Question 1

What is the social consult?

Accepted Answer

This is a mandatory consult with a social worker, required by German law. The consult is free of charge and is designed to support the pregnant woman. It can be arranged by phone and in Polish. Social consults are conducted by various organizations, both secular and religious. You don't have to find a consultant yourself. We work with them daily and will provide you with the contact information of a reliable person.

The consult does not address moral issues. It is a conversation during which you will receive information related to the procedure and what to expect after the abortion. You can also discuss contraception if you wish. You do not have to explain your decision; instead, you can ask questions.

The social worker is required to collect certain statistical data, but it is not necessary to answer questions regarding the reasons for the decision to terminate the pregnancy. The consult can be conducted under a pseudonym.

After the consult, you will receive a certificate of completion of the consult, which is required by the clinic prior to the procedure. Please note that at least three days must elapse between the consult and the procedure (counting from the day following the consult; non-working days are also included).

Question 2

How long does the whole process take?

Accepted Answer

From 5 to 10 business days.

Due to the requirement for a social consult and a three-day waiting period, we are unable to expedite this process. The clinic's treatment schedule also impacts the duration of this process, as does the fact that none of our partner clinics perform procedures on weekends.

If your pregnancy has progressed beyond week 13, you may be able to get faster help in Austria. Contact our sister collective in Vienna (https://ciociawienia.net/).

Question 3

Can I have the check-up and procedure on the same day?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, no. All clinics and offices we work with require a check-up the day before. In Germany, it's generally rare for the check-up and procedure to take place on the same day. Even if we manage to arrange both appointments on the same day, the check-up will be scheduled in the morning and the procedure itself in the early afternoon—meaning overnight travel or arrival the day before.

Question 4

Can I choose the day of the procedure?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only within the treatment schedule of a given clinic or office and the availability of dates.

Procedures are most often performed on Friday mornings, with a check-up examination on Thursday afternoon. In some cases, we can arrange a check-up on other days of the week, with the procedure performed the next day.

Unfortunately, none of the clinics we work with do abortions on Mondays or weekends.

Question 5

What does a surgical abortion organized by Ciocia Basia look like?

Accepted Answer

On the first day, you'll have a check-up at the gynaecologist's office, including an ultrasound. You'll also be given a pill to prepare you for the procedure—the medical staff will explain how to administer it on Friday (vaginally or sublingually).

On the day of the procedure, in the clinic, on the gynaecological chair, the anaesthesiologist will administer an anaesthetic intravenously, after which you will quickly fall asleep.

The entire procedure is performed using a modern, non-invasive vacuum method and takes only a few minutes. Under general anaesthesia, the cervix is dilated a few millimetres, and a thin plastic tube is inserted through which the uterine contents is suctioned out. After the procedure is complete, you will have a follow-up ultrasound to ensure everything has been removed. The same doctor who examined you the previous day will usually operate on you.

Shortly after the procedure, you will be awakened and remain under observation for 1-2 hours in a separate room. You are not allowed to drive for 24 hours after the procedure. It is also best to be supervised by an adult.

Question 6

I'm afraid of general anaesthesia, can I have local numbing?

Accepted Answer

All our clinics offer general anaesthesia.

In exceptional cases, the decision to switch to local anaesthesia may be made on-site, after a consult with the anaesthesiologist.

Question 7

Should I worry about mistreatment from the medical personnel?

Accepted Answer

No, you can rest assured. We ensure that the clinics and medical personnel we partner with share our values and adopt a supportive attitude. We want those referred by us to feel safe and comfortable.

We cannot take responsibility for everything that happens in the clinic, but if any problems arise, we will immediately respond to signals of inappropriate behaviour from medical personnel.

Question 8

What happens after the procedure?

Accepted Answer

After the procedure, you may experience brief lower abdominal cramps, similar to menstrual cramps, caused by the contraction of the uterus. These pains usually subside quickly, but after waking up, you'll be given a painkiller that you can take as needed. Bleeding may last from a few to several days, comparable to a menstrual period.

Remember that fertility may return before your next period, so it's important to start contraception right away. To avoid infection, it's recommended to avoid swimming in pools and open water for 2-3 weeks and to use condoms during sexual intercourse.

Question 9

Can I go see a Polish gynaecologist after an abortion?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, yes, but it is not necessary.

The uterus clears itself on its own, just like after a miscarriage, which can take anywhere from a few days to 2-3 weeks. However, if you notice anything concerning, you can visit a Polish gynaecologist for an examination, and say you had an abortion or a miscarriage, depending on your level of trust.

Importantly, it's impossible to distinguish an abortion from a miscarriage within hours of the procedure. If you don't disclose that you had an abortion, no one will be able to tell. However, medical staff may disregard solidarity and report an unauthorised termination if you mention it. Under Polish law, you won't face any consequences, but someone who assisted or accompanied you may.

If an examination is necessary, let us know – we will provide you with addresses of offices where you will be treated with respect and understanding and will not be referred for D&C unnecessarily.

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