North Florida Women’s Health & Counseling Services, Inc. has been providing abortion services since 1981. Our dedication to compassionate, safe, medical care has made us the most referred to abortion facility in North Central Florida. Our consultant Board Certified/Board Eligible licensed gynecologists are experienced in abortion services to better ensure your health and safety.

North Florida Women’s Health and Counseling Services, Inc. offers the safest and most widely used method of first trimester abortion, Vacuum Aspiration. This procedure is provided up to 13 weeks and 6 days from the last normal menstrual period (LNMP) verified by ultrasound.

We also offer the newer Chemical Abortion Procedure (RU486, abortion by pills) using Mifeprex and misoprostol to induce a miscarriage-like experience in the patient’s own home. This option is available to women up to 62 days from the LNMP verified by ultrasound.

Abortion
The abortion experience involves three parts: the preliminary meeting, the abortion process, and the follow-up visit.

The Preliminary Meeting
Kindness, respect, empowerment, and compassion make up the foundation of our patient-provider relationship. The preliminary meeting is designed to provide our patients with emotional support and education. This includes information about the abortion process, possible risks and complications, how to care for yourself afterwards, and a private discussion regarding decision making and birth control needs.

Vacuum Aspiration Abortion
Vacuum aspiration patients will meet with the physician prior to entering the exam room. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss any additional questions or concerns you may have. Trained female workers attend each patient throughout her abortion experience to provide emotional support and assist with relaxation. Soothing music, lighting, and our commitment to assisting each patient individually help to provide a safe and supportive environment.

Once in the exam room, the patient will be left with instructions to undress from the waist down and given a drape sheet to cover with. When the physician and support staff return, an ultrasound will be done to determine the age and location of the pregnancy. A pelvic exam may be done. Nitrous oxide gas, a mild sedative that helps with relaxation, will be offered at no additional cost. The cervix is prepared using a local anesthetic. Once prepared the cervical opening is gently dilated. After dilation a small cannula is inserted through the cervical opening into the uterine cavity. The cannula is attached to the aspirator which provides a light suction to remove the pregnancy. Women describe the discomfort associated with the procedure as mild to strong menstrual - like cramping. Most women tolerate the procedure well without additional sedation which can increase risks and prolong recovery time.

Recovery

The vacuum aspiration procedure is followed by a recovery period of at least 30-45 minutes, depending on the patient’s own situation and needs. During this time her condition and vital signs will be monitored. She will be offered refreshments, have an opportunity to rest, review after care instructions, and discuss any medications that may have been prescribed. Heating pads and pain medication are available to assist in relieving discomfort. Patients are encouraged to rest the remainder of the day. Although heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are discouraged for the first 10 days following the abortion procedure, many women are able to return to school or work the following day. If the patient has any additional questions or concerns at this time, she is encouraged to ask them.

Chemical Abortion Process
After completing the preliminary meeting patients will consult with the physician who will determine, by ultrasound, the age and location of the pregnancy. If the patient is eligible for the chemical abortion, the physician will provide the first medication, Mifeprex, to be swallowed in our office. This medication blocks the action of progesterone, a hormone needed to sustain a developing pregnancy. This causes the uterine lining to thin and the pregnancy to detach from the uterine wall. The second medication, Misoprostol, will be given to the patient to take home. The physician will instruct her on how and when to use it. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract, which aids in expelling the pregnancy. For most women cramping and bleeding begin within 4 hours after using the second medication. On average significant heavy cramping, bleeding, and passing of blood clots, much like or heavier than a miscarriage, will generally last 24-48 hours.

Follow-up visit
A routine follow-up exam should be performed 2-4 weeks after the procedure. The visit is available at no additional cost and will be scheduled on the day of the procedure.

REMEMBER - YOU DESERVE GOOD CARE!