[bigsigh]

Please, don't judge me. This is a horrible situation and I am in a crisis situation and just need some support.

I have just found out I am pregnant and my life is in ruins. My husband left me for another woman 3 months ago and my life is falling apart. I have always said I would never terminate but I have no other choice, I cannot in any way raise a child as I have no way to do this with my 3 children and no support, money or way out of this hole.

My pregnancy is further than 12 weeks. I didn't know I was pregnant because I have been having spotting and irregular light bleeding, I thought it was stress from the relationship dissolution, but now I know it was pregnancy.

I have booked in to have a termination in Sydney this week, but the cost is so high and I cannot afford it. I don't have credit cards or savings, my husband has left me in a terrible financial situation. My family are overseas and can't help and I am going to have to sell a lot of things to pay for this. I don't have time to sell on ebay so I will need to sell them to a pawn shop and I'm not sure I can raise the money.

I have been googling all day and I can't find any support services. I have a health care card which reduces the cost slightly but not enough. I thought i might be cheaper to travel interstate if there were better options but I can't seem to find pricing.

Does anyone know where I can get assistance or guidance in any state for a reduced cost service?

Thank you in advance

[countrymel]

Have you spoken to Family Planning? They would be my first call.

[Sofia*]

Yes, talk to Family Planning, they should know what your options are.
Marie Stopes Clinics are another place who will give you information too.
Hopefully one of these organisations will be able to help you find a service that is right for you.

Good luck with dealing with a very difficult situation OP.

[lisles]

You do get a medicare rebate OP, so although you have to have the full amount up front some of it you can claim back. You could try talking to the doctor at the centre to see if she is able to reduce the gap for you, given your circumstances (some will, some won't).
The womens health centre I used to work for had a little money put aside to assist women needing terminations when they were unable to pay. That wasn't in Sydney, but perhaps you could phone some of the Sydney centres to see if they can help at all.
Just be aware that the longer you leave it the harder, more risky and more expensive it becomes.
Is there any chance your ex would help - even if only to save on extra child support payments?

[bigsigh]

Thank you .

I have not spoken to family planning yet, I only found out today so I have been at home trying to find information and deal with it. I have looked over the family planning websites but there isn't a lot of information. I have a few numbers to call in the morning for more general advice, but I can't rest until I have a solution.

[AgEm_my_world]

Hi OP, I am not sure where you are but there is a place in Brisbane called 'Children by choice' and they may be abe to help you find a place and talk you through they are nutural party and dont swing either way but may be able to help you find what you are looking for. Hope this helps, I am sorry that you are in such a cruddy situation

[bigsigh]

Lisles thanks, the cost I was quoted is around $800 out of pocket after rebate, I don't know why it's so much for a 15 minute procedure.

And no my poor excuse of a husband has just dumped us like trash and moved on with his new life, he isn't paying any child support either. I have contacted his parents today but they won't speak to me.

[bluecardigans]

Just googling, but looks like only $285 out of pocket. Less with a Health Care Card Cost

How much will it cost?
The cost of the termination procedure is made up of different components eg. procedure itself, anaesthetic and theatre fees, drugs and equipment used. The total cost to you on the day will be approximately $700 including ultrasound scan. Medicare offers a rebate of $415 for the procedure, which can be claimed back immediately. The rest of the fee is non refundable, though some Private Health Funds may cover a proportion of the cost. This means you will be (700-415 ) = $285 out of pocket for the whole procedure. If you have an IUD (intrauterine device) fitted at the time of the procedure, it will be slightly more. For women who have a Health Care Card, the fees are lower. For women who are in very disadvantaged circumstances, some of the fee may be waived, so that essentially she is "bulk billed", provided she has a Medicare card.

This post has been edited by Display anemone: 05/02/2013, 05:38 PM

[Madeline's Mum]

It shouldn't cost that much, a Sydney clinic near Surry Hills costs about $360.

Ring Marie Stopes, they'll be able to give you a comprehensive overview of the procedure, cost and rebates.

I believe RU486 has recently been legalised and is available from certain GPs.

[Neriah]

If in NSW - you can contact Family Planning Talkline on 1300 658 886 for contraceptive, reproductive and sexual health information and referral. The Talkline staff provide callers with information, advice and options across a wide range of reproductive and sexual health issues. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm. I also second contacting Marie Stopes. Perhaps you should discuss the financial side of it with your ex, see if he will pay half or all of the costs (but this really depends on whether you want to involve him or not). Can a GP help? Did you have the pregnancy confirmed by one who can discuss your options with you? If you are on centrelink payments you can apply to have your payments paid a couple of weeks in advance when there are exceptional circumstances and a lump sum of money is required. You should then get some back via Medicare I believe.

I hope it all works out for you. I am sorry that you are in this situation. I don't believe you will get any judgement here, nor should you. Take care.