Common questions about abortion services at Seattle’s Aurora Medical Services

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long is the appointment?

	• Although the actual abortion takes only about 5-15 minutes, most women are here
		for about 2-3 hours. The appointment includes: pre-procedure paper work, examination, history review, self-care instructions, and post-procedure recovery.

	• If you are here for a two-day procedure, then you can expect to be here for about
		2-3 hours on the first day, and 1-2 hours on the second day.

Can I bring someone with me to the appointment?

	• Absolutely yes! Bringing a friend, parent or relative for support is welcomed
		and encouraged.

Must I bring someone with me to the appointment?

	• No. You may come alone if you wish, although if you would like the narcotic
			medication, we require that you have a ride home.

Will I feel pain during the abortion procedure?

	• Many women report they feel lower abdominal pressure and some slight
		cramping when the doctor gives the numbing shot into the cervix.

	• Many women report cramps “like during a period” for about 5-10 minutes at
		the end of the abortion.

	• The physician helps women manage discomfort/pain by:

		– Having the woman take pain medicine by mouth before the procedure
			(a Motrin-like medicine that decreases uterine cramping)

		– Giving a local anesthetic by injection into the cervix with the same type
			of medicine used in the dental office

		– Giving an intravenous injection (IV) of narcotic pain medicine to women
			who choose this option.

How long will it take for me to recover after the abortion and when can I go back to work?

	• Most women are ready to return to work and their usual activities by the day after
		their procedure, see Aftercare and What to Expect.

Do I have to come back for a check-up?

	• We recommend you come back for a follow-up exam 2-3 weeks after the abortion.

	• We urge you to return to this clinic for your follow-up appointment rather than
		going to another clinic. Most check-back appointments are free of charge at Aurora Medical Services.

What happens if I have an emergency and the office is closed?

	• There is a health care provider on-call 24 hours a day at Aurora Medical Services.

	• If you have an urgent care need and the office is closed, call our emergency number
		(800) 726-5472 and someone will call you back right away.

	• If you are having a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Is the abortion confidential?

	• Yes!

	• Your visit here is entirely confidential.

	• The staff is especially sensitive to confidentiality issues due to the extremely
		personal nature of this procedure.

	• We will not release any information about the abortion to anyone without your
		consent, see Confidentiality Statement.

Do I have to tell my parents about my abortion? Are you going to tell my parents I had an abortion?

	• No to both questions.

	• If you are a minor (under 18) and you are pregnant, you are considered an
		emancipated minor by the state. That means that you can make any decisions regarding pregnancy on your own, see Legal Issues.

Do you take insurance?

	• Yes! • We are contracted with most insurance companies and HMO plans. • We take DSHS medical coupons. • Call your insurance company to find out your benefits for voluntary abortion services. • Be sure to ask your insurance provider if you have a deductible or co-pay.