Abortion Care
Abortion is very common— in fact, 1 in 4 women in the United States will have an abortion by the age of 45. We provide affirming, compassionate, patient-centered abortion care for all.
If you are pregnant, you have options.
Only you can decide what’s best, but we can help. We trust you to make the choice that is best for you and your unique situation. Call us and one of our caring staff members can help you get the health care you need.
There are two abortion methods.
Both types are safe and effective, but consultation with a provider will determine the best option for you.
Procedural Abortion
A procedural abortion is a simple medical procedure that usually takes 3 to 20 minutes depending on how far you are into your pregnancy. Depending on gestational age, providers will either use gentle suction (vacuum aspiration) or a dilation and evacuation procedure to remove uterine contents. We offer either sedation or pain relief prior to the procedure, depending on your level of discomfort. It is normal for mild pain and bleeding after your procedure. Each person is different, but pain and bleeding usually subside after a few days. These procedures are very safe and are effective about 98 percent of the time. In the rare event the procedure is unsuccessful, it can be repeated.
Medication Abortion
Medication abortion, sometimes called the “abortion pill,” is for patients who are between 4 and 11 weeks in their pregnancy. This method of abortion care uses a combination of two medications: Mifepristone, which blocks the production of progesterone and ends the pregnancy, and Misoprostol which helps the uterus expel its contents. Medication abortion is as safe as procedural abortion but is noninvasive and can be completed in a patient’s chosen setting, such as at home. Medication abortion is very safe and effective 95 to 97 percent of the time. If the medication is not successful, your clinician might prescribe you an additional dose of misoprostol or ask you to come back to the center for a procedural abortion (suction aspiration) to end the pregnancy.
What do I need to know about abortion care if I come to the Women’s Health Center of Maryland?
Physical & Emotional Care
Our compassionate staff will support you from check-in to recovery. Depending on your level of physical and emotional discomfort, we offer levels of sedation and pain relief, as well as counseling staff to walk you through the entire process. Every appointment for an abortion includes routine lab work, ultrasound, routine antibiotics, and a birth control prescription or sample.
Professional Counseling
If you choose, our professional counselors on staff will provide you with private, confidential options counseling. You can ask questions and explore your decision in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.
Financial Assistance Options
Many of our patients receive financial assistance to help cover some part of the cost of their abortion services at Women’s Health Center of Maryland. If you are worried about your ability to pay for your abortion, or are worried about traveling to our center for care, please contact us to discuss resources available to you.
“They were kind and understanding and more then willing to talk me through all of my options, even the ones that did not include abortion. No one made me feel like I was making any decision for the wrong reasons or that I deserved to be judged.”
— KIMBERLY