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What to Expect
In Pennsylvania, there is a law called the Pennsylvania Abortion Control Act that requires you to listen to some very specific information about abortion from our doctor at least 24 hours before having your abortion. If you know the first day of your last normal period, have had a pelvic exam or ultrasound, or can provide us with other information so that we can estimate how far along you are in your pregnancy, then we can set up an appointment for you talk to the doctor on the telephone before your procedure. That way you'll only have to make one trip to the clinic to have the abortion. When you call the clinic the first time, you and the clinic staff can establish a set time for the doctor to contact you.
On the day of your abortion, it is not necessary to come earlier than your scheduled time. Plan on being in the facility for approximately 3-5 hours, depending on the age of pregnancy and what kind of anesthesia you choose.
Your visit begins when you check in with our security guard in the front lobby. Everyone who visits PPWHS must show a photo ID and complete a visitor's slip. Once you've gone through security you'll present your visitor slip to a receptionist, and she will photocopy your ID, which should include a birthdate. If you are a minor (under the age of 18), your parent or legal guardian will also need to provide your birth certificate if your last name is different from your legal guardian.. If you are not able to obtain permission from a parent or legal guardian, let the receptionist know at the time of your initial call to the clinic, and she will help you obtain what's called a "judicial bypass" in order to proceed with your abortion.
Once you have entered our facility waiting room, you can have a seat. The receptionist will call you to a window to begin the admitting process. At this time you'll be asked to complete some forms and your payment will be collected.
At the time of your admission, you will be asked to provide a urine specimen. A medical assistant will draw a small amount of blood from your finger as well as your arm. Your blood samples will be tested for anemia and for the presence of the RH factor, which may require a special injection.
If you're not sure how far along you are in your pregnancy, if you're estimated to be over 11 weeks pregnant, or if you chose to be sedated during the abortion, you will then have a sonogram of your pregnancy.
Following your lab tests, you will meet with a counselor who will review your medical history, and check possible medical problems with the operating physicians and /or nurse. Your counselor will answer your questions and discuss any concerns you have regarding the procedure. You can also discuss the different types of birth control options available to you at this time. Once all of your questions have been addressed, you'll proceed to the reception area on the surgical floor.
Once you're on the surgical floor, have a seat and wait for the nurse to call you into the operating room. When the nurse calls your name, you'll show her your visitor's slip. She will give you some pain medication to relieve some of the cramping you'll feel during your abortion.
The operating/procedure room looks very similar to a doctor's regular exam room. You will spend about 15 minutes in the operating room, although the actual abortion procedure only takes 3-5 minutes. You will have a counselor with you the entire time that you are in the operating room. If you choose, you may also have a friend, family member or partner with you during your abortion.
You will be given medication to numb your cervix. The injection will help to take the edge off the cramping, but will not alleviate the cramping entirely. During the procedure you will experience strong, period-like cramps, which last approximately 3-5 minutes.
Whether you were sedated or fully conscious, after your procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room for about 30 - 60 minutes. While in the recovery room your vital signs, bleeding and cramping will be monitored by a nurse. At this time the nurse will go over your after-care instructions and an appointment will be made for you to return for your follow-up visit. The nurse will also give you instructions on your birth control method and any medications that you have been prescribed.
If you choose not to return to a Planned Parenthood office for your follow-up visit, you are advised to see your private physician within 2-3 weeks post-operatively.
Please feel free to ask any questions you have about your care with us at any time during your stay at the PPWHS center. We want to make your stay as comfortable as possible, and we appreciate feedback you may have regarding your visit with us.
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