Abortion in Delhi | Safe & Private

Reasons for abortion

Abortion is governed under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, in India. The guidelines under the act were revised in 2021. The legislation outlines the specific grounds for performing an abortion.

The major reasons to have an abortion legally in India are given below.

• Risk to the woman’s physical health

Abortion is allowed if carrying the pregnancy to term would endanger the woman’s life or have a major negative impact on her physical health.

• Risk to the woman’s mental health

Pregnancy can be ended if it is expected to harm the woman’s mental health (for instance, as a result of rape or a contraceptive failure).

• Contraceptive failure

Abortion is permitted for married women and unmarried women (since the 2021 amendment) women as well, if the pregnancy occurs due to the failure of a contraceptive method or device. This is justified on the grounds of mental agony.

• Fetal abnormalities

It is legal to have an abortion if there is a significant risk that the unborn child will have severe physical or mental defects.

How does the Abortion Pill work?

The MTP Act has approved the use of two different medicines, misoprostol and mifepristone, to terminate the pregnancy up to 12 weeks. These medicines work by blocking the production of progesterone, a pregnancy hormone. They prevent the pregnancy from growing further. 

Initially, you will need to take the Mifepristone medication. After approximately 48 hours, you need to take the second abortion pill, i.e., misoprostol. The first medicine blocks the production of progesterone, and the second causes bleeding and cramping to empty the uterus. Consult a doctor if the bleeding doesn’t occur within 24 hours.

Types of Surgical abortion

It is a minor operation. Depending on the duration of pregnancy, the following types of surgical abortions are done. 

Vacuum Aspiration

• It is also known as suction evacuation and is performed for the first-trimester abortions 
• It is commonly done up to 12 weeks after the last menstrual period
• The procedure is performed under local or general anaesthesia
• Using a mild suction, the uterine contents are extracted by the doctor
• Vacuum aspiration is of two types. Manual vacuum aspiration and electric vacuum aspiration

Dilation and Curettage

• It is a quick procedure and causes minimal pain. It ensures complete expulsion with the same-day discharge. 
• Initially, the doctor gives you the medicine for the dilation of the cervix. It is important to expel the pregnancy tissue from the birth canal. 
• Once the cervix is dilated, the doctor removes the pregnancy tissues from the uterus, using a curettage instrument. 
• The cervix contracts naturally after a few hours. 
• The procedure is usually 30-40 minutes long. 

Induced abortion

• In Induced abortion, doctor gives you medicine to allow the uterus to contract. He may also use the suction to clear the uterus.
• Sometimes the procedure may take longer, and you are required to stay in the hospital for a day
• Your doctor may suggest some sedatives to prevent discomfort, such as cramps and severe pain.  

Psychological Trauma of Abortion

Loss of pregnancy may cause an interruption in the hormonal cycle. You may experience some negative feelings even after a planned termination of pregnancy due to changes in hormones. 

Common feelings experienced are mentioned below. 

• Guilt or anger
• Shame
• Regretful feeling
• Loss of self-esteem 
• A feeling of loneliness or isolation
• Problems with sleep 
• Issues in the relationship
• Suicidal thoughts
• Loss of self-confidence

Time Limits of Abortion Imposed by Law

• Up to 20 weeks: A single physician’s opinion is required.
• 20–24 weeks: Two medical professionals’ opinions are necessary (permitted for specific groups such as minors, rape survivors).
• After 24 weeks: With the consent of a state-level medical board(only in cases of severe fetal abnormalities).

Who can get the abortion done at Pristyn Care Elantis?

• Single/unmarried women
• Medical abortion for up to 12 weeks of pregnancy 
• Surgical abortion for up to 24 weeks of pregnancy
• Fetal abnormalities
• Pregnancy poses a threat to the woman’s health

Legal aspects of Abortion in India

The medical termination of pregnancy can be done on the following grounds

• Both single and unmarried women can terminate the pregnancy 
• The woman is raped or sexually assaulted and gets pregnant
• Contraceptive failure leading to an unintended pregnancy(only up to a few weeks)
• When the woman’s physical or mental health is at risk due to pregnancy
• Fetal abnormalities that may lead to deformities
• Only registered abortion centres are allowed to provide abortion services
• Medications for abortion should be taken from a licensed healthcare practitioner

Is the Abortion Process Painful?

Depending on the type of abortion procedure – medication or surgical, the intensity of pain varies. You may experience abdominal pain or cramps when undergoing the medical abortion. During or after a surgical abortion, you may not feel any pain except a small scar on the lower abdomen. You may not experience vaginal bleeding, pain, or cramping after the surgical abortion.

Abortion Procedure

A surgical abortion is typically a D&E or D&C procedure. That is- dilation and evacuation, or dilation and curettage. Either of the procedure may be employed based on the individual need, medical health, or personal choice. Both are quick and minimal pain procedures and can be performed in under 30 minutes.

The OBGYN surgeon first dilates the cervix through medication/ injection. Once the cervix opens up, the OBGYN aborts the pregnancy by gently vacuuming or curetting the fetus and uterine lining out through the woman’s vaginal passage. Since the procedure ensures complete expulsion right through the procedure, it marks comparatively lesser post-surgery bleeding, and recovery is quicker and easier.

Do’s and Don’ts after an Abortion

Our Delhi Government Authorized Centre

• Registered abortion centres/hospitals in Delhi
  • Pristyn Care Elantis Hospital:  License – DL/MTP/SED/002/2024-25
  • Pristyn Care Sheetla Hospital: License – FW/SA/2019/47
• Quick & safe procedures
• Experienced female gynecologists
• Confidential counselling & consultations
• Legally approved procedures

At Pristyn Care Elantis(License no: DL/MTP/SED/002/2024-25) and Pristyn Care Sheetla(License no: FW/SA/2019/47), we provide safe and confidential abortion services. These abortion centres in Delhi are governed under the guidelines laid down under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971, and are trusted by many for their effective medical and surgical abortion outcomes. Our state-of-the-art facility minimizes the risks while prioritizing the patient’s health and emotional well-being.