ABORTION SERVICES

SURGICAL
Surgical services are available from 4-20.5 weeks.
At the initial visit, a pregnancy test, ultrasound and informed consent will be obtained. Ultrasound is performed to assure an intrauterine pregnancy and give us an accurate size. This evaluation gives us an opportunity to review each patient's medical history and current health status. In some cases, a hospital procedure may be recommended. The second visit will be for the actual procedure.

In the office, we offer local anesthetic and for women who prefer more medication, we also offer sedation. All hospital procedures are done under general anesthesia.

Pennsylvania has an abortion consent law that requires women to receive state mandated informed consent counseling 24 hours before the abortion. The 24-hour waiting period may be waived if you had the state mandated informed consent at another facility 24 hours before the procedure. Please contact the office for more information regarding this law.

Safety. Abortion is considered one of the safest surgical procedures when performed by a skilled physician. We have many years of experience and our goal is to provide the best medical care in order to protect your future fertility.

ABORTION PILL/RU486
What is RU486/Mifeprex?
Mifeprex has been used by more than half a million women in Europe to end an early pregnancy. Now this early option is available to women in America. Many women report medical abortion as being "private" and "more like a miscarriage" but the method is not for all women.

Mifeprex is a noninvasive, non-surgical option for ending an early pregnancy. It can be taken up to 8 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period as determined by ultrasound and is 90-95% effective.

How do these medications work?
Two medications are used to complete a medical abortion.

Mifepristone (RU486) is a medication that blocks progesterone, the hormone necessary to maintain a pregnancy. This medication is given at the first visit.

Misoprostol is inserted vaginally two days later. This medication causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. Approximately 75% of women expel the pregnancy within 24 hours of taking this medication.

How successful is it?
Approximately 90-95% and successful. If treatment fails, a surgical procedure may be needed and is provided at no charge.

What are the side effects?
You can expect to have some or all of the following symptoms: nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, heavy bleeding and strong cramping. Usually these symptoms go away after 1 day, but some women experience bleeding for 1-2 weeks. It is important to be honest about what you can handle. We talk with each woman individually to provide realistic and accurate information so each patient can decide for herself.

How do I decide which is method is best for me?
Every woman is different in her expectations, needs and tolerance levels. The best thing to do is review all the information thoroughly. Be honest with yourself. If you can't handle cramps or heavy bleeding this is not for you. In our experience, women who make informed decisions and choose the medical abortion/RU 486 are very happy with their choice. They report feeling like it was less invasive and more natural than a surgical abortion. The process also requires a minimum of 2-3 visits so we require that you live within 1-2 hours and are able to return for follow-up.

What medication will I receive?
We give all the medications to the patient at the first visit. You will receive the following: Mifepristone (RU486), Misoprostol, and pain medication. You will also have lab work and an ultrasound. Rh-negative women will be given Rhogam. Our fees include everything; except Rhogam if needed there are no hidden costs.

How do I know it is complete?
It is necessary to return for a follow up visit to confirm this. Usually it is at one week but you will be given specific instructions at your visit.