- Free Pregnancy Testing: We can perform a urine pregnancy test free of charge. Just call for an appointment, or walk on in (you may have to wait though). There is a fee if you want a blood test or an ultrasound to confirm or date your pregnancy. If you need a "confirmation of pregnancy" letter, we are happy to provide one after a positive urine test.
- Non-Surgical/Medication Abortions - (Available if less than 9 weeks): We offer the choice of a Non-Surgical/Medication Abortion with Mifeprex (a.k.a. the Abortion Pill, RU486) and Cytotec (misoprostol). With a medication abortion, you will come in to our office for an ultrasound, counseling, and to see the doctor. At that time, the doctor will give you the first medication, Mifeprex. Mifeprex works by blocking progesterone which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. One to three days later at home, you will take the second medication called Cytotec. Cytotec works by expelling the pregnancy and causes heavy bleeding and cramping for a period of time. Some other side effects can include nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and headache. These possible secondary side effects usually do not last more than a day.
If you have nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, weakness, or flu-like symptoms for more than 24 hours after taking your Cytotec at home, please call the clinic or the on-call physician immediately.
If you are more than two hours away from the clinic and wish to have the Medication Abortion, we require a $100.00 deposit. It is fully refundable when you return for your
follow-up visit.
- Surgical Abortions (through 19.1 weeks): The surgical abortion (suction
curettage), up to 19.1 weeks and all related tests, are performed on one day. You are usually here at the clinic for 4 hours. After filling out paperwork, and performing a urine pregnancy test, an ultrasound is done (for dating purposes only). Then, one of our trained female staff will counsel you about the procedure, the aftercare instructions, the birth control methods in which you are interested, and answer any questions you have. You will also receive oral pain medication and antibiotics at this time. You will then be escorted to your own private room where an Rh test (mini-blood-typing) is performed. The doctor will then discuss birth control options with you. Any additional tests (pap smears, STD screening, etc.) can also be done by the doctor at your request. The doctor then does a pelvic exam, anesthetizes the cervix, and performs the procedure. The actual suction time (without all the other tests) takes approximately 2-5 minutes. You then recover (in that same room) for approximately 20-30 minutes. Your friend, relative or partner is welcome to participate as much or as little as you wish and
may be with you in the room at all times if preferred.
- For those patients who are 12 - 14 weeks: We will perform 12 - 14 weeks abortions as a one-day procedure, provided that there is no resistance when dilating the cervix. We use a special kind of medicine to “soften” the cervix, which decreases the likelihood of cervical tears. In a small number of patients if resistance is encountered, then laminaria (sterile seaweed that expands with water) are inserted and remain in the cervix overnight, and the patient is asked to return the next day to complete the procedure.
- For those patients who are 14 - 19.1 weeks: We now perform abortions for patients who are up to 19.1 weeks. These are done as a two-day procedure. The first day, laminaria (sterile seaweed that expands with water) are inserted inside the cervix so that the cervix may dilate more slowly (overnight). This is to prevent cervical tearing. The second day, the actual abortion is performed.
- Abortions after 19.1 weeks: If you are greater than 19.1 weeks, we have many good referrals for you to nearby clinics.
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- We have a 24-hour pager for abortion patients: So, if you get home and have a question or concern, please feel free to call us at 866-701-0174. In an emergency, please call 911.
- We encourage patients to keep their three week follow-up appointment: The post-abortion check-up is to insure there were no complications and discuss your birth control options in more depth.
- Medical Excuses: A medical excuse for school or work is readily available. Just ask for it on the day of your visit.
- Scheduling: We regularly schedule abortion appointments on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Often we have appointments available the same day, or the next day. We can provide family planning services, STD screening, contraceptive counseling (including emergency contraception), IUD insertion/removal, Depo-Provera injections, etc. We are able to schedule post abortion check-ups on Mondays and Wednesdays. Evening appointments for birth control and follow-up visits every other Monday starting March 2009.
- Translation tapes are available: For non-English speaking patients, we can help arrange a translator. We also have translation tapes available, describing the abortion, in Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, Lao, Thai, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin and Japanese.
- Workbooks are available: Once you have discovered that you are pregnant, deciding whether to continue with the pregnancy, abort or adopt can be a significant time in one's life. We have a wonderful "Decision Making" workbook that is free of charge and non-biased. Please call and we will be happy to mail it to you. We are committed to helping you feel comfortable with your decision.
Other workbooks are available at the clinic regarding emotional healing and spiritual health and are free of charge. Books with more in-depth writings on abortion are available by mail-order. Just ask us for the information.
- Referrals: We recognize that your decision may not be an easy one. We have a list of experienced professionals who deal with the psychological and emotional aspects surrounding an abortion. We also offer referrals for vasectomies and tubal ligations.
- Partner Participation: Your friend, relative or partner is welcome to participate as much or as little as you wish and may be with you in the room at all times if preferred.
- Pap Smears & STD Testing: We also offer STD testing and pap smears upon request.
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