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"Abortion stigma from GP"

About: GPs in the Watson Electoral District

(as the patient),

I found out I was accidentally pregnant and chose to pursue a medical abortion. My usual GP was booked out for weeks, so I booked an appointment with a GP who I have seen a couple of times for contraceptive healthcare in the past.

I recall the appointment went as follows:

Me: I have had a positive pregnancy test, so I need to confirm.

GP: Ok! Do you know the date of the first day of your last period?

Me: Yes, ____.

GP: Great. And you want to continue with the pregnancy?

Me: No, I want to access a medical termination.

GP: I don't do that. We need extra training to prescribe the medication.

Me: I was under the impression that that was no longer the case in NSW. It's totally fine for you to refuse on personal grounds, but they changed the training requirement.

GP: Yes, I just don't do it... because it would be ending a life.

Me: ...

GP: You know you can choose adoption? If you have a good support network you should really consider adoption.

Me: I'm aware. I want to terminate.

GP: Okay well I can give you the blood test and ultrasound referrals, and you should google abortion clinics.

I then asked the GP to check if any GPs in the practice prescribe MS2-Step. They called reception who confirmed that none will. 

Yes, they were allowed to refuse on personal grounds. However, they did not provide a referral to another doctor. I believe they did not provide unbiased medical care, in my opinion they perpetuated a deep and profound social stigma which left me feeling vulnerable during a very high stress health journey.

I am just grateful that I was not conflicted in my decision at all, as I can only imagine how those words would have felt, and potentially changed my mind towards making a life altering decision. 

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