FAQ
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We've Got Answers....Is the procedure safe? Yes. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, abortion through the 12th week of pregnancy is 7 times safer than childbirth and about twice as safe as having your tonsils out. In fact, the complication rate for abortion is very low, about 1%. If I have an abortion, will I be able to have children in the future? According to a study done in 21 countries by the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League, women who have had abortions routinely go on to have normal pregnancies and give birth to health children. Does the procedure hurt? Most women find the procedure uncomfortable. Some women, perhaps because they are anxious about the abortion, or just particularly sensitive to pain, describe abortion as being quite painful. Every woman's body is unique, so every woman's experience is different. How long will I be at the clinic? The procedure itself usually takes less than 10 minutes. However, you can expect to spend at least 2 to 3 hours in the clinic filling out consent forms, receiving aftercare instructions, and having your vital signs taken. Also, all women spend at least 20 minutes in recovery, and women who were sedated for their procedure spend 45 minutes to an hour in recovery. Will I go to sleep with sedation (Twilight)? No, but the sedation does put most women in a drowsy, unaware state that relieves most of their pain. For some women it may also block their memory. If you have ever used drugs in the past the sedation will be less effective. Do I have to come back to the clinic after the procedure? No, but we do advise that you be seen by a Doctor within 2 weeks of having the procedure. You can be seen by your own OB/GYN or you can come back here to the clinic. We do advise a follow-up to make sure there is NO infection in the uterus, to make sure the procedure was successful and to be cleared by the doctor to go back to your regular activities. Do I need anyone else’s consent to have an abortion? If you are 16 years or older NO, no one but you can make this decision; it is your body and your choice. If you are younger than 16 you must have parental consent. Between the ages of 16-18 you must show proof of age. Whether it be school ID with birth certificate or government issued ID (such as state ID or drivers license). What should I wear? Patients choosing the procedure should wear loose fitting clothes and comfortable shoes. Patients choosing the pill can wear whatever they choose. But all patients must bring their own sanitary napkins. NO TAMPONS!!! What will happen after the procedure? After the procedure we advise that you go home and rest. You will bleed; your bleeding will be similar to your period only it will be a heavier and longer flow. As long as you don’t soak thru more than 1 pad per hour and your clots are smaller than a quarter, you will be fine. An information packet will be given to you before you leave and your counselor will go over aftercare instructions with you before the procedure. If you have other questions, please contact us. Atlantic Women's Medical Services, Inc. 2809 Baynard Blvd, Wilmington, DE 19802 |