Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTOP) appointments
Calling us about an MTOP appointment
When you call us, one of our friendly reception staff will answer and ask how they can help.
If you say you are calling about an abortion or options counselling, they will explain that they need to ask a few questions to make sure we book you into the right appointment.
Everything you share is confidential, and you can choose not to answer anything you are uncomfortable with.
Checking how many weeks pregnant you might be. We will ask for the first day of your last period. This helps us estimate how far along the pregnancy is.
- If you are likely under 9 weeks, we can usually book you for a medical abortion appointment.
- If dates are unclear, we will need to book a phone consultation with one of our doctors.
- If you are further along, we will help refer you to a service that can provide surgical care.
Our reception staff will ask if you have had an ultrasound scan. If you already had a scan they will ask you to send the report to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We will explain about the appointment, this usually includes an appointment with a nurse and a doctor and takes about an hour.
We will book you into the next available in-person appointment.
If you have not had an ultrasound scan you will be asked to schedule a 15-minute phone consultation with one of our doctors.
We may also ask you about:
- Where you live
- your age
- whether you have a support person
- if you are happy to receive text messages from us
We will also explain any possible costs. If you are an ACT resident, the service is funded by the ACT Government, but you will need proof of address. With your consent, we will send you appointment reminders and information by SMS.
All our services are confidential and non-judgmental. Your privacy is very important to us.
Before finishing, we will ask if you have any questions.
We will then send your appointment details. If anything changes or you are worried about symptoms, you can call us anytime. We are here to support you.
At the appointment
Your appointment usually includes seeing a nurse and a doctor. They will:
- Review your medical history
- Explain your options and the medication process
- Do any needed tests or scans
- Check that the treatment is right for you
Most people can receive their medication on the same day.
At the time of your appointment, we will also offer you a sexual health screening.
Sometimes Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can be asymptomatic (no obvious symptoms). We will offer you free screening for STIs at the time of your appointment, which involves a blood test and a vaginal swab test. You can also choose to have a Cervical Screening Test at the same time if due.
- These tests are free
- We offer them to everyone, there is no judgement here
- We will only contact you for positive or abnormal test results
- You can ask for a copy of your results to be sent to your GP
- Find out more about STIs here
We will also discuss contraception post abortion with you at your appointment.
We will ask you about your plan for contraception. This may seem overwhelming at the time, and you don’t need to decide straight away; however, some people like to have a plan for the future. We can provide scripts for the pill, Depo Provera, NuvaRing or insert an Implanon on the day. If you are interested in an IUD, you can return for an appointment, and it will be bulk billed, so there will be no out of pocket expense for you.
If you are a Rhesus Negative blood group or don't know your blood type. For abortions under 10 weeks, we don’t need to know your blood group or give you Anti D if you know you are a negative blood group.
Find out more about contraception options here.
Follow-up care
You will be given a follow-up appointment or test to confirm the abortion is complete. This is to confirm your abortion was successful and there is no ongoing pregnancy.
Please attend this, even if you feel well.