Abortion Clinics
Although this is a controversial subject this article will just state the facts about what to expect at an abortion clinic. Since this is just another form of healthcare, this may be a place that women will need at some point in their lives. There are different places that you could go to that provide abortions.
One place that people often think about is Planned Parenthood. There is another option to Planned Parenthood Charlotte lists that you can choose from. You just must look around and do research about some other places. You could choose your personal doctor if they can help you. Some private doctors don’t wish to provide these procedures, so you might have to find someone else.
This article will talk about what to expect when you go to an abortion clinic. This is a non-conventional procedure that needs to be thought of several times especially if you’ve never been through it before. This article will just go through the basics.
What to Expect at an Abortion Clinic
If you need to think about going to a clinic for abortion there are things that you need to know. There are some states that require you to get counseling before you get an abortion. There are also some states that require that you wait 24 hours between the counseling and the procedure. You need to check these things out before you go in.
There are different laws in every state, and they are changing often. You can check this website: https://reproductiverights.gov/ to see what the laws are in your state.
You need to think about some things before you go in for your appointment. If you have children, prepare for childcare because most clinics will not allow you to bring them with you. If you work, take the day off, you won’t be able to work the same day as the procedure.
There are also a few things that you might want to have just in case you need it. You can ask your doctor if you can have ibuprofen. You will also want to bring any medications that you might be taking so that the doctor can keep track of them. You will also need an extra set of underwear, maxi pads, and your contact case and glasses. You will not be able to use tampons or period cups after your procedure.
You will also need to make arrangements to get to and from the clinic. You will not be able to drive yourself home after the procedure, so you will want to have someone drive you. You will be given sedatives and other medications, so it won’t be safe for you to drive yourself.
You will need to bring in your photo identification, your payment for the procedure, and something to watch or read after your procedure. You might be able to have the abortion done that day, but you might have to wait until a second or third appointment. If you are over fourteen weeks along, you might need more appointments.
When you walk into the clinic, you may be faced with anti-abortion protestors. The clinic will often have escorts to help you to get from your car into the clinic. If you are worried about your safety, call the clinic and see if this is available for you.
You can bring a friend or family member into the clinic with you as a support person. Most of the time, they will not be able to go into the procedure room with you. The receptionist at the front desk will have some paperwork for you to fill out. This would include your medical history and other things that your doctor will need to know about you.
Once you have checked in, you will be led to a private room. In this room, you will have a health education assessment, a medical exam, and what is entailed in the abortion procedure. You will then meet with a health care professional.
The first professional that you will meet with will be the healthcare educator. They will discuss your abortion alternatives, what the procedure will involve, and birth control options. They will also take your medical vital information such as your blood pressure and weight. You will not have to undress during this part of your visit.
The next professional that you will see will be the OB/GYN. This is a doctor that specializes in all matters of women’s health, including abortions. This doctor will ask you about your health history, do an ultrasound to see how far along you are, explain the abortion procedure, and if you are less than 12 weeks along, they will give you medication.
They will give you Vicodin or another pain reliever, a Valium for anxiety, and ibuprofen for pain relief. It could take up to an hour for the medication to begin working. The drugs will help you with discomfort and anxiety.
If you are between 12 and 14 weeks along, you will be given a medication called misoprostol. This will make your cervix soften and will help with dilation. It takes around twenty minutes for this medication to work.
If you are over 14 weeks along, they will make your cervix softer and dilate you with a medication and laminaria or Dilapan sticks. It only takes five or ten minutes to insert these sticks, but they must stay there all night.
After you get your medications, you will have to wait for about an hour. Some clinics will allow your support person to come in with you during this time. You might stay in the room, or you might stay in the waiting area. If you are over 14 weeks, you may have to come back the next day. You might still have the procedure the same day, it depends on the doctor and the patient.
There are two types of in-clinic abortions, and they include suction abortion or dilation and evacuation: https://www.webmd.com/women/abortion-procedures. The suction abortion is the most common type, and the D&E is a surgical procedure. Both can involve some pain, but your medication should help with this.
Conclusion
Abortion is a personal choice that only the woman involved can make. She can ask for advice from family, friends, and medical professionals, but only she can make the decision. This is a controversial procedure that is done for many reasons, but only the woman who is pregnant can make that decision.
