Comprehensive Guide to Finding Safe Abortion Services and Providers
Step 1 is finding a clinic or provider that is pre-screened, safe, legit, and right for you. We know it can be really tough to find a clinic or an abortion provider that you know you can trust. Rest assured the vast majority of clinics are safe and clean, and will provide high-quality medical care.
Where to Find a Clinic or Abortion Provider
You can find a clinic or abortion provider by going to any of these websites:
- ineedana.com
- National Abortion Federation
- Planned Parenthood (look for clinics that list “Abortion Services”)
- GynPages
- Abortion Clinic Pages
- Abortion Care Network
You can also call 1-877-257-0012 or 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) for information about some of these clinics. It is important to remember that every clinic is different. Things like cost, anesthesia, and available services will be different at different clinics. Some may only provide abortions up to 11 or 12 weeks into pregnancy, while others can provide abortions up to 18, 24, or 26 weeks into pregnancy. It’s a good idea to call different clinics and get an idea of what your options are.
Tips on How to Choose a Good Provider & the Right Questions to Ask
Don’t trust ads in the phone book or on the internet. Big or expensive ads don’t necessarily mean that the clinic is a good one – or even that it’s a real clinic at all. Get a referral from someone you trust, if possible. You can also call a local hospital or doctor’s office and ask them to give a referral to a clinic they trust. Call the clinic on the phone and ask if they provide abortions. If they say no or avoid the question, it might not really be an abortion clinic. Avoid centers that refuse to give a straightforward answer. Ask whether they have doctors or nurses on staff. Just like you would for any clinic, ask what training the doctors have received. If their answers seem suspicious, trust your gut and feel free to end the conversation.
Key Questions Regarding Services and Fees
Ask about their services: What do they offer? Can your friend or parent come with you? How many visits are required? What is the procedure like? What types of anesthesia are offered and who administers it? What do they do in case of an emergency? Additionally, ask about their fees. Do the fees sound “too good to be true”? If they do, they probably are. Ask what charges are included in the fee. Are all medications included? Is all lab work included? Is a follow-up included? Do they take insurance or Medicaid?
Identifying Crisis Pregnancy Centers
There are some places out there that call themselves “clinics” but don’t actually perform abortions. These “Crisis Pregnancy Centers” are often listed in phone books under Abortion or Abortion Alternatives. They also show up when you do Internet searches for “abortion.” They often will offer you free pregnancy tests or free ultrasounds, but the people who perform these services are not doctors. These places are anti-abortion and they will try to convince you not to have an abortion, often by giving you false, medically inaccurate information about the risks or costs of abortion. To protect yourself, trust your instincts. Your safety and health are the most important things to consider. If there’s anything about a clinic that makes you feel uncomfortable, ask them about it.
Abortion Services and Support Near Ashburn, Illinois
If you live in Ashburn, Illinois, and are looking for compassionate, professional, and confidential abortion care, FPA Chicago is here for you. Our clinic offers a full range of abortion services, both medication abortion and surgical abortion, in a safe, supportive environment led by experienced medical professionals. We proudly serve patients from Ashburn and throughout the Chicagoland area, ensuring access to quality reproductive healthcare close to home. The following table provides a breakdown of available procedures:
| Service Type | Timeframe | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Medication Abortion (Abortion Pill) | Up to 12 weeks | Safe and effective; involves taking two medications under medical supervision. |
| First Trimester Surgical Abortion | Early first trimester | Quick and effective procedure typically lasting less than 10 minutes. |
| Second Trimester Abortion | Up to 24 weeks | Performed by skilled physicians using advanced medical techniques to ensure patient safety. |
Financial Assistance and Funding
We believe that financial barriers should never prevent someone from accessing abortion care. WRRAP works with over 700 health clinics and providers as part of our network for patient funding. FPA Chicago works with trusted organizations to offer financial assistance for patients who qualify. Our staff can guide you through payment options and funding programs to make care affordable and accessible. Many patients from Ashburn, IL, have successfully received help through these programs—don’t hesitate to ask us how we can assist you.