Abortion Information

For an abortion up to 14 weeks a suction method of termination is used.

For an abortion from 15 weeks to 24 weeks requires dilation and evacuation, a 2 day procedure involving insertion of a dilator on day one and the actual abortion on day two.

You can have a surgical abortion between the 4th and 24th week of your pregnancy. After an initial consultation, you will return for one of the three outpatient surgical procedures appropriate to the length of your pregnancy and your health history.

The earliest abortion option can take place as early as 4 weeks following the first day of your last menstrual period.

Many patients prefer to end their pregnancy as soon as possible. MVA (manual vacuum aspiration), known as the “quiet abortion”, is often used in these early procedures.

Vacuum aspiration abortion is performed between 7 and 12 weeks after your last menstrual period. This safe and simple procedure, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes, is the most commonly performed abortion in the United States.

The third procedure, for women in their second trimester (those who are between 12 and 24 weeks pregnant), is called a D&E. For this procedure, your cervix must be softened or dilated by one of two methods: (1) insertion of a laminaria or (2) use of a medication to soften the cervix. A clinician will review your ultrasound and medical history and then give you information and instructions for the safest dilation method for you.

ULTRASOUND / LAB FACILITIES
Diagnostic ultrasound is available on site to determine gestational size. Lab work includes urinalysis, Rh typing and pregnancy testing.