Abortion Services
At Preterm, we offer surgical abortion from 4 through 22 weeks from the date of your last menstrual period, and medication (nonsurgical) abortion from 4 through 8 weeks.
- The surgical method is a relatively simple medical procedure that generally takes 3 to 20 minutes (depending on how far you are in your pregnancy). In the first trimester (through 12 weeks) our physicians use a silent vacuum aspiration technique. For second trimester abortions, our physicians use dilation and evacuation (D&E) because it is the safest and gentlest method.
- We provide a range of pain relief options you may choose to help you be more comfortable during the procedure.
- The medication method involves taking a pill in our office and then taking a second drug 24 to 36 hours later at home, causing the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
- Follow-up care is an important part of an abortion and varies depending on what type of abortion you have. Post-abortion counseling is also available.
- We offer special support to patients coming to us after the diagnosis of a fetal anomaly or abnormality.
Safety of Abortion
Abortion is a common and very safe medical procedure. Major complications from abortion are rare, occurring in less than 1% of all abortion patients. The earlier an abortion is performed, the safer it is. A person receiving a penicillin injection is almost two times as likely to die as a woman having an abortion. Abortion is significantly safer than carrying a pregnancy to term and giving birth. At eight weeks, it is 33 times safer than childbirth. At 16-20 weeks, it is almost twice as safe.
Abortion is also safe in the long-term. An uncomplicated abortion will not affect your ability to have children in the future. There is no link between abortion and breast cancer or any other ongoing physical or mental condition.
If you have special concerns, we are happy to answer your questions. Please contact us.
