Abortion in Czech Republic
Everything you need to know about abortion in Czech Republic
1 / The legality of abortion in Czech Republic
Is abortion legal in Czech Republic and if yes then up to which week?
Under Czech law, abortion is permitted on request up to the 12th week of pregnancy (counted from the first day of your last menstrual period), and up to the 24th week of pregnancy for health and fetal anomaly reasons. Undergoing the procedure in the Czech Republic is legal and safe, and you won’t face any legal consequences (including in Poland).
I’m more than 12 weeks pregnant. What now?
In the Czech Republic, abortion, regardless of the reason, is legal up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, and for medical and fetal anomaly reasons up to 24 weeks of the pregnancy (counted from the first day of your last menstrual period). In this case, you can get help from Ciocia Basia in Germany, Ciocia Wienia in Austria (both up to 14 weeks), Abortion Network Amsterdam in the Netherlands (up to 22 weeks), or ASN in England (up to 24 weeks). Each of these organizations employs Polish-speaking staff who will help you organize your trip and provide financial support if needed.
What if I’m underage?
Minors (but still over 16 years of age) should come with a parent or legal guardian, who must sign the appropriate consent documents on-site. Those under 18 who do not wish to come with a parent or guardian can turn to Ciocia Basia or Ciocia Wienia for help.
2 / Before the procedure – how to prepare
How much does the procedure cost?
A surgical abortion at a private Czech clinic up to 12 weeks of pregnancy costs approximately 2,000 PLN. For RH- blood, the price may be 100-200 PLN higher due to the antibody injection, which prevents a serological incompatibility in the event of a subsequent wanted pregnancy.
We do not recommend working with clinics that require upfront payment.
What to look out for when choosing a clinic?
- Don’t pay upfront.
- Request the exact address of the clinic and the website of the clinic that will perform the procedure.
- The clinic should inform you about the requirement of having a document confirming your RH blood type.
- Don’t meet in places like parking lots—abortion is legal in the Czech Republic, and there’s no need to hide.
- Ask all possible questions and expect clear and understandable answers.
- Make sure you’ve been provided with all the information regarding the required documentation.
- You can ask us about other clinics’ opinions about your chosen clinic or share your own.
If you decide on a medication abortion, use Women Help Women—they’ll have the pills in the correct dose and at a regular price. Don’t buy from unverified sellers—they often offer other medications, incorrect dosages, or excessive prices.
What should I take with me?
- ID card or passport
- Blood type test results
- Cash or a payment card
- Nightgown or long T-shirt
- Blanket to cover yourself with or a sweatshirt to rest in after the procedure
- Painkillers that work best for you during your period
- Sanitary pads - not tampons!
- Water and a small snack for the trip back
How should I prepare to the procedure?
Before leaving, gather all the necessary documents and prepare any helpful items, such as the sanitary pads and painkillers. Remember not to drink, eat, or smoke for about six hours before the procedure. If you’re traveling by car, it’s important to have an additional driver. Driving is not permitted after waking from anaesthesia, so such help will be essential. If you will have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we can reassure you.
3 / About surgical abortion
Is abortion safe?
Yes, abortion is safe! Performed by trained healthcare workers in good sanitary conditions, they are one of the safest medical procedures, even safer than childbirth. To quote Federa: “(The procedure) carries a lower risk of complications than having wisdom teeth or tonsils removed. In the early stages of pregnancy, termination is 14 times safer than continuing the pregnancy and giving birth. Only 0.5% of abortions involve complications, but these are easily treatable, such as infection, heavy bleeding, or minor uterine damage.”
What does the procedure look like?
During registration, you’ll fill out all the necessary paperwork. Then, you’ll undergo STD blood tests and an ultrasound, based on which the doctor will estimate your gestational age.
If you’re over the legal gestational age, you’ll usually only be charged for the ultrasound. The procedure itself takes about 15 minutes and is performed under general or local anaesthesia. The cervical canal is slightly dilated through the vagina using metal rods. A thin tube is inserted into the uterus, through which the contents of the pregnancy tissue are suctioned out. After the procedure, you’ll be taken to the recovery room, where you’ll recover from anaesthesia. The entire procedure takes about 3-4 hours. After the abortion, you’ll receive a document confirming the procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure itself takes about 15 minutes. However, you’re going to be in the clinic for about 4 hours, this time includes tests before the procedure (blood test and ultrasound), preparation for the procedure, the procedure itself, waking up from anaesthesia and completing the documentation.
Are there any contraindications to surgical abortion?
Any concerns about your health should be raised when scheduling the procedure. However, contraindications may include multiple caesarean sections, blood disorders, and heart conditions.
4 / After the procedure
How am I going to feel after anaesthesia?
This is a very individual matter. You may experience drowsiness, so driving should be avoided for 24 hours after the procedure. A surgical abortion can cause painful cramps, comparable to the pain at the beginning of a heavy period.
What happens after the procedure?
A follow-up appointment with a gynaecologist or a clinic is recommended 14 days after the abortion. If you don’t want to tell your doctor about the abortion, you can say you had a miscarriage. If you still don’t feel comfortable with your follow-up appointment, we can send you the contact information for a trusted doctor in your area – then let us know where you’re from.
After the abortion, you’ll receive a document confirming the procedure. If complications arise, doctors in Poland will know how to help you. But don’t worry, complications after a vacuum abortion are very rare, occurring in 0.2% of cases.
Be prepared for the fact that after the procedure, you may experience lower abdominal pain (related to the uterus shrinking after the procedure), breast pain, and possibly bleeding (usually lighter than during a period), as well as nausea and diarrhea. Due to hormonal changes occurring in your body, you may be more emotionally unstable. These symptoms should subside within a few days. Remember that how you feel after the procedure is very individual; give yourself time to recover mentally and physically.
If bleeding or pain is heavier and your body temperature remains above 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) for more than a day, contact your doctor. This may mean that some mucous membrane remains in the uterus. Medication is usually sufficient, and additional suctioning is rarely required. Heavy bleeding and pain, a fever above 38.5 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), or vaginal discharge with unpleasant smell may indicate inflammation, which should be treated immediately. To prevent inflammation in the first few days after the procedure, avoid using tampons/menstrual cups (you can use sanitary pads), use a shower instead of a bath, and avoid intercourse or use a condom until the end of the first post-procedure cycle.
What should I say to a gynaecologist?
During your checkup, you can mention that you’ve had a miscarriage (the doctor won’t be able to tell) or that you had an abortion abroad (you won’t face any criminal liability for this). If you don’t have a gynaecologist you trust, we’ll try to find one for you near where you live.
Does abortion negatively impact fertility?
Abortion has no negative impact on future pregnancies. After an abortion, individuals with Rh negative blood type receive an injection to prevent the formation of antibodies to prevent future pregnancies. Therefore, it is necessary to determine your blood type before abortion. A new cycle will begin immediately after the abortion.
The next ovulation usually occurs 2-4 weeks after the procedure, with the next menstrual period occurring approximately 4-6 weeks later.
Abortion does not affect fertility; you can become pregnant again in the next cycle. If you are using hormonal contraception, start taking it no later than 5 days after the procedure for it to take effect.