In-Clinic Abortion

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Safe, Simple, With Utmost Care

Getting an abortion can feel overwhelming. We understand that people come to us frustrated, uncomfortable, afraid of the procedure, and impacted by the stigma our society has about abortion. The medical staff at HealthQ come from all walks of life with years of experience, and we pride ourselves on empowering patients and providing an environment that is safe, supportive and non-judgmental.

Abortion in our abortion clinic in Lawrence, MA is a simple medical procedure that is done in a single visit, up to 14 weeks (98 days) from the first day of your last period. The procedure, which only takes 5-10 minutes to complete, is performed by a board-certified physician who will also take time to give you all the information, support and care you need.

In-clinic Abortion Procedure Overview

If you choose this type of abortion, Beverly, Haverhill, and Lawrence have HealthQ medical offices where the procedure can take place. The actual procedure performed by a physician takes 5 to 10 minutes, but you should plan to spend up to 2-3 hours at the medical office. During the procedure, your provider places a speculum in the vagina and inserts a flexible, plastic cannula (thin tube) through the cervix into the uterus, and uses gentle suction to remove the pregnancy. The vagina and cervix are natural openings in your body, so this is a procedure not a surgery.

Your provider will offer you nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help you relax. It’s up to you if you want to use this or not. This wears off immediately after the procedure, and you will be able to drive yourself home. Nitrous oxide does not put you to sleep.

If you do not want to become pregnant again soon our staff can help you choose a birth control method and discuss when to start the method you choose, some birth control methods can be started at your abortion appointment.

What to Expect at an In-Clinic Abortion

CONSULTATION AND EXAM

Upon arrival we’ll review your medical information, ask a few quick questions and obtain your consent. Then we’ll do a finger-poke blood test and give you an oral antibiotic medication. You’ll also have an ultrasound and to confirm the date of your pregnancy. We’ll also ask if you want to become pregnant again son or if you’d like to choose a birth control method and discuss when to start the method you choose; some birth control methods can be started at your abortion appointment.

Next you’ll meet your physician. They’ll make sure you have consented to have an abortion and answer any remaining questions you may have. They’ll perform a pelvic exam to check the position of your uterus.

HOW THE PROCEDURE WORKS

The doctor will begin the abortion with a local anesthetic injection that will numb the cervix to ease your discomfort during the procedure. This won’t sedate you or ‘put you to sleep’, and you have the option of using nitrous oxide for further relaxation and pain management if you like. The doctor then dilates the cervix, and uses gentle suction to empty the contents of the uterus through a slim tube inserted into the cervix. There is no surgery, cutting, scraping, or sharp instruments. Discomfort during the procedure can range from mild to strong period cramps, and this usually passes very quickly once the procedure is over.

RECOVERY AND AFTERCARE

After the abortion, you’ll head to our observation room where we’ll check your vital signs, provide a light snack, and talk you through your aftercare instructions. Bleeding and cramping after the abortion may be light to medium, although some people experience no bleeding at all. Once comfortable you’ll be ready to leave, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, and fine to drive yourself home.

LMP Calculator

Enter the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) to see whether you are within 14 weeks and eligible for in-clinic abortion procedure. If you are more than 14 weeks pregnant, we encourage you to visit here to learn of other options in the New England region.

Enter the first day of your last period to see your options.

Are There Any Things I Should Watch for After the Procedure?

One of our providers is always available if your are having complications or have questions. after health center hours and on weekends they are available via an answering service.

Please call us immediately at (978) 927-9824 if you are experiencing one of the following conditions:

  • A fever of 100.4°F or higher, with or without abdominal cramps and foul-smelling discharge.
  • Excessive bleeding, e.g., soaking 2 maxi-pads within 2 hours or passing clots larger than a lemon (smaller clots are normal). It is normal to experience bleeding 5-7 days from the in-clinic abortion procedure, and spotting for 1-2 weeks.
  • Severe or prolonged cramping. IT is normal to experience cramping similar to cramping with a menstrual period for a few days caused by clots in the uterus, which will eventually come out on their own and the cramping will stop. You can take Advil, Aleve, or any generic brand of Ibuprofen or Naproxen, or extra-strength Tylenol, and/or use a heating pad or hot water bottle to help relieve discomfort.

Preparing for Your Visit

  • Plan to arrive 15 minutes ahead of schedule to find parking and the health center.
  • If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, call or text our call center at (978) 927-9824 as soon as possible so we can give your appointment slot to another patient. If you are more than 10 minutes late, we will try to fit you in but may have to reschedule your appointment.
  • Bring your insurance card, and a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a license or passport).
  • You can come by yourself and drive yourself home. You are welcome to bring a friend to wait with you in the waiting area.
  • Your friend must present a government-issued photo ID and comply with clinic policies. Only patients will be allowed in the exam room.
  • If you are using insurance, confirm with us before your appointment that you’re covered for abortion. This process can take several days so make sure we have your information as soon as possible after scheduling.
  • For safety reasons, children under 12 need to be supervised by an adult at all times in the waiting room, and cannot accompany you to the exam room.
  • We do not allow any weapons, including army knives and pepper spray, on our premises, and no backpacks or large bags, cell phones, or other recording devices in the exam rooms.
  • As a courtesy to other patients, we ask that you refrain from eating and talking on your cell phone in the waiting area.
  • In the case of bad weather, please call prior to your appointment for information about closing. If we need to reschedule your appointment for any reason, we will attempt to contact you by email, text and phone.
  • Do not take any drugs or alcohol that may impair your ability to consent to an abortion for 24 hours prior to your appointment.
  • Do not take aspirin for 7 days prior to your abortion.
  • Wear comfortable clothes that let you undress from the waist down, and full coverage underwear that can accommodate a maxi pad.
  • It’s helpful to already have a supply of maxi pads (not tampons, menstrual cups, or party-liners) and pain medicine like Ibuprofen, Advil, or Motrin (not aspirin) at home. Some people like to have a heating pad to help with cramps.
  • If you have any questions, please call or text us at (978) 927-9824.
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Contact Us For More Information

We believe that every person should have medically accurate information about all pregnancy options and the freedom to decide whether, when, and how to create a family. We provide quality care to Massachusetts residents with abortion clinics in Beverly, Lawrence, and Haverhill. If you decide to have an abortion, our role is to support you in your decision and to provide you with the highest quality medical care. Please call us to schedule an appointment or talk to one of our trained staff about available options and any questions or concerns you may have.

Emergency Rooms
Nearest HealthQ

Beverly Hospital
85 Herrick St
Beverly, MA 01915
(978) 922-3000

Lawrence General Hospital
1 General St
Lawrence, MA 01841
(978) 683-4000

Anna Jacques Hospital
25 Highland Avenue
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 463-1000

Should you need to go to an emergency room it is best to talk with one of our clinicians before going. They can call and talk with a physician working there to explain your situation and share your medical records. This make make your experience there better.

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