There can be various reasons for the termination of a pregnancy. (Even the most reliable contraceptive can sometimes fail, and a woman can fall pregnant unintentionally. Emotionally and morally, terminating a pregnancy is often a very difficult decision for a woman. A pregnancy can only be terminated with the woman’s own decision and consent. Before considering an abortion, be sure to discuss your decision with either someone close to you or a counsellor. If necessary, it is also possible to contact a pregnancy crisis counsellor.
If you have decided to terminate the pregnancy, visit a gynaecologist for pre-abortion counselling and a referral for an abortion. Larger hospitals often have separate receptions for women who wish to terminate their pregnancies, so that the waiting time for an appointment is not long. When booking the appointment, tell the hospital about your wishes. Also, discuss your concerns with the doctor and decide how to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy in the future. There are several contraceptive methods for this, such as implants, spirals, pills, patches or vaginal rings.
What is abortion?
Termination of pregnancy, i.e. abortion, is the removal of an embryo or foetus from the uterine cavity by surgery or by administering drugs. A pregnancy can only be terminated with the woman’s consent if the pregnancy has lasted less than 12 weeks (that is, up to 11 weeks and 6 days). A pregnancy lasting up to 21 weeks and 6 days can be terminated for medical reasons.
These reasons could arise when:
- the pregnancy threatens the woman’s health;
- the foetus has a severe mental or physical health disorder;
- the woman’s illness prevents the development of the embryo;
- the woman is under 15 years old or over 45 years old.
The voluntary termination of pregnancy is a paid procedure in Estonia. If there is insurance from the Health Insurance Fund, the person seeking an abortion must pay 50% of the price for medication abortion and 30% of the price for a surgical abortion. In the absence of insurance, the full price must be paid. The price of an abortion can change slightly each year.
Termination of pregnancy is regulated by the Abortion and Sterilisation Act.
How is pregnancy terminated?
Pregnancy is terminated at the woman’s request based on a written application. If you have decided to terminate the pregnancy, an appointment with a gynaecologist is necessary in advance, where the necessary tests and analyses are performed, including a gynaecological examination, an ultrasound to determine the size of the pregnancy, an analysis of the cervix and blood tests.
Together with the gynaecologist, a suitable method of termination of pregnancy is chosen, whether it be medication or pill abortion or surgical abortion. The gynaecologist will explain the course of the procedure and possible complications to you, and the time for the abortion will be set.
The medication termination of pregnancy is the removal of the embryo or foetus from the uterine cavity by the administration of drugs. The two drugs used are Mifepristone and Misoprostol. Pregnancies of up to 9 weeks or 63 days are terminated with medication on an outpatient basis. Pregnancies greater than 9 weeks of gestation are referred to the hospital for medication termination.
The surgical termination of pregnancy is performed in a hospital in the gynaecology or day surgery department. As a rule, the procedure is performed under general anaesthesia.
Read more about the process of termination of pregnancy here.
What to consider after an abortion?
After an abortion, vaginal bleeding is normal and lasts for an average of 2 weeks, but in some cases, it can last up to 45 days. It is difficult to measure the amount of blood loss, but the discharge of blood clots, complete saturation of two large sanitary napkins within two hours, weakness and fainting indicate increased blood loss. Objectively, it can be evaluated by determining the haemoglobin value, which can be done by a doctor.
In the case of profuse and prolonged bleeding, anaemia or signs of inflammation, vacuum aspiration may be necessary for treatment.
Consult a doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms:
- more bleeding than during a normal menstruation period;
- severe lower abdominal pain or an increase in its intensity;
- fainting, vomiting, high fever or chills for more than 24 hours;
- foul-smelling discharge;
- bleeding for more than two weeks in the case of surgical abortion;
- bleeding for more than 45 days or bleeding after the next menstrual period in the case of medication abortion;
- symptoms that may indicate continued pregnancy.
Sterilisation and vasectomy
Sterilisation and vasectomy are pregnancy prevention methods for women and men who do not want to have children in the future. The sterilisation method is also suitable for those women who have become pregnant whilst using contraceptives.
To sterilise a woman, the fallopian tubes are closed or removed. This prevents the union of the egg and the sperm, and after sterilisation, it is no longer possible to conceive naturally. The production of female hormones and maturation of eggs in the ovaries continues as before, and cyclical changes in the lining of the uterus ensure the continuation of normal menstrual periods. The sterilisation of a woman is carried out only at her request.
Please note! Although it is a very effective method of contraception, spontaneous recovery of the fallopian tubes and a new pregnancy are possible in rare cases.
A vasectomy is a male sterilisation operation that involves cutting the vas deferens. After a vasectomy, sperm can no longer move from the testes to the semen, making the man sterile and unable to impregnate a woman. To perform a vasectomy, you must see an andrologist or urologist.
Who is legible for sterilisation?
Sterilisation is permitted for women who meet at least one of the following conditions:
- The woman has at least three children
- The woman is older than 35 years
- The pregnancy would be dangerous for the woman’s health
- A woman cannot use any other contraceptive method due to contraindications
- A woman is at risk of having a child with a severe mental or physical health impairment
- The woman’s health would prevent her from raising a child
Sterilisation in Estonia is regulated by the Abortion and Sterilisation Act.