FAQs

FAQS

Frequently asked questions about our clinic.

Is abortion still legal in Alabama?

YES! Abortion is legal in the state of Alabama. The recent ban that was passed in May of 2019 will not take effect until a higher court decision. Reproductive Health Services, Planned Parenthood, ACLU of Alabama, and two other clinics in Alabama have taken legal action against the state of Alabama and we do not foresee any interruption in our services any time soon.

Is abortion safe?

YES! Abortion is the most common outpatient surgical procedure in the country. According to the Alan Guttmacher Institute, a leading public health research organization, a first trimester abortion (early abortion) is 11 times safer than carrying a pregnancy to term and nearly twice as safe as a penicillin injection.

Will having an abortion prevent me from having children in the future?

NO! There is no evidence of childbearing problems among women who have had an abortion early in their pregnancy. Of course, as with all outpatient surgery, part of the long-term effect is in your hands. Taking all your medications, following post-op instructions and returning for your follow-up examination will reduce your chance of long-term effects. If you are concerned about this, or have questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Is abortion painful?

MAYBE… Every person responds to and tolerates pain differently. Patients are generally surprised at how well they feel physically after their abortion and usually describe the discomfort as “heavy period cramps” or “like a really, really heavy period”.

Do I have to be awake with the procedure?

YES. You will be awake. For surgical procedures at our center, we use a local anesthetic and offer a mild sedative to relax you.

Where do I park?

Be sure to park in our parking lot (driveway to the right of our building – look for the iron fence) and not in the YMCA parking lots (behind us and to the left of our building). The YMCA may tow your vehicle. 

How long will I be at the office?

Be prepared to spend at least one hour on your first visit and 4 hours on the day of your surgery, sometimes longer on busy days. Remember, you must make 2 trips due to Alabama’s Law that requires a 48-hour waiting period.


Can I bring someone inside with me?

NO. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently not allowing anyone into our clinic who does not have an appointment. We are a very small office, so in order to serve all of our patients as safely as possible and maintain social distancing, we ask that you please have anyone who comes with you to your appointment either drop you off and pick you back up, or wait in the vehicle outside.

On procedure day, if you wish to receive a sedative, we require you have someone who can drive you home. When you sign in the receptionist will collect your driver’s info and the recovery room will call them when you are ready to be released.

Will there be protestors?

YES. 

A crisis pregnancy center (aka fake clinic) parks its’ ultrasound bus on the empty lot across the street every Monday and Tuesday, sometimes on other days of the week. Do not be fooled – they are not with us! This bus is run by an anti-abortion group who will do and say anything to trick you onto their bus in an attempt to change your mind. Any personal and private information you provide them is not protected and could possibly be released to others. Their volunteers wear orange or yellow vests and stop traffic at the corner of E. Jeff Davis and S. Perry Street to pass out “coupons” for a free ultrasound.

We also have several protesters who are on the sidewalk in front of the clinic. Some of them are here every day. Most are middle aged white men. Most are paid to stand there and will lie and attempt to mislead you on where you should go. Some are wearing cameras.

For your privacy, we highly advise that you do not engage with anyone outside of our fences or off of our property. 



Will there be someone to help me inside?

YES! Look for our volunteer clinic escorts in RAINBOW safety vests that say “CLINIC ESCORT” in large white letters. They will help you get inside as harassment free as possible. TRUST THE RAINBOW – if they are not wearing the RAINBOW safety vest – they are not with us!

Will my insurance cover?

Many plans do not cover the cost of an elective abortion and we can not file with your insurance company for you

Can I get financial help to pay for some of the abortion?

YES. Although we are not able to directly provide financial assistance, RHS does work closely with several abortion funds and practical support groups who can help you with everything from funding your procedure to lodging and transportation. Please ask us for more info on your first appointment, or call us if you need help with your first visit fee.

I am on Medicaid. Will that cover my abortion?

NO. Medicaid will not pay for abortions in the State of Alabama.