What to Expect

Us, You and the Law:

Like many other states, NC has passed a law (The Woman’s Right to Know Act ) which dictates to each woman seeking an abortion “This is how you must decide whether or not to have a baby.”  By law, we must provide you with information in accordance with the State law over the phone or in person at least 72 hours before you can consent to and have an abortion.  This is not fair or necessary, and it is an inconvenience for you, but it is the law.  You will learn all the details about this if you call or come by the clinic for more information and/or to make an appointment.  Accurate, science-based information needed to help you in your decision will also be available.

Appointment Checklist:

• No one is allowed in the clinic without a valid I.D.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
• Eat normally the day before the procedure and a very light breakfast the morning of your procedure
• You may bring  one guest with you on the day of your procedure, this is due to space. Guest must be at least 18 years old and must also present valid photo ID if requested; however, your guest may not come into the procedure room with you. The Doctor and Medical Assistant(s) will be with you in the procedure room.
• Plan to be at the clinic anywhere between 2 and 4 hours.
• All fees are payable before any services are rendered.

All fees payable in cash or credit card (Master Card, Visa). No other form of payment will be accepted.

• We will not call or write to confirm your appointment.  If you need to reschedule, just call at anytime.  If you want to confirm an appointment, you must come to the clinic and provide proper ID; we will not give out personal information over the phone.

Once you are at the clinic:

After you have filled out your paperwork, you will have a pregnancy test, an anemia test (hemoglobin), blood type test, your blood pressure will be taken and you will have an ultrasound to determine the estimated age of the pregnancy.  If you already know your blood type, please  be sure to tell us!  If you choose the Medical Abortion, you will be given very special information, instructions and consents to read and sign. You will take one medicine at the clinic and be given another medication to be taken at home. This is a two-step, 3-4 day process. If you are having a surgical abortion, you may choose local anesthesia (“numbing of the cervix”) only, oral medication to decrease anxiety and pain before the procedure, or IV sedation (“twilight sleep”) at the time of the procedure.  Most surgical procedures can be completed in one visit; however, if you are more than 17 weeks pregnant it will be a 2 day procedure.  A surgical procedure takes 5-10 minutes, feels like bad menstrual cramps and patients usually go home 1-2 hours after the procedure.  This procedure is many times safer than having a baby, driving to and from the clinic, or even getting a shot of penicillin.