effects including:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- chills.
We can prescribe you anti-nausea and pain relief medicine to help you with these side effects.
How to access a virtual medical termination
You can access the virtual medical termination service without a referral from your GP. You can do this by filling in the online form or by calling 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
Once you’ve submitted the form, we’ll contact you within one business day. If you submit your form over a weekend, we’ll contact you on the following Monday (except on public holidays).
Appointments are available from 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays).
Please let us know if you're hearing impaired or would like to use a language other than English. We have free interpreters that you can use.
Having a medical termination
Before the medical termination, you’ll have between 2 to 3 video or phone appointments with our clinicians. Please let us know if you’d prefer to speak with a female clinician and we’ll do our best to arrange this for you.
They’ll talk to you about:
- your general health
- any tests you need, such as an ultrasound
- possible side effects or complications
- what to expect after a medical termination
- follow up care.
How to prepare
You won’t be able to work during the medical termination. We strongly recommend having another person to help you when you take the second lot of tablets. You may not be able to do things like driving or caring for other people.
We can give you a medical certificate for the days you need to take off work.
Getting the medicine
We’ll send an electronic prescription to your mobile phone or email, or you can collect them from a Queensland Health hospital.
Managing your pain
The amount of pain is different for everyone. Most people describe it being like strong period pain which subsides after a few hours.
You can take pain relief medicine as prescribed. Hot packs, hot water bottles, warm showers or walking around can also help. If your pain is severe, go to your nearest emergency medical service.
Bleeding
You’ll have vaginal bleeding after having a medical termination.
- The amount of blood and how long it lasts is different for everyone.
- You’ll probably bleed more than your usual period and may pass some clots.
- Bleeding should get lighter after the pregnancy has passed.
- Bleeding usually lasts for about 2 weeks.
- You may have light bleeding or spotting for up to 6 weeks.
When to get help
If you have any of the following side effects, you need to get medical help straight away.
- Passing blood clots that are the size of your fist.
- Soaking a maxi pad every 30 minutes for more than 2 hours.
- Fever, chills, strong pain or other side effects that continue for more than 24 hours after taking the second lot of tablets.
- Heavy bleeding that lasts longer than 2 weeks.
- Worried that the medicine hasn’t worked, and you’re still pregnant.
Where to get help
- Call our team on the number we’ve given you between 8 am and 4 pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays).
- Call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
- Go to your nearest 24 hour emergency medical service or call Triple Zero (000).
After the medical termination
You’ll have a follow up appointment a couple of weeks after the medical termination. This is an important appointment as it’s when we’ll confirm that you’re no longer pregnant.
Exercising and other activities
You can go back to your normal activities and exercise when you feel well enough.
For the first 2 weeks we recommend you don’t:
- go swimming
- have baths or spas
- have vaginal sex
- put anything in your vagina, including tampons.
How much it costs
Your appointments are free, but you may have to pay for an ultrasound and medicines. These costs are approximate and may change, depending on the pharmacy, and your circumstances.
Medical termination medicines
- Healthcare/concession card holders: $7.70
- Medicare card holders: $31.60
- Non-Medicare card holders: $390.73
Other medicines
- Pain relief medicine: $3.00
- Anti-nausea medicine: $10.00
Please talk to us if you can’t afford to pay for your medicines or other expenses such as travel and accommodation.
Your privacy
My Health Record
If you’re worried about what people can see on your My Health Record, the Australian Digital Health Agency has information about privacy and how your personal details are managed.
Medicare
Only the medicines will show on your Medicare record.
- Once you turn 14, your parent or guardian can’t access your Medicare claims history, even if you’re listed on their Medicare card.
- If you’re over 14, you can open your own myGov account.
- If you’re over 15, you can get your own Medicare card if you’re enrolled in Medicare.
Read more about Medicare on the Services Australia website.
Help and support
Our clinicians are available from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays). We’ll give you our contact details when we get your referral.
If you need support having a termination of pregnancy, you can call Children by Choice on 1800 177 725.
If you’re experiencing domestic, family or intimate partner violence, you can contact 1800RESPECT by:
- phone: 1800 737 732
- website: online chat and video calls.