Does the fetus feel pain during the abortion?
No. The fetus does not feel pain.The fetus receives the same sedation and anesthesia as you do during the procedure through your shared blood supply.There is also evidence that the fetus is not yet developed enough to feel pain during the abortion. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) explains that the fetus' brain and nervous system are not yet able to process, recognize or feel pain during the second trimester. The second trimester lasts until 27/28 weeks. Their position is based on a systematic and multidisciplinary review of fetal pain perception published in JAMA in 2005. Since then, no study has produced contradictory evidence. Abortion opponents* argue that a fetus at 8 weeks has a spinal cord and therefore can sense abortion. While it is true that the spinal cord has developed by the 8th week, this does not mean that the nervous system is developed enough to feel pain. For the fetus to be able to feel pain, the neurons that extend from the spinal cord to the brain must also reach the area of the brain where pain is perceived. This only happens between the 23rd and 24th week. However, this is not yet sufficient to actually generate the sensation of pain. These nerves must also be functional and active. It is not until around the 30th week that there are signs of brain activity that suggest the fetus is "awake" or has consciousness.While fetal development can progress faster or slower in any pregnancy, there is no evidence to suggest that the pain pathways may be completed around the 14th week of pregnancy, the latest time at which a pregnancy can be terminated in Germany.
Is an Abortion dangerous?
Abortion is a very safe medical procedure with a low risk of complications when performed by a professional. If you have delivered many babies by cesarean section, there is a higher risk of complications. Please let us or the clinic know if this is the case so we can care for you appropriately.Statistics show that an abortion is safer than a wisdom tooth extraction or tonsillectomy.In the days following an abortion, you may experience blood loss, cramping, low-grade fever or nausea. These symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications. Many anti-abortion organizations and individuals intentionally spread misinformation about abortion, especially about the risks involved.
What should I bring to a (surgical) procedure?
Passport or identification document
European Health Insurance Card, Health Insurance Card or Health Insurance Policy.
Any documents you have related to your pregnancy, such as an ultrasound picture or other medical information. This is especially important if there were complications during your pregnancy and/or you have a (chronic) illness.
Money (Euro), debit card (Maestro) or an international credit card if you need to pay for abortion treatment or insertion of an IUD.
Nightgown/shirt, slippers, socks, spare underwear, bathrobe, sanitary napkins and toiletries
Medicines. If you take medication, bring it with you on the day of treatment.
Something to keep you entertained while you wait: a book, e-reader, phone, or laptop with movies.
An ID card with your blood type or immunization record.
Should I plan an overnight stay?
It depends on how you are traveling. From a medical point of view, there is no reason why you should wait before or after the abortion. We have cared for patients who traveled to Leipzig the night before the procedure and left right after. This is possible if you arrive by bus/train or have a trusted friend or family member with you who can drive you home, as you are not allowed to drive for 24 hours after the abortion due to sedation.If you arrive alone by car, you will need to spend the night in Leipzig to recover from the sedation.
Are the clinics clean/reliable/professional?
The abortions are performed in hospitals. The clinics are professional and meet all hygiene and sterilization standards that can be expected from a quality medical facility. All doctors and nurses are qualified professionals, most with many years of experience. All instruments are thoroughly checked and sterilized before each procedure.
Do I need a translator?
We from Kumplea can help you if you dont speak German or English
Can I get in legal trouble after returning to Poland?
No. You cannot get into legal trouble in your home country if you have had an abortion in Germany, because in Germany an abortion up to the 12th week is not a punishable offence
Will my doctor be able to tell if I had an abortion? Will he/she ask questions if I don't come to an appointment pregnant?
No, your doctor*s cannot tell if you had an abortion, and you do not have to say that. You can say that you had a spontaneous miscarriage, there is no difference in symptoms. Miscarriages are very common, so even if your doctor has seen you pregnant before, he/she has no reason to doubt you. You are not expected to provide medical records to prove this.
Why does Kumpela need money?
While our main focus is on practical support, many of the people who come to us also need financial support. An abortion costs up to 1000 € Many clients simply do not have that much money available and we want to support them and provide safe access to abortion for all.
What happens with my money if I donate?
Most of the money we spend is to help a client pay for an abortion. We also use some of the money for practical things that the clients need: Money for public transportation, housing and sometimes food. The helpers of Kumpela all work on a voluntary basis.