In South Africa, how many weeks pregnant you are decides which abortion options you can choose. The first step is to find out how far along you are, so you know what choices you have.
What Does “Gestational Age” Mean?
“Gestational age” is a medical term for how many weeks pregnant you are. Doctors count it from the first day of your last period, not from the day you fell pregnant.
This is why a positive pregnancy test usually means you’re already 4 to 5 weeks pregnant.
How to Work Out How Many Weeks Pregnant You Are
Use Marie Stopes South Africa’s free online tool, iCalculate. Type in the first day of your last period, and it gives you your gestational age and estimated due date.
Can’t remember your last period? Try thinking about whether it fell near a public holiday, a birthday, or a weekend. If you still can’t work it out, a nurse can confirm how far along you are with a scan instead.
Your Abortion Options
Marie Stopes South Africa has provided safe, legal abortions since 1993. Every visit starts with a private, confidential consultation, where a nurse confirms your gestational age and explains what choices you have.
Abortion Pill: 0 to 9 Weeks
Tele-Abortion – the process starts with a telephonic consultation, with your pills collected or delivered after your consultation.
| Step | What happens |
| Telephonic consultation | About 20 minutes with a nurse, from home |
| Collect or delivery | Collect your pills at a clinic, or have them delivered to your door |
| Take the pills at home | A nurse is available by phone if you need help |
Includes the consultation, two pregnancy tests, pills, pain medication, an aftercare guide, and contraception if you want it.
Read more about Tele-Abortion.
In-person – the same process, but your first consultation happens in person instead of on the phone. You take two sets of pills a day or two apart at home, then return for a check-up around 3 weeks later.
Read more about the abortion pill.
The pill only works up to 9 weeks. Passed that, surgical abortion is what’s available.
Surgical Abortion: 6 to 20 Weeks
A same-day procedure: a nurse or doctor scans you to confirm your gestational age, then removes the pregnancy using a gentle suction technique. You can choose to be lightly sedated or stay fully awake – whichever feels right for you.
Expect to be at the clinic for several hours, even though the procedure itself is quick:
| Step | Time |
| Consultation | 20–30 minutes |
| Medication (if needed, to prepare for the procedure) | 1–3 hours to take effect |
| The procedure itself | 15–20 minutes |
| Recovery, before you’re discharged | 1–2 hours |
The price includes your consultation, scan, the procedure, pain medication, an aftercare guide, and contraception if you want it.
Quick Summary
| Service | Available from | Available until |
| Abortion pill (Tele-Abortion or in-person) | 0 weeks | 9 weeks |
| Surgical abortion | 6 weeks | 20 weeks |
After 20 weeks, South African law doesn’t allow abortion, except where the woman’s health is at risk.
If you’re close to either time limit (9 weeks or 20 weeks), don’t wait to see which side you land on – book as soon as you can, and a nurse will confirm your options based on your scan.
What Will It Cost?
Pricing depends on the procedure, your gestational age, and the clinic – with no hidden fees. Request a full price list via the payment options page.
With medical aid: South African law says every medical aid must pay for a surgical abortion. This is called a Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB). The cost comes from your main hospital/insured benefit, not your day-to-day Medical Savings Account, so you will usually pay nothing out of your own pocket. Marie Stopes will handle the paperwork and get approval (pre-authorisation) from your medical aid for you. Note: Some medical aids require you to use specific doctors or clinics, so it is a good idea to call them first to check.
Without medical aid: Marie Stopes offers payment plans through Mobicred and RCS Store Cards, so you can pay over time if needed.
Starting Contraception Afterwards
You can discuss contraception at your visit and start most methods on the same day. Options include the pill, injection, implants, and IUDs (Intrauterine Devices – small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus). A nurse can help you choose what suits you best.
Please note that an IUD cannot be inserted on the same day. We will advise you on the best time to get an IUD based on your situation.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
A confidential chat with a Marie Stopes nurse will confirm how far along you are and talk you through your choices.
- Use iCalculate to check your gestational age now.
- Call or WhatsApp 060 094 9173 to ask a question or book a consultation.
- Call 0800 11 77 85 (toll-free) to book a visit at your nearest clinic.
This guide is for general information and doesn’t replace a real consultation. A nurse or doctor will confirm what’s right for you based on your own situation.