How to Know If Teleabortion Is Right For You – Aunty Jane

Overview

Teleabortion is a medical abortion conducted via telehealth. At Aunty Jane, all consultations and appointments are provided through video calls and chats, offering you the support and care you need without leaving the comfort of your home. Additionally, Aunty Jane offers 24/7 support via call, text, and chat to ensure your physical and emotional safety.

Telehealth and teleabortion services saw rapid advancements during the COVID-19 pandemic to meet the growing demand for accessible healthcare. These services have significantly improved access for women and their families living in rural and remote areas of Australia. Teleabortion remains a viable option for people nationwide, providing discreet, client-centered care in the privacy of their homes.

At Aunty Jane, your safety is our priority. To maintain the highest safety standards, we have strict eligibility criteria to ensure teleabortion is appropriate for you.

Medical Abortion via Telehealth Eligibility Criteria

To determine if teleabortion is right for you, ask yourself the following questions:

Are you less than 16 years of age?
Will you be more than 2 hours away from an urgent care center while taking the abortion medication and for 4 days following?
Do you have any overseas travel planned within the next month?
Was the first day of your last period more than 56 days ago?
Are you experiencing moderate to severe abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding?
Do you have an allergy to mifepristone, misoprostol, or any prostaglandins?
Do you have chronic adrenal failure?
Are you taking oral corticosteroid medication?
Do you have a bleeding disorder or are you taking blood-thinning medication (other than aspirin)?
Do you require an interpreter for spoken or written English?

If you answered “No” to all of these questions, you are eligible to proceed to your first teleabortion consultation (Consult 1). If you answered “Yes” to any of the questions, visiting a physical clinic will provide you with the safest and most appropriate care. Please feel free to contact Aunty Jane to discuss your options, and we can recommend a suitable clinic.

In-Home vs. In-Clinic Abortion Care

Pros of Teleabortion

Convenience: All consultations take place in the comfort of your home via video chat and call.
Timely Access: Medications are shipped to your address within three business days.
No Scan Policy: 80% of clients do not require an ultrasound to safely proceed with a medical termination.
24/7 Nurse Support: Access to around-the-clock professional assistance.
Flexible Scheduling: Aunty Jane offers consultations outside of normal working hours, including some weekend availability, minimizing disruptions to work and study commitments.

Cons of Teleabortion

Ultrasound Requirements: If you are part of the 20% who require an ultrasound, you will need to arrange this within your community. The cost, booking, and logistics are the client’s responsibility, and ultrasound clinics may have moderate wait times or require long-distance travel depending on your location.
Language Support: Currently, Aunty Jane is only available to people who speak and understand English. However, plans are underway to integrate AI translation services to consult safely in over 100 languages in the near future.

Pros of In-Clinic Abortion Care

Access to Surgical Abortion: Clinics offer both medical and surgical abortion services.
Comprehensive Care: Clients typically receive an ultrasound, consultation, and medication in one visit.
Language Support: Clinics can provide phone interpreters to ensure you understand all information and have an opportunity to ask questions.

Cons of In-Clinic Abortion Care

Mandatory Ultrasounds: Private clinics in Australia generally require an ultrasound for medical abortions, even when it may not be clinically necessary.
Limited Operating Hours: Clinics are usually open only on weekdays during business hours, which may require taking time off work or study to attend.
Gestational Age Restrictions: You must be at least six weeks pregnant to proceed with a medical or surgical abortion. If you are earlier in pregnancy, additional scans or blood tests may be required.
Potential Stigma: While Australia has strict protest zone laws around clinics, some individuals still experience stigma or prejudice when physically attending a clinic.

Teleabortion is an accessible, discreet, and client-centered option for many individuals seeking medical abortion care. By understanding the eligibility criteria and weighing the pros and cons of telehealth versus in-clinic services, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and circumstances. At Aunty Jane, we are committed to providing safe, compassionate care and are here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

The information provided on this website by Aunty Jane in any format or medium, are for general information purposes only and are not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. The information made available by Aunty Jane do not provide personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. To the extent permitted by law, Aunty Jane disclaims all liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information provided. For specific medical concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.