National Women's Health Organization

Detailed Information About Abortion Procedures

The Decision

The choice for an abortion is not made thoughtlessly or easily. Women choose abortion for many personal reasons. Only the woman has the right an obligation to choose. Many women find it helpful to discuss the decision with their partner, a family member, a close friend, their doctor, a clergyman, or a counselor. This personal issue calls for empathy and understanding in a non-judgmental atmosphere.

By Appointment Only

Call us to make an appointment Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 4:00pm EST. If the appointment has to be canceled for any reason, please let us know at least a day in advance so that the time may be made available to other patients who are waiting for appointments.

Visitors

Due to limited waiting space, we request our patients to bring only one adult visitor or one set of parents. For the comfort and privacy of all patients, children under 12 are not allowed in the Centers. Comfortable waiting rooms, as well as informational and supportive counseling, are available to guests who accompany patients.

Be Patient

Because it takes time to give every woman individual attention before, during, and after the abortion, plan to be at the Center 3-5 hours, depending on the patient's length of pregnancy. Some women may have to make 2 visits to the Center. We are primarily concerned with patients' well-being and will not compromise to save time.

Arriving

When a woman arrives at the Center, she is greeted warmly by a receptionist who will ask her to complete some admissions and medical history forms. The Administrator of the Center will then meet with each patient and discuss her situation and medical history. Fees will be collected at this time.

Laboratory

A registered laboratory technician or nurse will then perform laboratory tests which include hemoglobin, blood typing, sickle cell if applicable, syphilis detection, urinalysis, pregnancy test if appropriate, and Rh factor typing. Later, gonorrhea cultures, a PAP smear, and tissue pathology may be done.

Patient Education

Prior to the abortion procedure, all patients receive counseling which is supportive and educational in nature. This information supplements medical care to give women the necessary information to make informed decisions. Women deserve the facts about their health care to help sort out thoughts and feel more at ease. Most counseling is done in a group session with 2-3 other women who will also have an abortion that day. Patients may request, or the Administrator may suggest, an individual counseling session for those who require special attention. The counselors give frank information about the abortion process itself, including interpretation of medical terminology. All risks are explained and an informed consent is signed. We must assure that nobody is being forced into having an abortion. the options available are discussed, as is birth control and aftercare. All questions are answered in an effort to reduce anxiety and gain confidence.

Eligibility

Eligibility for abortion procedures is up to the physician performing the abortion. Patients traveling great distances should have their pregnancy confirmed by a pregnancy test, pelvic exam, or sonogram before making the appointment. Any information concerning that exam should be brought to the clinic. We use our physician's pelvic exam, the date of the patient's last normal menstrual period (LMP), and a sonogram to confirm eligibility.

Early Abortion

After lab work and counseling are completed, the patient will change into a gown and be escorted to the procedure room. A licensed physician will perform the abortion assisted by Registered and Licensed Practical Nurses. A mild sedation may be given to eliminate anxiety. The abortion method used is non-traumatic vacuum aspiration, the safest and most modern procedure for early abortion. It is 8-10 times safer than childbirth. The physician numbs the cervix (opening to the womb) with a local anesthetic, then gently empties the uterus by the mild suction of the vacuum aspirator. It is hard to say what the abortion will feel like since it's different for each person. Some women compare it to menstrual cramps. However, because we use the simplest procedure, discomfort is kept to a minimum. Some Centers offer IV Sedation or General Anesthesia so the patient is asleep during the entire abortion.

Late D&E Abortion

These abortions performed after the 12th week of pregnancy are similar to 1st trimester procedures, but because the pregnancy is further along, more time, greater physician skills, more sophisticated equipment, more medication, and more recovery time are required. This may require two visits to the Center. Laminaria may be inserted the day before or the same day of the procedure. Laminaria is a tiny stick of compressed seaweed which is inserted into the cervical canal to slowly enlarge and soften the opening into the uterus. This makes the abortion safer and more comfortable.

Recovery

Following the abortion, the women are closely monitored and rest for approximately 1 hour in a comfortable recovery room under the supervision of the nursing staff. Before discharge, they are given a snack, an antibiotic sample, prescriptions for a medication to contract the uterus and possibly a mild pain pill, and post-operative instructions. Patients are encouraged to rest comfortably before departure. This recovery period is vital, for patients must be observed by our skilled medical staff to ensure normal recovery. Under no circumstances are women allowed to drive themselves home afterwards, as there may still be some effects from the medications and driving would be dangerous.

Afterwards

Patients can resume normal activities the day after the abortion, but NOT strenuous exercise. All prescribed medicines must be taken as directed and any unusual symptom such as excessive bleeding, severe cramping, or a temperature over 100 degrees F should be reported. As a precaution against infection, NO tub baths (showers are OK), NO swimming, NO douching, NO intercourse, or NO tampons for at least 3 weeks after the abortion. The patient may return to the Center for a follow-up examination at a nominal charge or see her personal physician or clinic. If she goes to her personal physician or clinic, she should write us to release her Center medical record to them.

Emergency Protocols

The Centers are fully equipped with emergency equipment and medications. In the rare event of a complication, personnel have been trained in emergency procedures. The Centers are within 10 minutes of a hospital, and patients would be hospitalized for emergency care.

Complications

It is important for all patients to give a complete and accurate medical history, pregnancy history, and name and address for follow-up. As with any surgery, if complications arise, the patient should remain under the care of the same physician who performed the surgery and knows the case. The staff of the facility is always available to help patients with problems. They should call us first. We provide a 24-hour answering service to handle emergencies. We cannot be responsible for treatment of patients who go elsewhere.

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