ABORTION

ABORTION

Alabama state law requires women seeking an abortion to receive state mandated information at least 48 hours before their abortion. Because of this state mandated 48 hour waiting period, you will need to schedule 2 appointments at our center.

Surgical Abortion with local anesthesia:

• Under 11 weeks, 6 days
• 12 weeks to 12 weeks, 6 days
• 13 weeks to 13 weeks, 6 days
• 14 weeks to 14 weeks, 4 days

Medication (Pill) Abortion

• Up to 9 weeks

 

If you are you a minor (under the age of 18 years old) click here.

Reproductive Health Services is licensed by the Alabama State Health Department and is a current member of the National Abortion Federation.



Our staff includes board eligible and/or certified OB/GYN physicians, OB/GYN Nurse Practitioners, RNs, LPNs, counselors and related support personnel dedicated to providing the highest quality care.

At your 1st visit

We will perform a pregnancy test, ultrasound and lab work at the time of your 1st visit. This visit should take about an hour.

There will be a required $150 fee at your first visit. However, it WILL be applied toward your total abortion care fees at your 2nd visit. 

Please note: We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, Money Orders, and Cashier’s Checks ONLY. We do not accept personal checks, Discover, or American Express.

On the day of your abortion

• We recommend you eat a light breakfast: certain medications can make you more nauseous on an empty stomach.
• Plan to be here between for at least 4 hours, sometimes longer on busy days.
• If you elect to be given a sedative, you are required to have someone that can drive you home.
• Bring your government issued ID.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you can easily remove.
• Bring a light cover up or sweater.
• Bring or wear socks.
• Wear underwear/panties that can support a menstrual pad (no thongs).
• Books, puzzles, magazines, and yarn crafts are allowed if you would like to bring them to pass the time more quickly.

Items not allowed in our center

For the privacy and security of all our patients and staff we do not allow the following:

• Cell phones
• Cameras
• Video / Audio recording devices of any kind
• Bags / Purses / Backpacks
• Weapons of any kind
• Children

What to expect: Surgical Abortion

Once you arrive at the clinic we will take your temperature, complete your admission process, collect any fees, and the nurse will take your vital signs.

Alabama state law mandates the doctor performing your abortion also performs an ultrasound, so you will have another ultrasound. This is the biggest delay of the day.

After the doctor performs your ultrasound, your medications and will be given. You will receive a mild sedative and a medication to relieve cramping. You may receive other medications as determined by the doctor’s review of your medical history. 

When you are in the procedure room, the doctor will perform an exam, and then administer a local anesthetic (this medication is very similar to what the dentist uses) to numb the area.

The uterus is emptied using a gentle suction process and usually takes 5-10 minutes. Some patients experience cramps similar to menstrual cramps. For most women these cramps are mild to moderate and only last a few minutes.

After your abortion, you will rest in our recovery area for as long as needed. After that, the recovery room nurse will discharge you and give you a hand out with detailed after care instructions, an appointment for your follow up, and all necessary prescriptions.

What to expect: Medication Abortion

Once you arrive at the clinic we will take your temperature, complete your admission process, collect any fees, and the nurse will take your vital signs.

Alabama state law mandates the doctor performing your abortion also performs an ultrasound, so you will have another ultrasound. This is the biggest delay of the day.

Most of your appointment is information.

You will be given a pill (mifepristone) to swallow in the clinic and another set of pills (misoprostol) to use later as directed by the doctor.

The abortion happens at home, after the 2^nd pills.

Most people feel the same after taking the 1^st (Mifepristone) pill, but may experience light spotting. 

Within 24-48 hours you will use the Misoprostol, which causes cramping and bleeding and allows the pregnancy to pass.

You will receive a detailed handout with clear instructions on how to use the pills at home, what to expect, and your follow up date. Please read it carefully.  You will also review all instructions with the doctor before you are given your pills and prescriptions.

Follow-up Care

Be sure to follow our aftercare instructions, take all of the medications as directed, be sure to keep your follow-up appointment, and please call us if you have any questions or concerns.

Avoid the following for at least two weeks after your procedure

• Swimming
• Tub baths
• Tampons
• Douching
• Sexual intercourse