No. Though the pain itself is very subjective in nature, medical science says that a fetus cannot feel any pain or sensation up until at least 20 weeks after conception because the nervous system doesn’t develop fully.  

Yes, abortion is legal in India up until the first 20 weeks of gestation. You can seek the same on the following grounds- 

1. When your doctor marks that the continuation of your pregnancy marks a risk/ threat to your life and may cause a grave injury to your mental or physical health. 
2. When your doctors record a substantial risk that- the child, if born, would be seriously handicapped and may have physical or mental abnormalities
3. When you claim that your pregnancy is caused due to the failure of birth contraceptives 
4. When your pregnancy is a result of rape/incest. (Here, the abortion period may be extended until 24 weeks when approved by two registered doctors.)

Yes, if your gestation period is under 20 weeks and your doctor finds you medically fit for an abortion, you can undergo an abortion at any registered clinic by a licensed practitioner in India. However, you require your parents or guardian’s consent for the same. We understand that the same may be difficult for many women as they may fear absolute unacceptance or extreme reactions to it. However, in real-time, most of these fears never really actualise. What we fear doesn’t always happen. This is why we suggest you try telling your parents or at least one of them. They, too, have gone through the same age, and there is a high probability that they would understand, accept and help you. If you want, maybe you first take the help from someone you trust in the family or seek help from a women’s NGO/ council. But, abortion is a highly critical decision and under no circumstance should you rely only on home- remedies or unsafe/ unrecognised methods or shady clinics. The complications can be extremely severe and may pose a life risk. 

No, under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act,1971,  the Indian law views conception, continuation and abortion as an extremely private and sacrosanct right of the woman herself. This is why, if you are above 18, fall within the gestation limit for the pregnancy and are medically fit for an abortion, no doctor can legally ask you for your husband’s consent.  

No. If you fear an unwanted pregnancy, we suggest you seek medical help at the earliest. Home remedies/ unsafe abortion practices have multiple complications such as-.  

1. Incomplete abortion
2. Unwanted pregnancy if abortion is unsuccessful
3. Infection
4. Prolonged bleeding
5. Health complications

Early diagnosis is the key to make the right and informed choice on an unwanted pregnancy. The earliest you can diagnose a pregnancy is a week after your missed period. Some of the early signs of pregnancy include nausea, vomiting, tenderness of the breast, mild pelvic cramping, bloating, raised basal body temperature and constant fatigue or tiredness. If you sense some of these symptoms after a week/ two of your intercourse and record a missed period, we suggest you take an at-home- pregnancy test. These are readily available over the counter and are quick and private. If the strip suggests a pregnancy, we recommend immediate medical help for both, confirmation and further decision to continue/ terminate the pregnancy.

Yes, typically, the at-home pregnancy test kits are 99% accurate, but in rare cases, they can also show a false positive/ negative. Therefore, once the strip suggests a pregnancy, we recommend you also seek medical help for confirmation. Your doctor can confirm the exact status of your pregnancy through more advanced tests like- blood tests and pelvic ultrasound. 

No. Surgical abortion is always performed under the influence of local/ general/ spinal anesthesia. This is why it is painless. However, as you pass your pregnancy over the next few days, you are likely to experience moderate-intense cramping and blood flow. But, please do not worry. This is completely normal, and you should feel better within the next 3-7 days. 

No, when done under safe conditions, by trained doctors and in legalised clinics, abortion is one of the safest ways to terminate a pregnancy.  But, the same can not be guaranteed for at-home remedies/ shady- unregistered clinics.  In fact, the reports say that one in ten women dies almost every day in India because of unsafe abortion practices. This is why we suggest you trust only licensed practitioners and legalised clinics for your abortion decision. 

Surgical abortions are usually a very swift procedure. Depending on the procedure and technique you opt for, it may take anywhere between 30- 40 minutes. 

Yes, STP is a minor surgery and minimally invasive in nature. It is usually performed on an outpatient basis, and you can go home the same day.  However, since passing a pregnancy is moderate- intensely discomforting with heavy cramping and blood flow, we suggest you take good rest at home and indulge in self-care. 

No, STP as a procedure is done through a suction effect on your vagina. Since no incisions are made, it leaves no scars. 

Yes, absolutely. Right after you pass your pregnancy, you would ovulate again and become fertile in the same month. Abortion, when performed safely, has no negative effect on a woman’s fertility. In fact, you shall re-enter your regular menstrual cycle by the eighth-week post expulsion.

Passing an abortion is a very personal experience, and the pain may differ from woman to woman. Typically, you are likely to experience moderate-intense cramping and heavy blood flow for up to the next one-two weeks. Here, it is important you listen to your body and decide what works best personally for you. If you feel well-rested, and work makes you feel better, you may resume normal activities the very next day, and if not, we suggest you take a little break, rest well, use heat pads, take a good diet and slowly resume work as you feel better.