Procedural Abortion
If you need an abortion, we are here to help. Everyone has their own valid reasons for seeking abortion care. Your reason is good and your reason is enough.
We offer outpatient procedural abortion by appointment to patients whose pregnancies are between 4 weeks and 16 weeks.
The procedural method is a simple medical procedure that usually takes 3 to 20 minutes depending on how far you are into your pregnancy. Our physicians use the dilation and vacuum aspiration technique for abortions up to 16 weeks. Our caring staff will support you during your entire procedure. Afterward, you will rest for a while in the recovery room under the supervision of one of our friendly nurses.
The cost of a procedural abortion is between $450 and $1,200 depending on how advanced your pregnancy is and may cost more if you require a Rhogam shot or choose sedation.
What can you expect?
Plan to be at the center 3-4 hours after your scheduled appointment time. During your visit, you will fill out medical history paperwork and receive the following:
Ultrasound exam
Pregnancy test
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia testing
Finger prick to take a small blood sample to check for anemia and determine whether you’re Rh positive or negative
Optional private counseling session
Optional birth control method
What are the sedation options?
Patients may choose one of two options to maximize comfort and relaxation during the abortion.
These options are a Valium/Ibuprofen combination taken by mouth or intravenous twilight sedation. Patients choosing Valium/Ibuprofen are awake and aware throughout the abortion procedure. Your cervix is numbed by injection. You’ll be alert and able to drive yourself home after the procedure. There is no additional fee for this option.
Twilight sedation is provided intravenously using a combination of medications that alters awareness and produces amnesia. Most patients feel no discomfort during the procedure and may not remember the procedure while under sedation. Your medical history and status will be evaluated to determine whether you’re a candidate for sedation. Sedation costs an additional $150, and you must have a support person with you to drive you home after the procedure.
What will it be like after the abortion?
You’ll receive detailed instructions for what to expect after your abortion. Your body will go through changes due to a dramatic drop in the hormones of pregnancy, but you should begin to feel normal within 24-48 hours after the procedure. Any nausea, vomiting, or fatigue you may have experienced should go away within 24 hours. You may feel bloated for a few days.
You can return to work or school as you feel well enough. We can provide a medical excuse for the first two days.
Most people will have a period within 4-6 weeks. Please be aware that if you’re not using birth control, you could become pregnant again even before your next period begins.
A nurse is available to talk to you around the clock if you have any medical concerns.