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COMMON QUESTIONS
How long is the appointment?
- Although the actual abortion takes only about 5-15 minutes, most women are here
for about 3 hours. The appointment includes: pre-procedure paper work, examination, history review, self-care instructions, and post-procedure recovery.
- ³If you are here for a two-day procedure, then you can expect to be here for about 3 hours on both days.
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 may 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.
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