GENERAL INFORMATION
When you arrive at our office, you will register and an ultrasound and lab work will be done. After completing paperwork, having an explanation of the procedure and anesthesia, and having all of your questions answered, you will be ready for the procedure or be given a time to return for the procedure.

Your doctor, an anesthesiologist or a certified registered nurse anesthetist, and a nurse or certified medical assistant, will be with you in the Procedure Room. After the procedure, you will spend about an hour in the recovery area where you will receive post-operative instructions. RhoGam is administered to women who are Rh negative.

COUNSELING
We believe that emotional support is an important part of a patient's care during an abortion. Our counseling program under the direction of a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master's Degree in Social Work allows our staff to provide that support. Our Physicians, Nurses, and Counselors are available to speak to you privately regarding any pre or post abortion questions or concerns.

Each patient seeking an abortion is given a thorough explanation of the procedure, post-operative information and the importance of a post­operative examination Counselors are available to listen and to give assistance and support. The patient's escort is not forgotten and, if available, is encouraged to participate in discussion.

ANESTHESIA
We offer patients a choice of anesthesia.

Local Anesthesia - An injection to numb the cervical area. You may choose to receive a sedative along with the local anesthesia which will enable you to relax while remaining awake and aware of the procedure.

General Anesthesia - Administered by an anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist. General anesthesia enables you to be completely asleep.

Anesthesia is administered by an Anesthesiologist or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNAs) who is Advanced Cardiac Life Support certified. In addition to the anesthesia staff, our operating surgeon is credentialed to supervise the administration of anesthesia. We follow strict anesthesia safety guidelines and have a full complement of monitoring equipment and ACLS required emergency drugs. Our Director of Anesthesia is Board Certified in Both Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine.

THE ABORTION PROCEDURE
Early procedures involve dilating or widening the cervix (the opening of the uterus) and evacuating the contents of the uterus by means of vacuum aspiration. Procedure past 12 weeks may involve the insertion of laminaria (a cervical dilator) and may require two visits.