Abortion is a fundamental component of reproductive health. Studies show that nearly 1 in 4 people capable of becoming pregnant in the U.S. will have an abortion by the time they reach 45 years old. This means that someone you know or love may have had an abortion. Southwestern Women’s Options strongly believes that each patient deserves access to safe, non-judgemental, compassionate abortion care.
Procedural Abortion
Having an in-clinic procedure is safe, fast, effective and can be done at any point in pregnancy. We currently offer the abortion procedure up to 28 weeks 6 days of pregnancy.
All procedures happen in the office with our highly trained medical team. There are two types of procedural abortions:
First Trimester Procedure
A first trimester or aspiration abortion (sometimes called a D&C or “dilation and curettage”) is the most common abortion procedure. This type of abortion procedure is usually used if it has been less than 14-16 weeks since your last menstrual period. The procedure uses gentle suction to empty the uterus. Typically, this procedure takes about 3-5 minutes.
First Trimester Procedure
A second trimester abortion or D&E (“dilation and evacuation”) is the type of abortion procedure used if it has been more than 18 weeks since your last menstrual period. A D&E uses suction and medical instruments to empty the uterus. Typically, the procedure takes about 10-20 minutes. It is completed in two days so will require an overnight stay. The first day visit is for the dilation and the second day is for the procedure itself.
Prior to your procedure, you will meet your healthcare team including your nurse, and provider. During your procedure, you have the option of having medications to make you more comfortable. These medications may make you sleepy, however, they do not put you all the way to sleep. After your procedure, you will be escorted to the recovery room to rest under the observation of our medical staff.
The Abortion Pill – Medication Abortion
The abortion pill is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy that avoids a surgical procedure. You may be eligible for the abortion pill if it has been less than 11 weeks 6 days since your last menstrual period.
For this type of abortion, you will take pills which cause bleeding and cramping to pass the pregnancy at home or in a safe place outside of the clinic. You may have heavy bleeding, strong cramps, and/or an upset stomach. We will send you home with medications to help with some of the side effects.