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Important Questions to Consider when Selecting an Abortion Provider
When shopping for health care, it is important to ask questions to help you make the best choices about your health. In addition to asking about the abortion procedure, you have a right to inquire about the person performing your surgery. Here are a few questions to ask abortion providers so you can determine who can best meet your needs.
Are your services provided by doctors who are affiliated with local area hospitals?
You have the right to know the credentials of the person who will be providing your procedure. The doctors at PPWHS are experienced, licensed physicians who practice at Magee Womens Hospital and reside in the Pittsburgh area.
What is included in your price? Are there any additional fees?
It is important to know what services are included in the price of the procedure. At PPWHS, the price includes the following:
- a sonogram if necessary;
- laboratory tests;
- options counseling before the procedure;
- ibuprofen before and after the surgery;
- two free packs of birth control pills (two month supply) or a two month supply of the Ortho Evra® patch if one of these methods is selected;
- condoms;
- post-surgery visit 2-3 weeks after the procedure.
If you chose to have conscious sedation, there is an additional charge and women who are Rh negative are required to have an injection of Rhogam, which also has an additional fee.
Do you accept insurance?
If you have health insurance, it is possible that your insurance will cover your surgery. At PPWHS, we accept Highmark Blue Shield, Keystone, Select Blue, Premier Blue and Aetna to cover abortions. If you have a different insurance provider, our staff will contact your provider to inquire whether your coverage will pay for the procedure.
What if I do not have insurance or do not want to use any insurance?
Since PPWHS is the only non-profit abortion provider in Pittsburgh, we offer competitive pricing. A $50 discount is given to women on Medical Assistance. For women who don't have insurance and are having difficulty with funding, we have staff who can explore funding options at PPWHS and nationally.
May I have a friend, family member or partner present during my abortion?
PPWHS allows you to decide if you want a support person with you during your abortion. You may have a friend, family member or partner accompany you during the counseling, laboratory work and the abortion procedure.
Who will I speak to for the 24-hour informed consent before the procedure?
At PPWHS, the doctor you speak to 24 hours before your procedure will be one of the physicians who provides abortion procedures. The doctor will be able to answer any questions you may have about the abortion.
What arrangements are in place if I have problems after my abortion procedure?
It is important to know the arrangements your provider has for after hours care in the event you experience any problems following the procedure. At PPWHS, a nurse is available 24 hours a day to take your call. The same physicians that provide the abortions will handle any problems and provide additional care as needed at Magee Womens Hospital.
If I am having a medical abortion, what medications will I be given?
There are two methods of providing medical abortion, each using different medications. At PPWHS, we use the medications mifepristone and methotrexate for medical abortion. Research studies have shown that these are the most effective medications to use for medical abortion.
Will I be able to get birth control after the procedure?
It is important to start a method of birth control after the procedure. At PPWHS, a two-month supply of birth control pills or the Ortho Evra® Patch will be provided at no charge. If neither of these methods is desired, a full range of birth control options are available including Depo Provera, IUD , Nuvaring and condoms.
Can I continue gynecological services with you after the procedure?
In addition to providing abortion services, Planned Parenthood offers a full range of gynecological services. The organization operates six health centers in western Pennsylvania that offer gynecological exams, birth control, emergency contraception and sexually transmitted disease testing and treatment. These health centers are located in downtown Pittsburgh, Moon Township, Bridgeville, Turtle Creek, Johnstown and Somerset. The fees for our gynecological services are provided on a sliding fee scale that is based on age, family size and income.
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