Counseling:  Patients are counseled individually in order to focus attention on their specific needs.  The counseling session is intended to allow each patient to explore her options in a non threatening and non judgmental atmosphere where the various alternatives available can be realistically evaluated.  Concerned friends or family members may be included, if the patient desires.  Printed information about pregnancy, abortion, birth control, sterilization, sex, STD, infertility and other common gynecologic problems is also available.

Preoperative Evaluation:  A pertinent medical history and indicated laboratory tests are obtained to assess the patient's general health and to keep the surgical risk to a minimum. A pelvic exam is done to confirm the existence and duration of pregnancy. If more extensive preoperative study is required or the patient would not be a suitable candidate for the scheduled surgery, appropriate referral will be made.

First Trimester Abortions (up to 12 weeks LMP):  Abortions during the first three months of pregnancy are performed at the clinic under local anesthesia.  Administration of the Para cervical block, dilation of the cervix and suctioning of the uterus rarely takes more than a few minutes.  Although the majority of patients experience momentary discomfort similar to strong menstrual cramps during the actual procedure, most people feel well enough to leave the clinic after thirty minutes.  Someone should accompany the patient to drive her home, however.

Second Trimester Abortions (13 to 22+ weeks LMP):  For patients with more advanced pregnancies, the dilation and evacuation (D&E) procedure is used.  Cervical dilating sticks are inserted at the clinic during the preoperative exam and left in place over night.  The next day the patient returns for completion of the procedure.  The actual surgery usually takes 10 to 15 minutes depending on how long the patient has been pregnant.  Local anesthesia is used.  Most patients are sufficiently recovered to leave an hour afterward.

Follow-up:  All patients are urged to see their own doctor in two to three weeks for a postoperative examination and contraception.  Patients without a referring physician can be seen at the clinic or given the name of a doctor to contact for follow-up care.  A brief summary of treatment will be furnished at the patient's request.  Any postoperative problems should be promptly reported to the patient's primary physician.