Abortion Clinics California and Illinois

Frequently Asked Questions

1.	Question: Up to how many weeks do you terminate pregnancy?
	Answer: Our Medical Group terminates pregnancy up to 22 weeks.

2.	Question: How much does it cost to have an abortion?
	Answer: The fee for a first trimester surgical abortion under General or Local Anesthesia is $395.00. The fees for an abortion vary depending on clinic location, type of service (surgical or non-surgical abortion), type of anesthesia (local anesthesia or general anesthesia), length of gestation (13 weeks and under or 13.5 to 22 weeks), and use of insurance.

3.	Question: What is medical abortion?
	Answer: Medical abortion is a method to terminate pregnancy non-surgically with medication. This method is available to women under nine weeks of pregnancy. The medication used is Mifeprex and Cytotec tablets.

4.	Question: Do you provide "Morning After Pill"? How much is it?
	Answer: Yes, we do provide the "Morning After Pill". The fee is $45.00.

5.	Question: Do you have any female physicians available?
	Answer: Yes, we do have female physicians available.

Question: What kind of insurance do you accept for abortion? Is it covered?

Answer: Yes, we accept most insurance plans. We will take your insurance information and benefits. Most insurance plans do cover abortion services. Your insurance plan may require that you pay a percentage of the fee for your services. In some cases you will need a referral or authorization from your doctor or health plan. Please contact your doctor or medical group to obtain your authorization. Prior to your appointment time, please check with us about the verification of your insurance benefits. In addition, we accept cash, all major credit cards, money orders or cashier checks and in California Medi-Cal.

7.	Question: What is the difference between D&C and medical abortion?
	Answer: A D&C (Dilation and Curettage) is the surgical procedure to terminate pregnancy. A D&C can be performed up to 13 weeks gestation. The non-surgical procedure is accomplished with medication and offered up to 9 weeks of gestation.

8.	Question: Can I still get pregnant in the future after my abortion?
	Answer: Yes, there is no evidence that having an abortion has any effect on future pregnancies.

Question: Can I have someone come into the surgery or recovery room with me?

Answer: Your driver, friend or family member may not enter the surgery or recovery room with you, as we must protect the confidentiality of all of our patients. We encourage your driver to wait for you in our lobby. If this is not possible, your driver can return for you in approximately 2 hours. It is important that your driver wait for you until your medical and physical history has been completed.

10.	Question: Is everything confidential?
	Answer: All of our services are completely confidential. Patient information is never released without the signature and authorization of the patient.

11.	Question: How long will I bleed after surgery?
	Answer: In most cases the patient experiences bleeding for 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery. However, some patients do not experience any bleeding and other patients have spotting or bleeding off and on. It is important that you return for your post-operative evaluation two weeks after your procedure.

12.	Question: When can I have sex again after the surgery?
	Answer: You should not have sex for two weeks after your procedure. When you return for your two-week check up, the practitioner will advise if you can resume sexual intercourse. We recommend that you abstain from sexual activity for two weeks because following your procedure you are more susceptible to infection and new pregnancy.

13.	Question: Can I take the bus home?
	Answer: Taking the bus after surgery is not recommended. If no other method of transportation is available, we require that an adult accompany you.

14.	Question: What is the difference between local anesthesia and general anesthesia?
	Answer: Local anesthesia is a cervical block performed 10 minutes prior to surgery. Your cervix will be anesthetized but you will be awake during the surgery. General anesthesia is administered intravenously. You are completely asleep during the surgery.

15.	Question: When will I have my next period?
	Answer: Normally, your regular menstrual cycle will resume 4 to 8 weeks after the surgery.

16.	Question: Can I use tampons after my surgery?
	Answer: You should not use tampons after surgery. Sanitary napkins should be used to decrease the possibility of infection and to monitor the amount you are bleeding.

17.

Question: How is the surgery performed?

Answer: The surgery is a simple procedure performed by aspiration (suction). This procedure is referred to as a D&C (Dilation and Curretage) and is chosen method to empty the contents of the uterus. The method takes about 2 to 5 minutes. If you are over 13 weeks pregnant, you will first have your uterus dilated with a sterile product made specifically for cervical dilation. You will return for the actual surgery on the second day. This procedure is referred to as D&E (Dilation and Extraction). In some cases, a patient will require two consecutive days of dilation and will return for the surgery on the third day. The dilation procedure takes just a few minutes and you will be in the clinic for approximately 2 hours the day or days that you are dilated.

18.	Question: How effective is surgical abortion?
	Answer: In most cases, surgical abortion is completely effective. A small percentage of cases will require reaspiration if unusual bleeding occurs or if there is retained tissue.

19.	Question: How will I feel after my surgical abortion?
	Answer: Most patients experience some cramping. If the cramping is not relieved by over the counter medications such as Extra Strength Tylenol or Advil, we ask the patient to call our 24-hour emergency number. You may take a shower or tub bath after surgery. Do not douche, use tampons or have intercourse for two weeks. Avoid any products that contain aspirin as aspirin promotes bleeding.

20.	Question: Can I return to work? Or Should I take off for a few days?
	Answer: The majority of our patients return to work or school the following day. Your counselor and medical staff will explain the DO's and DON'Ts after surgery.

21.	Question: Why can't I eat before surgery?
	Answer: When general anesthesia is administered, gag reflexes are temporarily suppressed. If food or liquid remain in the stomach, vomiting can occur resulting in asphyxiation.

22.	Question: Is it a doctor who performs the surgery?
	Answer: Yes. All of our doctors are licensed by the State of California or Illinios and specialize in pregnancy termination.

23.	Question: Can I use my parent's insurance?
	Answer: Yes.

24.	Question: Will my parents find out?
	Answer: We recommend that the member contact the insurance company to discuss their policy on abortion confidentiality.

25.	Question: What happens with the fetus that was removed from me during the abortion?
	Answer: The tissue is sent to a licensed and accredited Laboratory for analysis and is disposed of in accordance to the mandates of State law.

26.	Question: What happens if I have some complications/problems after my abortion?
	Answer: Professional medical staff is available to our patients 24 hours every day. If you have any questions or are experiencing post-operative problems, do not hesitate to call our 800 number at any hour of the day or night. Our trained staff will speak with you and may ask that you return to our clinic for evaluation.

27.	Question: Will it hurt?
	Answer: If you have chosen general anesthesia you will be completely asleep during the surgery so you will not feel any pain. After the procedure you may experience cramping, which can range from mild to moderate. In most cases Extra Strength Tylenol, Aleve or Motrin will alleviate the cramping. If the cramping is not alleviated with these remedies, you should call us immediately.

28.

Question: Do you offer free pregnancy testing?

Answer: The fee for UCG pregnancy test is $5.00. This test detects pregnancy approximately four weeks after conception or about two weeks after your first missed period. We also have the EPT (Early Pregnancy Test) available for a fee of $15.00. This test can detect pregnancy as early as 10 days after conception. All testing can be performed on a walk-in basis. We offer written verification of test results for an additional fee of $15.00.

29.	Question: Are there any protesters at the clinic?
	Answer: We may have protesters at some of our clinic locations. Protestors are not allowed on Family Planning Associates property but they may be in the street or on sidewalks. You need not to speak to any protesters or accept literature from them. The protesters are not permitted to touch you.

30.	Question: Is it dangerous to have an abortion?
	Answer: The procedure is safe. Fewer risks exist with abortion than childbirth. The physician performing the surgery is highly skilled and specializes in this procedure. Our staff is trained to offer the highest standard of medical care available.

31.	Question: Do I have to make an appointment for an abortion?
	Answer: Yes. Each of our facilities offers this procedure on specific days.

32.	Question: Do I need a pregnancy test done at your clinic before scheduling an appointment?
	Answer: No. Your pregnancy test can be performed when you arrive for your surgery appointment.

33.	Question: How long has FPA been in business?
	Answer: Family Planning Associates was founded in 1969 and has been offering the highest standard of care since that time.

34.	Question: Will somebody talk to me before the procedure?
	Answer: Yes. A trained counselor will review your medical history, pre and post operative instructions, method of payment and birth control information. Our medical practitioner will perform a physical examination prior to the procedure and will answer any additional questions you may have.

35.	Question: How will you know how far I am in my pregnancy?
	Answer: Our medical practitioner will perform a pelvic exam and ultrasound if necessary to determine the length of gestation.

36.	Question: What if I am RH negative?
	Answer: A blood test performed in our lab will determine your RH factor. If your blood is RH negative, you will be given an injection of MicroRhoGAM following the procedure.

37.	Question: How will I know that the abortion was successful?
	Answer: The contents of the uterus are sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis. The results of the analysis are sent to the doctor within 5 days of the procedure. You are also advised to return to the clinic two weeks after surgery for a postoperative evaluation.

38.	Question: What if the pill doesn't work?
	Answer: In a small percentage of cases, the tablets given for non-surgical abortion do not cause miscarriage. In these cases, the patient could require a surgical pregnancy termination, which is covered by your initial payment.

39.	Question: How soon can I get an appointment?
	Answer: Appointments are available for the same day or the following day.

40.	Question: Do you provide me with birth control?
	Answer: Yes. We offer birth control to our patients immediately after the pregnancy termination. Your practitioner will evaluate your needs and assist you with the appropriate birth control method.

41.	Question: What is the earliest you can be in a pregnant to terminate?
	Answer: In most cases the abortion can be performed as early as the EPT pregnancy test shows positive results or at approximately 5 to 6 weeks. Make an appointment with us if your period is two weeks late.

42.	Question: Is a patient is a minor, do they need to have a parental consent to have an abortion? If not what law describes this?
	Answer: No. Minors in California and Illinois are considered emancipated if they are pregnant. Therefore, they do not need parental consent.

43.	Question: Are you a free clinic?
	Answer: No. Family Planning Associates is a privately owned Medical Group. We are contracted with most insurance plans and we accept Medi-Cal (in California), cash, all major credit cards and money orders or cashier checks.

44.	Question: Does my partner need to know?
	Answer: No. Your partner does not need to know. Your services are completely confidential. If you are using insurance to pay for services, it is possible that your partner will have access to the information from your insurance company if you are jointly insured. In this case, you can consider paying by cash or money order.

45.

Question: How will I feel emotionally after the abortion?

Answer: It has been our experience that the majority of our patients are relieved after the procedure. However, every patient is unique. If a patient is feeling anger, regret or guilt for an extended period of time, she may want to consider professional counseling. We understand that abortion is a difficult decision for some patients and we remain sensitive to their feelings. We are grateful that we can offer a safe solution for undesired or problematic pregnancy to a large number of women who are supported in their right to choose.

46.	Question: How long will I be under general anesthesia?
	Answer: You will be asleep for 5-10 minutes, depending if the procedure is performed in the first or second trimester.

47.	Question: Can I do aerobic exercise after surgery?
	Answer: You should avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting (over 15 pounds) for two weeks after the procedure.

48.	Question: If I have no money can you help me get a free abortion?
	Answer: In California, we can help you apply for Presumptive Eligibility (PE) that is similar to Medi-Cal. If you are eligible, your services will be covered with several funding sources in Illinois.

49.	Question: What if I do not get my period soon after the abortion?
	Answer: Most cases, your menstrual cycle will begin 4-8 weeks after surgery. It is important that you return for your 2-week post-operative check up to monitor your recovery. If you do not have a period in 8 weeks, please call us.

50.

Question: I am afraid I won't wake up after general anesthesia. Can that happen?

Answer: The anesthesia that we offer is safe, effective and short acting. You will be asleep from 5-10 minutes depending on the procedure. There is always some degree of risk with any surgery. Serious complications with general anesthesia are very rare in our facilities. The most complications occur when a patient has ingested food or liquid within 8 hours of surgery. Tell your counselor if you have had prior complications with anesthesia or if you have had anything to eat or drink within 8 hours prior to your surgery.

51.	Question: Do I have to give you my real name?
	Answer: All of your medical records are completely confidential and require your signature and authorization for release. It is always important to give accurate and current information or medical records. Your correct name, address, phone number and medical history are important for many reasons, particularly in case of emergency.

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