For victims of rape or in medical emergencies, abortion can be an option to abort a pregnancy. However, make sure you know the risks, and prioritize health and safety factors.
Note that based on the laws in force in Indonesia, abortion is basically prohibited except for 2 conditions, namely medical emergency indication detected at an early age in pregnancy, both those that threaten the life of the mother and/or fetus, who suffer from severe genetic diseases and/or congenital defects, or which cannot be corrected so that it is difficult for the baby to live outside the womb; or pregnancy due to rape which can cause psychological trauma for rape victims.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Selecting Available Options
Step 1. Confirm your pregnancy
A missed period is a common symptom of pregnancy, but it is not always certain. If your period is late, you may think you are pregnant, especially if other symptoms appear, such as nausea or feeling that your breasts are getting softer. If you believe you are pregnant, it is best to take a home pregnancy test. Most of these test kits are considered highly accurate, and are easy to find in pharmacies.
If the pregnancy test shows you are pregnant, you should confirm the diagnosis with your doctor. Pregnancy test kits are reliable, but testing in a doctor's laboratory is the best way to confirm pregnancy. Make an appointment as soon as possible
Step 2. Determine if it is safe to share your condition with others
If you have experienced rape that caused you to become pregnant and are planning to abort it, make sure you tell the right people about it. Don't make yourself a victim of verbal abuse, physical abuse, or being kicked out of your home if that's possible.
- If you feel insecure about sharing this with your family, maybe you can contact a counselor or doctor at the puskesmas.
- It's a good idea to try to share this problem with a trusted family member.
Step 3. Call the doctor
After your doctor confirms your pregnancy, you may have a lot of questions. The doctor who treats you is a valuable source of information. Pregnancy will cause significant changes to your body. Even if you haven't been pregnant for a long time, you should ask your doctor what to expect.
- The doctor will also perform a physical examination, as well as perform a blood test or ultrasound test on the day of the visit.
- Ask your doctor to estimate your gestational age because abortion due to rape can only be performed before 6 (six) weeks of pregnancy is counted from the first day of your last menstrual period, except in the case of a medical emergency.
Step 4. Think about the options you have
Getting pregnant as a result of rape is something very scary. You may feel confused and scared. Take a few days to think about the options you have. If you have a close family member or friend you can trust, don't be afraid to ask for advice. The most important thing to do is to make the decisions that are best for you and your health.
- In essence, you have three options to choose from: raise the child, allow the child to be adopted, or abort him.
- Even if you know what you're going to do, it's a good idea to talk to a counselor about it. Legal abortion in Indonesia can only be carried out after going through pre-action counseling and/or advice and ending with post-action counseling carried out by a competent and authorized counselor.
Method 2 of 3: Having an Abortion
Step 1. Find a trusted counselor
Abortion is a serious act and can only be done legally with certain conditions.
- For example, in the United States, there is a Planned Parenthood agency that offers a comprehensive range of reproductive health services, and can be a good source of information (even if you decide to keep the pregnancy).
- There are two types of abortion, namely abortion through surgery or through the use of drugs.
- Ask the clinic that provides abortion services for applicable laws. Abortion on the basis of a medical emergency can only be carried out after obtaining the consent of the pregnant woman and her partner (except for rape victims) and a certified health care provider, as well as through counseling and/or pre-action consultation carried out by a competent and authorized counselor.
Step 2. Talk to your parents
If you are under 18, you may need parental consent to have an abortion, depending on applicable law. You can find out information about this by asking the nearest health clinic. However, you may want to consider discussing the matter with your parents. Hopefully they can be a source of your strength.
- Find the right time and place to talk to your parents. You should find a private place so there are no interruptions. Ask the parents if they have time to talk – you don't want them to be distracted.
- Try to stay calm and honest. Express your feelings and desires clearly.
Step 3. Find a supportive person
If you feel like you can't talk to your parents, try finding someone else to talk to. Even if you believe in having an abortion, it is still something very emotional. Getting support during difficult times like this can really help you. Calm down and think clearly during the conversation, then let the person know that you need their help.
Think of a family member or friend you trust. Ask this person to accompany you through the abortion process. You may need help during counseling, medical check-ups, etc
Step 4. Find out what to expect
Before coming to the clinic, make sure you know which method to use – surgical abortion or drug use. Medication is usually an option if the gestation period is less than nine weeks. This method has a success rate of 97 times out of 100 procedures performed.
- If you have a surgical abortion, you need to know the procedure to be performed. There are two types of abortion surgery: aspiration surgery and D&E (dilation and evacuation). Ask your doctor which method to use.
- Before performing the above procedure, you will be given medication to help you relax. Prior to aspiration surgery, your doctor will examine and anesthetize the cervical area. A suction device will be used to suction the fetus. This procedure takes about 5 to 10 minutes. However, understand that you need time before and after surgery to fill out forms and talk to your doctor.
- The D&E operation also begins with an examination of the uterus and anesthesia of the cervical area by a doctor. Medicine or fluids will be used to stretch your cervix. The doctor will then use a fine suction device to empty the uterus. This procedure takes about 20 minutes, plus a few minutes to prepare in the uterine area.
Method 3 of 3: Dealing with the Effects of Abortion
Step 1. Understand the physical recovery process
After having a surgical abortion, be sure to follow your doctor's advice during the recovery period. You may experience bleeding or cramping in the uterine area for up to a week after surgery. Your doctor may provide pain medication to help you manage the pain.
- You may also be given antibiotics to help prevent infection.
- If you experience serious bleeding or the cramps are excruciating, call your doctor. You should also call your doctor if you have a fever a few days after the abortion or notice any changes in the vaginal area, such as thickening of the skin or an unpleasant odor.
Step 2. Acknowledge your feelings
It's completely normal to feel emotional after having an abortion. Some people usually feel relieved. However, there are also those who feel emotional. For example, you may feel sad, grieving, or confused. Whatever emotions arise, give yourself time until you can accept them all.
Abortion is a very personal experience. Don't be shy if you feel really emotional afterward. Acknowledge and accept your feelings at the time
Step 3. Ask for help
While it's normal to feel emotional after an abortion, you need to make sure you're on the right path to recovery. As a teenager, this is very important, because you have experienced a lot of changes in your life. If your feelings turn to depression, guilt, or anger, you may need professional help.
Sometimes, you may feel better talking to a trusted friend or family member. However, your problem may need the help of a professional because it is too difficult to solve. If so, ask your doctor to refer you to a counselor or support group. Remember, you are not alone
Warning
- Make sure the abortion process is carried out by a reputable health practitioner.
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Indonesian law prohibits abortion, except for medical reasons or for rape victims. In this condition you may feel hopeless, and think to do it yourself at home. Never risk your own life.
Having an abortion yourself at home can kill you or cause long-term complications. You need the help of an expert.
- Be sure to follow all self-recovery instructions.
