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Male or Female Physician Health Insurance Accepted Morning After Treatment Available |
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Non-Surgical Abortions Available Member National Abortion Federation |
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Non-Surgical Abortion Q&A |
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Non-Surgical |
How much does it cost? The fee for non-surgical abortion is $375.00. Our fee includes necessary tests, counseling, and follow-up care. At the Fairmount Center, there are no hidden costs for comprehensive care. Our fee for non-surgical abortion includes:
What is a non-surgical abortion? A non-surgical abortion is one that is brought about by taking medications which cause the body to abort or expel the pregnancy rather than the traditional alternative of surgical abortion which ends the pregnancy by emptying the uterus with the use of special instruments. How do these medicines work? Mifepristone (Mifeprex, RU-486) is a medication that blocks the action of progesterone; a hormone needed to maintain pregnancy. It alters the endometrium causing an early pregnancy to detach from the uterine wall. It also helps to soften and dilate the cervix. This medication is taken orally in tablet form. You will receive this medication on your first visit to the office. The second medication, misoprostol, is very effective at causing the uterus to contract (cramp), thus causing the pregnancy to be expelled. This medication will be taken orally approximately 48 hours after initial office visit. Will I be treated by a licensed physician? Absolutely. Texas law requires that only licensed physicians may perform abortions. But our standards go far beyond the state's requirements. Collectively, our staff of physicians have practiced medicine for many years. In fact, our physicians have been performing abortions for at least 21 years. Our expertise does not reside solely in our doctors. Our staff also includes registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses; they provide an additional level of training and experience. We also have degreed counselors to assist and support you. Their specific role is to make your experience here as positive as possible. You'll be in competent, caring hands when you come to the Fairmount Center. Are there side effects? Is it going to hurt? Yes. Non-surgical abortion has a number of side effects that can be uncomfortable. These include: nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, fever/chills, and fatigue. You may not experience all of these, but you should be prepared just in case. Uterine cramping is expected with this treatment and it can be painful. Our doctor will prescribe a medication to help with pain, although this medication may not relieve pain completely. Bleeding is also expected and can be excessive. The counseling staff carefully reviews instructions with you to prepare you for these side effects, should they occur. How long will it take? A non-surgical abortion is a process that requires time. Approximately 75% of women will have their abortion within 24 hours of taking the misoprostol on day three. About 90% of women will have their abortion within 14 days of beginning treatment. By the end of 35 days, approximately 95% of women will have aborted. How do I know if I'm eligible for non-surgical abortion? To be eligible for non-surgical abortion your pregnancy must measure less than 8 weeks from your last normal menstrual period by ultrasound. Non-surgical abortion requires 2-4 visits to the clinic. There are some medical conditions that may make a patient ineligible for non-surgical abortion. If you are a minor you must have a parent involved in the abortion process. If you are uncertain about eligibility for this treatment, please give us a call and speak with one of our counselors. Non-surgical abortion is not for everyone. Possible side effects and waiting 3 to 35 days for the abortion to be complete can be frustrating. Witnessing the abortion may be emotionally difficult. What if I have a complication during treatment? Complication with non-surgical abortion is rare, however it is good to be prepared. The medications used for non-surgical abortion can cause serious fetal anomalies, thus once the abortion process has begun, the abortion must be completed. What if the treatment fails? Surgical abortion may be needed if the pregnancy is still continuing to grow at the 2 week follow up visit (1-2%), there is excessive vaginal bleeding (1%), or non-viable pregnancy tissue remains after 5 weeks (1-2%). You may request a surgical abortion at any time during your treatment. If you choose to have a non-surgical abortion, you must also be willing to have a surgical abortion if needed. Does anyone else have to know about my situation? Non-surgical abortion is chosen by patients often because women want to be in their own home when the abortion takes place and want a partner or friend with them for support. If you are concerned about confidentiality you will need to consider if this treatment meets your needs. What if I am a minor? Effective September 1, 2005, Texas law requires parental consent for patients under the age of eighteen. Can I bring someone with me if I want? Yes, especially if you feel their support will be helpful to you. |
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