The Abortion Procedure
The
professional staff at Women’s Health is dedicated to providing
safe, high quality medical services. Women’s Health is a certified
member of the
National
Abortion Federation (NAF), and meets its standards of care.
Abortions are performed by licensed, experienced, specially trained
physicians. Follow-up exams are performed by nurse practitioners.
Two different first-trimester abortion procedures are available at Women's Health-- surgical abortion and medication abortion. Some differences between the procedures are outlined in the attached chart, in English or en Espaņol. Surgical abortion is performed starting at five weeks from the first day of your last period and up until the last day of the thirteenth week. Medication abortion is offered starting at five weeks from the first day of your last period up until the last day of the seventh week.
The abortion appointment generally takes from 4-6 hours for both surgical
and medication abortion. First, you complete some paperwork about
your medical and gynecological history. Next, we require some simple lab
work to determine whether you have an Rh-negative blood type or anemia. If you are Rh-negative, you will need medication following
the abortion procedure, for which there will be an additional charge.
If you are anemic, you will be given a handout recommending foods rich
in iron. A nurse practitioner will then do a preliminary pelvic exam
and an ultrasound to confirm the duration of pregnancy.
You will meet individually with a counselor, who will provide detailed
information about the abortion procedure, possible complications, and
aftercare. The counseling session is also an opportunity to ask
questions, to talk about how this experience has been for you, and any
emotional, religious, or relationship issues you may wish to discuss. You
will also be encouraged to choose a contraceptive method. We can provide you with information,
counseling, and a prescription, and we will explain how to use the method
you choose.
Questions or Problems?
If you have questions or problems following your abortion appointment,
call us at
303-442-5160. In the event of a medical problem or emergency, you can reach us at any time. If we are closed, our answering service will page a nurse practitioner who is on call and she will return your call within twenty minutes.
If for any reason you are unable to contact us and feel you are having a life-threatening emergency, go to your local Emergency Room or urgent care facility or call 911. Women's Health does not pay for care outside our clinic.
Aftercare Instructions
Surgical Abortion: English or Espaņol
Medication Abortion: English or Espaņol