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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Do I need an appointment? Everything
is by appointment except for pregnancy tests. You may come in for a pregnancy
test Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Abortion appointments
are scheduled from Tuesday through Saturday. All appointments are from
8:15 AM to 11:30 AM. You must call to make an appointment so that we may
schedule you for the right day, depending on the type of sedation you choose
and/or how far along into the pregnancy you are.
2. Do you accept insurance? If you have
insurance, please let us know that at the time you make your appointment.
Maryland Medical Assistance will cover the cost of the procedure through
12 weeks. If you have a private insurance we need to check that ahead of
time to see if the doctor who is here that day participates in your insurance
plan. Please have your insurance card available when you make your appointment.
3. Do I need to
bring ID? If you are using any kind of insurance, you will need
to have your card and a photo ID. If you are paying by cash we do not need
to see your ID.
4. Do I need to
tell my parents? While we
encourage family and/or parental support, it is not necessary for your
decision to have an abortion. If you are 17 years old or younger your parents
do need to be notified that you are here for an abortion. Their consent
is not required; they just need to know that you are here. However, if
you feel that this notification would cause some kind of physical or emotional
abuse, notification can by waived. If you already have a child or are living
on your own, or if the doctor feels that you are mature enough to make
the decision on your own, your parents do not have to be notified.
5. Can I drive myself?
If you are receiving IV sedation or sleep anesthesia, you will need to
have someone with you who will be able to stay in the clinic the entire
time and be able to drive you home. You may not drive for 24 hours after
sedation. If you are taking a cab or a bus, you will need someone to accompany
you. If no one comes with you, we can do the procedure with a local anesthetic.
6. Can my children
wait in the waiting room? Having young children in the waiting
room can be very difficult on patients waiting to have an abortion, so
we ask that you not bring young children with you. Also, you will be here
for 4-5 hours and that is a very long time for any young child to spend
in a waiting room.
7. Will there be
protestors? On occasion there
may be protestors on the sidewalk around the parking lot of our building.
They are not allowed to come close to the entrance to the building, so
you may park in the parking lots and you should not have to confront them.
8. Will the procedure
hurt? We offer 3 types of
anesthesia. If you choose to have a local anesthetic, the cervix will be
numbed and you will feel some moderate to heavy cramping during the procedure,
which will only last 8 to 10 minutes. IV sedation will help you relax more
than normal and help with some of the pain. If you choose to be asleep
you will not be not be aware of anything during the procedure.
9. Is it safe?
Having an abortion in the first trimester is 9-10 times safer than carrying
the pregnancy to term and delivering. It should have no effect on your
ability to become pregnant again. Although the risk of complications is
low, there is the possibility of excessive bleeding, infection, or perforation.
You will talk to a counselor during your visit and she will explain these
risks in more detail.
10. How will I feel
after the abortion? Any number of feelings is normal after an
abortion. Many women feel relieved that a problem has been solved and grateful
that a safe, legal abortion was available to them. Feelings of loss or
sadness are also normal. These might be due to hormonal changes or grief
at having experienced a loss. It will help to have support from friends
and family, or to talk with our counselors.
11. When can
I get back to my normal activities? With only a few exceptions,
you can usually get back to your normal activities the following
day. You may have some light to moderate bleeding for a few days
or a few weeks. You might also have some cramping which should be
alleviated with Advil or Motrin. Because of the risk of infection,
you should not wear tampons, have intercourse, take tub baths, or
go swimming until you have had a check up.
12.
Where should I get a check-up? You should get a check-up
anytime from 2 to 4 weeks after your abortion. If you return to
Hillcrest, there is no charge for the check-up provided you return
within 30 days. If it is more convenient for you, you may go to
your own doctor or clinic.
13. When
will I get my period again? Most women will have their
period again in four to eight weeks.
14. When can I start
birth control? When you speak to your counselor, she will explain
how and when to start on your birth control. If you choose to take oral
contraceptives, you will start the Sunday after your abortion. If you choose
the Depo Provera shot, it must be done the day of your abortion or within
5 days. Otherwise, you will need to wait until your next period starts.
Other methods can be discussed at your appointment or at your check-up.
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