What to Expect

What to Expect for In-Clinic Abortions:

In Pennsylvania, there is a law called the Pennsylvania Abortion Control Act that requires you to listen to some very specific information about abortion from our doctor at least 24 hours before having your abortion. If you know the first day of your last normal period, have had a pelvic exam or ultrasound, or can provide us with other information so that we can estimate the age of your pregnancy, then we can set up an appointment for you talk to the doctor on the telephone before your procedure. That way you'll only have to make one trip to the clinic to have the abortion. When you call the clinic the first time, you and the clinic staff can establish a set time for the doctor to contact you. Please arrive to the clinic on time and plan on being in the clinic for about 3-5 hours, depending on the age of pregnancy and the type of anesthesia you choose.

Your visit begins when you check in with our security guard in the front lobby. Everyone who visits PPWP must show a photo ID. Once you've gone through security you'll complete a visitor’s slip and give it to a receptionist. At this time give the receptionist the paperwork you completed at home. Completing your forms before you arrive save you time in the waiting room.

She will photocopy your ID, which should include a birth date. If you are a minor (under the age of 18), your parent or legal guardian will also need to provide your birth certificate. If you are not able to obtain permission from a parent or legal guardian, let the receptionist know at the time of your initial call to the clinic, and she will help you obtain what's called a "judicial bypass" in order to proceed with your abortion. 

Once you have entered our facility waiting room, you can have a seat. The receptionist will call you to a window to begin the intake process. At this time your payment will be collected.  If you're estimated to be near 12--18 weeks pregnant you will have a sonogramAn image produced by ultrasound—called also echogram, ultrasonogram. of your pregnancy.  A medical assistant will draw a small amount of blood from your arm. Your blood samples will be tested for anemiaA condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells, in hemoglobin, or in total volume. and for the presence of the RH factorA genetically determined protein on the red blood cells of some people that is one of the substances used to classify human blood as to compatibility for transfusion and that when present in a fetus but not in the mother causes a serious immunogenic reaction in which the mother produces antibodies that cross the placenta and attack the red blood cells of the fetus—called also rhesus factor., which may require a special injection.

Following your lab tests, you will meet with a counselor who will review your medical history. Your counselor will answer your questions and discuss any concerns you have regarding the procedure. You can also discuss the different types of birth control options available to you at this time. Once all of your questions have been addressed, you'll proceed to the reception area on the surgical floor.

Once you're on the surgical floor, have a seat. When the nurse calls your name, you'll show her your visitor's slip. She will give you medication to relieve some of the cramping you'll feel during your abortion.

The operating/procedure room looks very similar to a doctor's regular exam room. You will spend about 15 minutes in this room, although the actual abortion procedure only takes 5-15 minutes. You will have a counselor with you the entire time of the abortion. If you choose, you may also have a friend, family member or partner with you to support you during your abortion.

You will be given medication to numb your cervix. The injection will not alleviate the cramping entirely. During the procedure you will experience, period-like cramps, which last approximately 2-10 minutes. The intensity of the cramps varies from woman to woman. Whether you were sedated or fully conscious, after your procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room for about 30 - 60 minutes. While in the recovery room your vital signs, bleeding and cramping will be monitored by a nurse. At this time the nurse will go over your aftercare instructions. The nurse will also give you instructions on your birth controlVoluntary limitation or control of the number of children conceived, especially by planned use of contraceptive techniques. method and any medications that you have been prescribed.

If you choose not to return to a Planned Parenthood office for your follow-up visit, you are advised to see your private physician within 2-3 weeks post-operatively and to continue with your birth controlVoluntary limitation or control of the number of children conceived, especially by planned use of contraceptive techniques. method.

Please feel free to ask any questions you have about your care with us at any time during your stay at the PPWP center. We want to make your stay as comfortable as possible, and we appreciate feedback you may have regarding your visit with us.