Below are responses to frequently asked questions by our patients.
How is a surgical abortion done?
A
surgical abortion
is performed
by a method called suction dilation and curettage (D&C). With this
technique the cervix is opened with dilators and suction is then used to
empty the uterus. The entire procedure takes under 5 minutes. If you
are over 14 weeks pregnant, you will have a 2 day procedure. On the
first day Laminaria (small sticks made of sterile dried seaweed) will be
inserted into the cervix. These will expand over night, slowly dilating
the opening of the uterus. On the next day you will return to the
clinic for the actual procedure. In some cases done after 20 weeks of
pregnancy, the cervix may not be dilated enough to perform the procedure
after insertion of the Laminaria. In these cases, a second insertion of
Laminaria will be done and the surgery will be completed on the 3rd
day.
How is medical abortion done?
Up to 14 week abortions are usually done in a
single visit. Pregnancies 15 to 24 weeks surgical abortions are done in
a 2 step procedure.
On the first day dilators will be placed in the cervix
to gently and slowly open the cervix overnight. You will return the
next day to have the procedure. This is the safest and most
comfortable way to perform a surgical abortion after 14 weeks.
How can I choose between medical and surgical abortion?
There are pros and cons to both methods.
Click here
to see the differences between the two procedures.
Questions specific to surgical abortion
Will it hurt?
Most women experience some cramping during the procedure. If you choose
to have IV sedation, you may fall asleep, or you may be awake and very
relaxed. Most women that receive IV sedation tell us that they don’t
remember anything about the surgery.
How much time do I need to take off of work or school?
We recommend taking off the day of the procedure and the next day. Many
women are ready to return to work on the day after the procedure. Some
need a little bit linger to recover. If needed, we can provide you with
letter for your employer. The letter, of course, will not reveal the
nature of your care with us.
How long will I be in your office?
Patients who are 12 weeks pregnant or less should plan to be in our
office for 1 ½ hours. If you are over 12 weeks, you will be in our
office for about an hour on the first day and about 2 to 3 hours on the
second day.
Can I have someone come into the procedure room or recovery room with me?
In order to respect the privacy and confidentiality of our patients and
provide a secure environment, we can only allow patients and staff
members in the procedure and recovery rooms.
What happens to the tissue you remove from my uterus?
All fetal tissue is sent to a funeral home for cremation.
GENERAL QUESTIONS:
Will there be protesters outside your office?
It is extremely rare for there to be protesters outside our facility. If
there are, they are not allowed on our private property and therefore
you will never have any direct contact with them.
Does my partner need to know I’m having an abortion?
Absolutely not. Our services are completely confidential and there is no
requirement to inform our partner. It is your body and your choice.
Do I need my parent’s permission to have an abortion?
Arizona law
requires
that a minor seeking an abortion must have the consent of a parent or
guardian. The law only requires one of your parents to give consent. On
the day you come in, you and your parent or guardian must come to our
clinic together. If your parent can’t come with you on the day of your
procedure, the two of you may come in together on an earlier day so we
may obtain consent. Both you and your parent must bring a
government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or a passport. If
you do not have a government-issued photo ID, you must bring an original
copy of your birth certificate. If you and your parent have different
last names or different addresses we will need to see documents that
explain this such as a marriage license or divorce decree. When you call
for your appointment, our staff will assist you in determining what
documents are needed.
If you feel
that you cannot obtain the consent of one of your parents to have an
abortion, you may attempt to obtain a court order allowing you to have
the abortion without parental consent. Our staff can assist you with
this process. The forms necessary for this process are available in our
office or may be downloaded here:
http://www.supreme.state.az.us/selfserv
