Abortion Services and Options: A Comprehensive Guide
A Preferred Women’s Health Center has provided trusted, safe, and affordable abortion services to women across the Southeastern United States for over 25 years. Our physicians and staff specialize in early abortion care, including the abortion pill. We believe that all reproductive healthcare is a personal decision – including pregnancy termination, and we trust our patients to make the decision that is best for them. Abortion may not be the right choice for everyone, but everyone has the right to make that choice.
Understanding Your Abortion Options
At Women’s Clinic of Atlanta, we provide easy-to-understand information about your abortion options, including the abortion pill. It’s important to speak to a licensed medical professional to ensure you receive factual information about each procedure option, as there are many thoughts going through your head if you believe you’re pregnant.
Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)
The abortion pill, also called a medical abortion, uses a specialized medication to end a pregnancy. The abortion pill stops your body from producing a hormone needed for pregnancy called progesterone, then causes your uterus to empty. Unlike a surgical abortion, it doesn’t require anesthesia. The abortion pill is often taken in two doses – some abortion providers require the first dose to be taken at their office, some do not. It is important to know the abortion pill does come with potential side effects, so be sure to speak to our licensed medical professionals as you make your decision.
Surgical Abortion Procedures
There are different types of surgical abortions, and the method used depends on how far along you are and your preference. There are questions to be answered with both medical and surgical abortions, and it’s important you speak to a licensed medical professional about these questions before deciding.
Legal Requirements in Georgia
In Georgia, abortion is legal until the presence of a detectable human heartbeat, which is normally around six weeks. A woman must know the probable age of the fetus and if there is a heartbeat to schedule the abortion. It remains a requirement in our state to complete pregnancy verification and receive abortion education at least 24 hours prior to any abortion procedure. In addition to these requirements, the medical community suggests ultrasound to confirm the gestational age of the pregnancy.
Comparison of Abortion Methods and Facts
- Medical Abortion: Uses special medication to terminate a pregnancy; does not require anesthesia.
- Surgical Abortion: The method used depends on how far along you are and your preference.
- Cost: The cost of the abortion pill varies depending on your health insurance and where you purchase it from.
- Experience: A Preferred Women’s Health Center was one of the first abortion clinics in the United States to offer the abortion pill.