My HealthCity | Hope Island & Pimpama
Clear information. Respectful support. Space to make the decision that is right for you.
MS-2 Step is now TGA-approved for medical termination of an intrauterine pregnancy up to 70 days (10 weeks), extended from 63 days. For abortion care, pregnancy dates are counted from the first day of your last menstrual period. Approval was registered on 20 October 2026. [1]
It is also approved for medical management of missed miscarriage up to 70 days, with gestation determined by ultrasound equivalence rather than menstrual dates. A missed miscarriage is a pregnancy that has stopped developing but has not yet passed. Ultrasound confirmation and a separate clinical assessment are needed. This leaflet primarily describes abortion care. [1]
You can seek advice before deciding whether to continue a pregnancy. Your clinician should explain your options, benefits, risks and alternatives without pressure. If you may be approaching 10 weeks, contact a service promptly: assessment and arranging treatment take time. Other options may be available beyond this window.
Medical abortion is not suitable for everyone. An ectopic pregnancy (outside the uterus) needs different treatment. Tell your clinician about previous ectopic pregnancy, tubal surgery, an IUD, pain or bleeding, all health conditions and every medicine you take.
Mandatory MS Health prescriber certification and special pharmacy registration were removed in 2023. Prescribers still need appropriate qualifications, competence and authority under state law. Not every clinician or pharmacy offers this service. [4]
In Queensland, a clinician with a conscientious objection must disclose it and help you access a practitioner or service that does not object. Ask for a timely referral if needed. [5]
Are an ultrasound and blood tests needed? Testing is tailored to your circumstances. An ultrasound is not always necessary for early medical abortion after careful assessment of pregnancy dates, symptoms and ectopic-pregnancy risk. It may be required if dates are uncertain or there are concerning symptoms or risk factors. The medicine information recommends ultrasound where possible. A no-ultrasound pathway needs a clear testing and follow-up plan. [2,3]
A baseline pregnancy-hormone blood test (hCG) is needed if blood-test monitoring is planned; additional testing may be needed when pregnancy location is uncertain. Haemoglobin testing is based on clinical need, such as suspected anaemia. STI screening may also be offered. [3]
RhD and anti-D: routine RhD testing is not required before abortion up to 10 weeks under RANZCOG guidance. Routine anti-D is generally not indicated for medical abortion under 10 weeks; at 10 weeks or more, RANZCOG recommends anti-D for RhD-negative patients, with individual assessment. Miscarriage care has separate considerations: ask your clinician which guidance applies. [3]
Step 1 - mifepristone The standard pack contains one 200 mg tablet taken by mouth. Contact your clinician if you vomit within one hour; another dose may be needed. Do not repeat the dose yourself.
Usually 36-48 hours later, four 200 microgram tablets (800 micrograms total) are held between the cheeks and gums for 30 minutes, then remaining fragments are swallowed. Follow your own prescription and current medicine leaflet. Do not change timing or route yourself. Miscarriage regimens may differ. [1,2]
Your clinician should offer pain relief and anti-nausea treatment appropriate for you. Take these as directed. Plan time off usual activities and, where possible, have a trusted adult available to support you. Arrange transport and access to emergency care - generally within a two-hour drive for 14 days after starting treatment. [2]
An IUD must be removed before treatment. Tell your clinician about adrenal disease, long-term systemic steroids, severe uncontrolled asthma, bleeding disorders, blood thinners, porphyria or medicine allergies. These may prevent treatment or require additional assessment. Do not stop prescribed medicines yourself. [2]
What to expect Cramping, bleeding and clots commonly begin within a few hours of misoprostol. The heaviest phase is often in the first several hours, then bleeding usually becomes lighter. Bleeding or spotting may continue for around two weeks and sometimes longer. Nausea, diarrhoea and brief chills can occur. Follow your individual aftercare instructions. [2,5]
Treatment is effective for most people, but further medicine or a procedure is sometimes needed. Bleeding alone does not prove that the pregnancy has ended.
Call 000 for collapse, difficulty breathing or another life-threatening emergency.
Go to an emergency department for very heavy bleeding - for example, soaking two or more large pads an hour for two hours - or severe pain despite prescribed pain relief. Seek help earlier if faint, weak or very unwell. One-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain or fainting may indicate an ectopic pregnancy and need urgent assessment. [2,5]
Seek urgent assessment for a temperature of 38 degrees C or higher, persistent fever or chills, worsening illness more than 24 hours after misoprostol, or unpleasant-smelling discharge. Serious infection can occur without fever. [2]
No bleeding within 24 hours of misoprostol: contact the treating service urgently for assessment. This does not automatically require an emergency department visit if you are otherwise well, but pain, fainting or illness requires emergency care. Do not take extra medicine without advice.
Agree on follow-up before starting. Depending on the plan, this may involve blood tests or a special low-sensitivity urine test. Routine pharmacy pregnancy tests can remain positive for several weeks. Contact your clinician for persistent pregnancy symptoms or a positive or unclear follow-up result. [3]
Ultrasound may be needed if symptoms or test results suggest a problem. Keep follow-up even if bleeding has settled.
Fertility can return quickly, before your next period. Discuss contraception before treatment if desired. Many hormonal methods and an implant can start early; the contraceptive injection needs discussion about timing and a small possible increase in ongoing pregnancy when given with mifepristone. An IUD can be inserted after completion is confirmed. [3]
Emotional responses vary. Free, non-directive pregnancy options support is available from Children by Choice: 1800 177 725. For Queensland health advice call 13 HEALTH - 13 43 25 84. Clinic phone lines are not emergency services.
Ask reception to confirm the appropriate clinician, location, appointment length, fees and aftercare contact. Please confirm service availability before booking a general appointment. Telehealth may be suitable in some circumstances; ask whether it is offered.
Hope Island: 4/8 Halcyon Way, Hope Island QLD 4212Pimpama: Unit 6 / 7 Attenborough Boulevard, Pimpama QLD 4209The October 2026 TGA approval does not automatically expand PBS subsidy. RANZCOG reported that PBAC had recommended an extension for abortion to 70 days and would consider missed miscarriage in November 2026. Your prescriber must check the current PBS restriction when prescribing. Private medicine costs may apply, including at 64-70 days or for miscarriage until an applicable PBS listing takes effect. [6,7]
Confirm consultation, follow-up, medicine, ultrasound and pathology costs. General practice bulk billing does not mean every related service is free.
Tell reception if it is unsafe to leave voicemail or send texts. Ask how confidentiality, medical records, prescriptions, Medicare and My Health Record apply to you. Avoid sharing sensitive information through a general website form.
For the reviewing clinician: use the current PI/CMI and local protocol. RANZCOG describes serum hCG follow-up as a fall of at least 80% from baseline (taken within 72 hours of mifepristone) to 8-16 days after treatment starts; a smaller fall needs further investigation. This assesses ongoing pregnancy and must be interpreted with symptoms and pregnancy location. A negative low-sensitivity urine test at 14-21 days is an alternative where available. Do not treat hCG decline alone as proof that all tissue has passed or that ectopic pregnancy is excluded in every case. [3]
1. TGA - October 2026 extension of indications
2. Healthdirect - MS-2 Step medicine information (some gestation wording may lag TGA updates)
3. RANZCOG - Clinical Guideline for Abortion Care, v1.4 (2026)
4. TGA - prescribing and dispensing reforms (2023)
5. Queensland Government - termination of pregnancy
6. RANZCOG - TGA decision and PBS update, 21 October 2026
7. PBS - current mifepristone/misoprostol item 10211K
General patient information, not an individual prescription. Clinical review and local service confirmation required before patient distribution. Updated 2 November 2026.