Q. What should I do before having an abortion?

A. When you make your appointment, the Center staff will discuss the following requirements prior to surgery:

• No food, drink or cigarettes after 12:00 midnight the night before your abortion procedure. This also means you cannot chew gum, drink water, have mints, hard candy or other food.

• No aspirin products from now until 2 weeks after the procedure.

• Patients with diabetes must bring their insulin with them to the appointment.

• Patients with asthma must bring their inhalers with them to the appointment.

• All patients must have a driver to take them home after the procedure. If necessary, the Medical Center staff can call a taxi for you.

• Photo ID for both you and your driver are required when you arrive at the Center.

• Some possible documents to bring to your appointment may include your public aid card, student class schedule, insurance card, physician referral, authorization, and claim form. The items will need to be presented to the Cashier prior to the procedure.

• All fees will be paid in full prior to the procedure, but after your pre-operative testing. The Medical Center staff will provide exact information about how much to bring based on your individual circumstances (for example, insurance deductibles, copays or expected medication fees).

Q. How will I feel after the abortion is finished?

A. You will need to rest in bed the day of your procedure. You may return to normal activities the following day, but will need to avoid any strenuous activities, exercise or heavy lifting (over 15 pounds) until you have your check-up 2 to 3 weeks after the abortion.

You may bleed lightly, heavily, or not at all after surgery and bleeding usually does not last longer than 2 weeks. The color of the bleeding may vary between bright red, pink, and dark brown. Your period should return in 4-8 weeks after surgery.

You may pass blood clots, which are normal if they are not larger than egg size.

If you experience cramps, you may take non-aspirin products. Ibuprofen usually works best. Do NOT use a heating pad on the abdomen.

Q. What if I feel sad or depressed afterward? Is there someone I can talk to about it?

A. ABSOLUTELY. The staff are very aware that women can have a lot of emotions about the decision to terminate a pregnancy. If you feel you need more help coping after the abortion, there are licensed mental health providers in your area who specialize in women's issues. Referrals are available from the Health Educators at the Center, and are always strictly confidential.

Q. Can I have a family member / friend / partner with me the whole time?

A. The supportive presence of your friends and family is always welcome, especially during the Pre-Operative phase of your appointment. This means you may choose to have someone come with you through testing and counseling before your surgery---it's entirely up to you.

Due to sterile conditions, only Medical Staff members can be present
during your surgery and post-operative recovery period.

Q. Will I have problems having children later because of the abortion?

A. NO. The surgery is performed only by a licensed Phyician. With this intense attention to safety and proper surgical technique, abortion has become one of the safest procedures performed in the United States today.

Q. Will I need a check-up after surgery?

A. YES. It is important to have a follow-up exam 2 or 3 weeks after surgery.

You may choose to see your own Physician, or you may return to the
Center for follow-up care, a pap smear, and contraception, if needed, for a nominal fee.

Q. Do my parents / husband / boyfriend have to know I'm having an abortion?

A. ABSOLUTELY NOT. Illinois law guarantees women the privacy to
make reproductive decisions for themselves without interference from any outside party.

If you are under 18, the State of Illinois automatically grants you
"emancipated minor" status for the duration of your pregnancy. Your
parents do not have to consent to an abortion.

Q. Do insurance companies cover abortion?

A. YES, most insurance companies do cover abortion. If you are covered under a health insurance plan, you'll be asked to give the information when setting your appointment. The Medical Center will simply need to check your benefits and obtain a referral and/or authorization before the abortion is performed. This insurance verification process takes about 24 hours.