North Florida Women’s Health and Counseling Services, Inc. has been North Florida and South Georgia’s trusted abortion provider since 1981. We pride ourselves on compassionate, confidential care. Our dedicated staff will treat you with the respect you deserve while ensuring that your visit with us is as comfortable as possible.

1. Is abortion safe?
Abortion is the most common outpatient procedure in the nation and is extremely safe when performed by an experienced physician. Renowned public health research organization The Guttmacher Institute states first trimester abortion as performed in the United States is 11 times safer than carrying and delivering a term pregnancy. For reliable information visit these web sites:

• National Abortion Federation – www.prochoice.org
• Abortion Conversation Project – www.choicelinkup.com
• Backline – www.yourbackline.org or call 1-888-493-0092
• Abortion Care Network – www.abortioncarenetwork.org

2.  Is it common to have an abortion? 
All types of women from different races and ethnic groups, ages, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds have abortions. According to the National Abortion Federation, nearly half of all U.S. women of reproductive age have an abortion before the age of 45.

3. Will having an abortion prevent me from having children in the future? 
The Guttmacher Institute and the National Abortion Federation state there are no links between an uneventful abortion and infertility. As with any medical procedure, there are risks. Taking all of your prescribed medications, following take home care instructions, and returning for your post-abortion check-up will reduce your risk of post-abortion problems. Please phone your provider for more information.

4.  Which is better: the vacuum aspiration procedure or the chemical abortion process?
This is a very individual decision. Each woman must decide for herself which abortion procedure is better suited for her individual needs. For information to help you choose a method, go to www.pregnancyoptions.info and click on “Abortion: Which Method is Right for Me?”. This site gives additional medically accurate information comparing the two procedures. You may also call our office at (850) 877-3183.

5.  Will it hurt?
Like most medical procedures, some pain and/or discomfort may be involved in the abortion process. However, with education about what to expect, medication, and emotional support, most patients tolerate it very well.

For those choosing a Vacuum Aspiration Procedure, at our facility, nitrous oxide gas (a mild sedative) is a useful tool in pain management and is available at no additional cost. Also, our female support staff is there to help reduce anxiety, and provide emotional support. Patients may take over the counter pain medication, or pain medication as prescribed specifically for them, up to one hour prior to their procedure to further reduce discomfort.

For the Chemical Abortion process, significant cramping/discomfort should be expected during the expulsion of the pregnancy and with passing blood clots. The physician will provide a prescription for pain and anti-nausea medication to make you more comfortable. Use of a heating pad at this time may help to reduce discomfort.

6.  When can I return to work/school?
It is important not to do anything strenuous for 10 days following a pregnancy termination. This includes heavy lifting and exercise. You can return to normal non-strenuous activities as soon as you feel up to it. But remember, although you might feel okay, your body will still need time to recover from the procedure. If returning to your normal activities causes you to have heavy bleeding or cramping, STOP, and get additional rest.

7.  Will my abortion be confidential?
Patient confidentiality is a law and we strictly adhere to it. We respect a patient’s right to privacy and will not release any information without written consent of the patient and proof of identification, except as we are required by court order.

8.  What do I need to bring to my appointment?
All of our patients will need to bring a photo ID with proof of age (for example, driver’s license, passport, or state ID card). If you are a minor, you will also need to bring a parent or legal guardian, their photo ID, and a linking document such as a birth certificate, tax return, or court order. If you are a minor who is married, emancipated, or has a dependant child or judicial bypass, you are not subject to the requirements but will need to bring appropriate documentation. Patients who use prescription medications should know the names and dosages of each. Patients who have written documentation of their blood type are encouraged to bring it to their appointment. We suggest also bringing a book or magazine as you may encounter some waiting. For security reasons purses, bags, and sacks will not be allowed into the facility.

9.  Why do you need to know my blood type?
Women with a negative Rh factor require a Rhogam injection within 72 hours of an abortion, miscarriage or delivery, unless advised differently by their physician. This injection keeps the body of an Rh-negative woman from building up antibodies against Rh positive blood. You may save the fee of having your Rh typed here by bringing documentation of your Rh type with you. You may request your Rh type from your OB/GYN or other medical doctor. You may also request it from any blood bank where you have donated blood. It can be faxed to our office. Call for our current fax number.

10.  Can I meet the doctor prior to my abortion?
All of our patients will be provided with a private meeting with their physician before the abortion. This time can be used to discuss any additional concerns you might have about the procedure. This is also a good time to discuss when to start contraception.

11. Can I bring someone with me?
It is advised that you bring a driver. He or she may sit with you while you wait. For space and security reasons, we request that you have only this guest in the building. Children are not allowed on procedure days.

12.  Can my loved-one be with me during my procedure?
We recognize a patient’s need for support at this time. However, we do not allow guests in the exam or recovery rooms. For vacuum aspiration patients, a trained female worker will be present to assist you in relaxation and to provide support. For chemical abortion patients, it is necessary to have a support person with you throughout the day of misoprostol use.

13.  What do I wear?
It is often cool in the clinic, so patients and guests are encouraged to bring a sweater and a pair of socks. Patients should wear a two-piece loose fitting outfit, as they will need to undress from the waist down and raise their sleeve for blood pressure monitoring. Wear underwear that a sanitary napkin can be easily attached to.

14.  Can I eat before I come?
Yes, you can eat during the day of the abortion, avoiding greasy or spicy foods, and will probably feel better if you do. However, we recommend that you not eat anything 2 hours prior to your scheduled procedure. If you are having a vacuum aspiration procedure you may take over the counter non-aspirin pain reliever, or pain medication as prescribed specifically for you, up to one hour prior to the abortion.

15.  Can I pay by personal check?
Unfortunately not. We accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, traveler’s checks or money orders and cash. We are able to accept debit cards only if they have a MasterCard or Visa logo on the card. When paying by credit card the cardholder must be present to sign the receipt, or if they cannot be here you may phone us for instructions on how to provide the required cardholder’s information prior to the day of your procedure.

16. What is a crisis pregnancy center?
Crisis pregnancy centers are run by anti-abortion activists and are designed to misinform, intimidate, and delay women seeking abortion services. They often locate their offices very close to actual abortion providers and choose names like “Women’s Clinic,” “Pregnancy Help,” or “Women’s Center” to confuse women about the services they provide. Crisis pregnancy centers lure women seeking abortion with offers of free services such as pregnancy testing and ultrasound. Once in their office, the patient may be shown graphic anti-abortion videos instead of being provided medically accurate information about abortion. They attempt to make women feel guilty and will not provide referrals for abortion or birth control. Victims of crisis pregnancy centers often experience blatant violations of their confidentiality when they are phoned at home and urged not to have an abortion. Before giving your private health or contact information, make sure you are speaking with an actual abortion provider by asking “Do you perform abortions in you office?” If the answer is unclear, confusing, or the question is dodged, you may be speaking with a crisis pregnancy center and not an actual abortion provider. If you have been a victim of a crisis pregnancy center you can take action anonymously by e-mailing the National Abortion Federation at webmaster@prochoice.org or calling 1-800-772-9100.