Cost of Abortion Pills in South Africa

Abortion pills are a safe, effective, and inexpensive method of ending early pregnancy. It is a non-surgical and non-invasive procedure that doesn’t require any anesthesia. However, in many countries, the cost of abortion pills is prohibitive, and this may be one of the reasons for the growing number of women getting unsafe abortions and dying because of it. South Africa is one of those countries where the cost of abortion pills is particularly problematic.

It is not entirely clear why abortion pills in South Africa are so expensive, compared to other countries. Prices range from R1,400 to R4,000 per tablet. Medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) costs between R1,500 and R4,000, and as much as R12,000 if you also choose to have a surgical termination.

The cost of the pills depends on where you buy them from. A medical abortion using the abortion pill costs between R1,400 and R4,000 per tablet, depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, and how many tablets are needed. Costing R1,400 at pharmacies, the most expensive MTP is R4,000 at private clinics.

Abortion pills have been legal in South Africa for more than twenty years. In that time they have become more and more affordable to women who want to terminate an unplanned pregnancy. But getting an abortion done now can end up being expensive, especially if you don’t have medical aid. There are several procedures that you can get done to have an abortion, and the procedure that you choose will make a big difference in its cost.

How much does it cost to have an abortion done? What are the other factors that affect the cost of an abortion? Here are some things that you need to know about the cost of abortion pills in South Africa.

How to buy abortion pills in South Africa

It’s no news that abortion has been in practice legally in South Africa for more than twenty years. In fact, it’s more than 20 years since abortion became a legal option in South Africa with the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act passed in February 1997. It’s a safe and legal medical procedure in South Africa. Regardless of the age of the woman who wants to terminate a pregnancy, they are good to go; this means age is no yardstick to not abort if you want to.

Abortion can be carried out within the first 12 weeks of gestation. Once it’s 12 weeks, nurses and midwives with special training can perform a surgical abortion at clinics or hospitals. If in the second and third trimesters, abortion must be carried out by a medical doctor; this is very important.

On the other hand, if approved by a medical practitioner, an abortion can also be performed from the 13th to the 20th week of pregnancy under the conditions below:

a. If carrying the pregnancy may be a threat to the mother’s health, either physically or mentally;

b. If it’s likely the fetus suffers from severe physical or mental abnormalities.

c. If the pregnancy is a result of rape or intercourse with a family member.

d. If continuing the pregnancy may have a severe economic or social impact on the mother.

There are so many unregistered people selling abortion pills to women. South Africa frowns at and is not in support of this barbaric activity. This particular act keeps increasing the rate of women hospitalized due to unsafe abortion practices. It’s very important to choose a safe and legal provider and to avoid a quack abortionist, who is untrained because they will only put your health, future fertility, and even life at risk.

Abortion pills are only safe to buy in public facilities across South Africa, and it’s a must to go with a doctor’s prescription. This means you must have seen your doctor, before proceeding to get the pills.

Best places to buy abortion pills in South Africa

There are ways to abort a pregnancy, but most women opt for getting the pills, because the alternative is way too expensive, and they can’t afford it. Abortion pills are more affordable. Abortion pills are used all over the world and are very fast and effective. It’s the safest for women at the early stage of pregnancy.

Illegal abortions are rampant, and this is because so many women struggle to go about it the right way (access legal services.)

Illegal sellers do not need a doctor’s prescription to sell to you, because they’re all about the money and not your safety. This is why they do not always provide proper instructions on eligibility, dosage, and usage, thereby keeping their patients unsafe.

To be safe, women must make sure that they get abortion services from registered providers.

Safe and legal abortions in South Africa can be performed officially through a notice or an appointment at either public or private medical facilities designated by the government. Below are the facilities to be considered, when thinking of buying abortion pills or getting it done:

• Private hospitals
• Community clinics
• District hospitals

The facilities above will make sure that you’re examined to confirm your pregnancy and offered thorough counseling before going on with the process.

Online stores to Purchase Abortion Pills

Below are just some of the many online stores to get abortion pills in South Africa.

• Marie Stopes
• Faith Women’s Clinic
• Clicks

How much does it cost for a day of hospital stay?

The average cost per patient-day equivalent (PDE) for district hospitals in South Africa is about R1,550. If we adjust this figure for the national mix of district, regional, and central/tertiary hospital beds we get a figure of about R2,250.

Conclusion

The cost of abortion pills in South Africa depends on various factors, including the type of medication and where you obtain them. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional and consider both medical and legal aspects when making this decision. Understanding the expenses involved and seeking guidance ensures a safe and informed reproductive health choice in South Africa.