Frequently Asked Questions

We understand you may have questions. If you do not see the answer you are looking for, our team is available to help.

General Questions

Southwestern Women's Options provides care across all stages of pregnancy, including specialized care up to 32 weeks.

Immediate Appointments are available, our team works to schedule patients as quickly as possible, particularly when facing time-sensitive circumstances.

Many patients do not need a referral. If you have questions about your situation, please contact our team and we will help determine what information may be needed.

Yes. Patient privacy and confidentiality are extremely important to us. Our team is committed to providing care in a respectful and private environment.

Yes. Support persons are welcome in our waiting room. Our team will explain what to expect during your visit and any restrictions that may apply based on the type of care you are receiving.

No. Many patients contact us while they are still exploring their options. Our team can answer questions, provide information, and help you understand your choices.

That is common. An ultrasound is used to determine how far along the pregnancy is and assist with treatment planning.

Every patient deserves to be treated with dignity, kindness, and respect. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, nonjudgmental care.

Yes. Southwestern Women's Options welcomes and respects people of all backgrounds, identities, and family structures. We are committed to providing compassionate, inclusive care in an environment where every patient feels safe, respected, and valued.

Yes. Patients travel to Southwestern Women's Options from Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, Louisiana, Arkansas, Kansas, across the United States, and internationally for specialized care.

Patients choose Southwestern Women's Options because of our experienced board-certified OB-GYN physicians with advanced certification in Complex Family Planning, care across all stages of pregnancy up to 32 weeks, anesthesia and deep sedation options, affordable pricing, and extensive experience caring for complex pregnancies and fetal diagnoses.

Abortion Pill Questions

The abortion pill is a medication option used to end an early pregnancy. It is a safe and effective option for many patients in early pregnancy.

The abortion pill typically involves two medications that work together to end a pregnancy and allow the pregnancy tissue to pass from the uterus.

The abortion pill may be an option through 11 weeks 6 days of pregnancy. Our team can help determine whether it is appropriate for your situation.

The abortion pill has been used by millions of patients and is considered a safe and effective option for many early pregnancies.

Most patients experience cramping and bleeding as the pregnancy passes. Your care team will provide detailed instructions about what to expect and who to contact if you have questions.

Bleeding and cramping are expected parts of the process. Your care team will provide guidance regarding what is normal and when to contact the clinic.

Most patients complete the process in a private setting. Your physician will provide instructions and guidance based on your situation.

If you have questions after taking any medication, contact our office immediately. Our physicians can discuss your situation and provide guidance.

Abortion Procedure Questions

Southwestern Women's Options provides a range of abortion procedures depending on gestational age and individual circumstances.

Yes. Anesthesia and deep sedation are available for many procedures. Our team will discuss what options may be appropriate for your situation.

This depends on the type of care you are receiving and the anesthesia or sedation option selected.

Every patient's experience is different. Anesthesia and deep sedation are available for many procedures to help minimize pain and anxiety.

Available options vary depending on the type of care you are receiving. Your physician will discuss the options that may be appropriate for your situation.

In most cases, yes. However, if you are planning to receive deep sedation, you should not eat or drink after midnight before your procedure.

In most cases, you may eat and drink normally before your appointment. If you are planning to receive deep sedation, you should not eat or drink after midnight before your procedure.

The length of treatment varies depending on the type of care being provided. Our team will explain what to expect based on your individual circumstances.

If you receive anesthesia or deep sedation, you will need someone to drive you home. If you are not receiving sedation, many patients are comfortable using Uber, Lyft, or other transportation services.

Later Pregnancy Care Questions

Yes. Southwestern Women's Options provides specialized care across all stages of pregnancy, including care up to 32 weeks.

Patients seek later pregnancy care for many reasons, including fetal diagnoses, medical complications, barriers to earlier care, delayed discovery of pregnancy, and changes in personal circumstances.

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) is a procedure commonly used during the second trimester of pregnancy. Your physician will explain whether this option applies to your situation and answer any questions you may have.

Induction abortion care uses medications to induce labor and may be recommended in certain circumstances, particularly later in pregnancy. Your physician will discuss all appropriate options with you.

Yes. Your physician and care team will explain your options, answer your questions, and help you understand the information available to you before any decisions are made.

Fetal Anomaly Questions

A fetal anomaly is a structural, genetic, or developmental condition affecting a fetus during pregnancy.

Our physicians regularly care for patients facing chromosomal conditions, severe structural abnormalities, genetic syndromes, neurological conditions, severe heart defects, and diagnoses incompatible with life.

Trisomy 13 is a chromosomal condition that can cause serious developmental and medical complications. Families facing this diagnosis often have difficult decisions to make, and our team is available to provide information and support.

Trisomy 18 is a chromosomal condition associated with significant medical and developmental challenges. Our physicians have experience caring for families facing this diagnosis.

Anencephaly is a severe neural tube defect in which major portions of the brain and skull do not develop normally.

A genetic condition results from changes in chromosomes or genes and may affect development, health, or survival.

A severe fetal anomaly is a significant structural, genetic, or developmental condition that may greatly affect quality of life, development, or survival.

Our team provides compassionate guidance, patient education, and support throughout the decision-making process. We understand that every family's circumstances are unique.

Yes. For families who would like them, keepsakes may be available at no additional charge.

Yes. We can discuss available options and help families understand the choices available to them.

Yes. Our physicians are board-certified OB-GYNs with advanced certification in Complex Family Planning and extensive experience caring for complex pregnancies, fetal diagnoses, and medically complicated situations.

Cost & Financial Assistance Questions

Costs vary depending on gestational age, the type of care needed, and individual circumstances. We offer the lowest costs possible. Our team can provide pricing information and discuss available resources.

Yes. We believe patients deserve clear information about costs before making decisions about care. Our team can discuss pricing and answer questions before your visit.

We are proud to offer some of the most affordable abortion care available. Our pricing includes everything, so there are no unexpected costs or surprises.

Yes. Medicaid is accepted for qualifying New Mexico patients.

Financial assistance resources are available depending on individual circumstances and funding availability.

No we don’t offer payment plans, but please don’t let this be a deterrent, there is financial help available for those in need. Please contact our team to discuss your individual circumstances.

In some cases, assistance may be available for transportation, lodging, meals, childcare, and other travel-related expenses.

Travel Questions

Yes. Patients travel to Southwestern Women's Options from Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, Louisiana, Arkansas, Kansas, across the United States, and Internationally.

Our team can provide information about nearby accommodations and available resources.

Yes. Our team can provide guidance regarding transportation, lodging, scheduling, and available resources.

Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the closest airport and is located approximately 10 minutes from the clinic.

Southwestern Women's Options is located approximately 10 minutes from Albuquerque International Sunport, making travel convenient for out-of-state patients.

Recovery & Aftercare Questions

Recovery varies from person to person. Many patients return to normal daily activities quickly, while others may need additional time to rest.

Most patients are able to travel after their appointment. If you are traveling a long distance, our team can provide guidance based on the type of care you receive and your individual circumstances.

Listen to your body. Many patients return to normal activities quickly, while others prefer additional time to rest.

We generally recommend avoiding intercourse for one to two weeks after your procedure. Your physician will provide individualized guidance based on the type of care you receive.

Yes. Most patients are able to eat and drink after their procedure. Your care team will provide specific recovery instructions before you leave.

Yes. Before leaving, you will receive detailed instructions and information about who to contact if questions arise.

You will receive detailed instructions, including contact information, before leaving the clinic.

Yes. Our team remains available to answer questions and provide support after your visit.

Minors & Parental Consent Questions

Yes. New Mexico does not require parental notification or parental consent for abortion care. Our team can answer questions about your specific situation.

No. New Mexico does not require parental consent for abortion care.

Many minor patients travel to New Mexico for care. Our care coordinators can answer questions and help explain what may be needed before your appointment.

Patient privacy is important to us. Our team can explain confidentiality protections and answer questions about your situation.

Insurance & Payment Questions

We do not accept private insurance. Please contact our office if you have questions about payment options or financial assistance.

Coverage varies by insurance provider and individual circumstances. Our team can discuss available options and resources.

Yes. Our team can explain available payment options, financial assistance resources, and other programs that may be available.

Yes, we accept Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Cashier’s check and Cash.

Still Have Questions?

Our team is here to help. If you do not see the answer you are looking for, please contact us. We are happy to answer questions, explain your options, and help you understand the next steps.