Abortion Clinic - Frequently Asked Questions Part 2
Part 1, Part 2
Q: What type of transportation do I need afterwards?
A: It is best to be accompanied by another adult, and ideally to have that adult be able to drive you. We do not recommend that you drive, walk home, or take the bus by yourself after your abortion procedure.
Q: Can someone accompany me during the surgical abortion?
A: You may have someone accompany you while in the waiting lobby. However, both for safety as well as confidentiality reasons, non-patients are not permitted in the recovery area or procedure room.
Q: How long does the abortion surgery take?
A: The actual surgical procedure takes no more than 20 minutes. However, preparing you for the procedure takes much longer, since a history and exam must be performed, as well as paperwork, blood work, an ultrasound, and time to observe you after the surgery. All together, plan on spending at least 3 hours at our medical clinic.
Q: What is your confidentiality policy?
A: We are committed to protecting your confidentiality as much as possible. We understand the sensitive nature of family planning and abortion services, and do whatever we can to protect patient confidentiality. We do not release any information to anyone other than you unless specifically directed to do so by you, or as is required by law.
Q: Do I need to inform and get the consent of my partner (husband or boyfriend) or parents if I am a minor?
A: No. The consent of the pregnant patient is all that is needed. The parent's consent is not necessary for a pregnant minor patient in California.
Q: Why do I need to return for a follow up visit after the abortion?
A: A follow up visit is always recommended between 2 to 3 weeks after the surgical abortion. This is necessary to ensure that the abortion was successful, as well as to address any problems that may have arisen after the abortion. Occasionally, some pregnancy tissue may have been retained, and this needs to be evacuated. Therefore, a follow up visit at our medical clinic is very important to ensure that the unplanned pregnancy has completely resolved without any problems.
Q: Do I need an appointment for an abortion?
A: Although we welcome walk-in patients and try to accommodate them as much as possible, we cannot guarantee that they will be seen that day. Therefore, it is recommended that you obtain an appointment if possible.
Q: Do you offer the morning after pill?
A: Yes, we offer the morning after pill (emergency contraception). It is recommended that you come in to see us as soon as possible after the unprotected sexual encounter, as the effectiveness of this pill decreases with the passage of time.
We are located in Santa Ana, but we serve patients that visit us from all of Southern California, including Orange County, San Bernardino, San Diego, Riverside, Temecula, and Los Angeles. We have patients from the following cities: