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| Choosing a Qualified Provider | You have to realize clearly that quality abortion providers have health educators or counselors that are able to answer questions or address concerns about all pregnancy options - parenthood, adoption and abortion. Each woman should have an opportunity to meet with a health counselor to discuss feelings and concerns. The counseling personnel is there to support and help both patients and those who are with you in this experience.
It is certainly wise to obtain some opinions about the different abortion providers in your area and you should surely call all of them and get an idea of their staff and services. You should ask friends and family that you trust for a recommendation. In addition consider asking your doctor, local hospital, family planning agency, or social service agency. If you have an opportunity, visit the clinic, or at least visit their web page and read it carefully. If their fee seems too low or too high, ask more questions about what is included and why it is so different than other clinics’ fees. You should also ask what organizations the clinic belongs to – the National Coalition of Abortion Providers is one and another is the National Abortion Federation (NAF). NAF members have created standards for abortion providers to follow.
Questions to Ask:
 How long will the abortion last?
How long will I be in the facility?
Are there pain management options and are all options offered to you? Are there additional fees?
Most women report cramping connected with abortion as bearable. Others wish not to feel any discomfort. Because general anesthesia carries a greater medical risk and is far more expensive, some clinics may suggest IV or oral sedation and pain relievers. Talk about this with your provider.
What type of procedure will be performed? How early is abortion offered?
Is there an option for one-day second trimester abortion?
Who will be present in the room during the procedure? Can my partner, friend or family member be with me?
What level of proficiency does the doctor have? How long has he or she been performing abortions?
Will an ultrasound be performed before the abortion to verify the duration of pregnancy?
Where do patients “recover” after surgery and for how long in general?
For non-surgical abortion, is the method used the FDA approved method (Mifeprex with Misoprostol) or a substitute?
Is there a 24-hour phone number for emergencies?
As a rule, surgical abortion takes only some minutes, yet patients can be in the facility for several hours. Qualified providers guarantee that counseling is provided, a medical history is obtained, and lab work is performed before you are readied for surgery. These are important opportunities for you to meet the medical team and to relax. Following surgery, patients need plenty recovery time with medical and counseling staff available.
Non-surgical abortion can be done early in pregnancy. There are certain requirements and a qualified care provider should offer the information and be ready to answer your questions. After two weeks, it is very significant for all patients to have a follow-up examination. As a rule, quality abortion providers will not charge for a surgical follow-up visit.
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