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505-242-7512 |
Southwestern Women's Options |
522 Lomas Blvd. NE |
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Surgical Abortion |
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| En Español |
Surgical Abortion
How much does it cost?
The fee for your abortion depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy. (Please refer to the "Fees Page" for a list of fees). As you review them, keep in mind that abortion is a medical procedure involving your health, your body, and your mind.
In addition to the actual procedure, our fee includes necessary tests and counseling. Other clinics may not provide these additional steps, nor include them in their stated fee. At Abortion Acceptance of New Mexico, there are no hidden costs for comprehensive care. So before you make a decision solely on price, we encourage you to consider the importance of value. Our fee for abortion also includes:
- Individual counseling from a degreed counselor who will accompany you throughout the procedure.
- All routine lab work.
- Sonography - a technical procedure to evaluate the length of your pregnancy.
- A very effective anesthesia that makes the procedure as comfortable as possible, yet lets you return to normal, non-strenuous, activity within a day of your procedure.
- Post-operative exam.
- Rhogam and a birth control method when indicated.
- Post-abortion counseling if needed.
Who will perform my abortion... is he or she a licensed physician?
Absolutely. New Mexico law requires that only licensed physicians may perform abortions. But our standards go far beyond the state's requirements.
Collectively, our staff of physicians have practiced medicine for many years.
Our expertise does not reside solely in our doctors. Our staff also includes registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses; they provide an additional level of training and experience.
We also have degreed counselors to assist and support you before, during and after your abortion. Their specific role is to make your experience here as positive as possible. Just as important, our professional support staff is highly experienced and has been with us an average of more than five years. In other words, you'll be in competent, caring hands when you come to our clinic.
Is it going to hurt and what medications will be used during the procedure?
One of our distinct advantages is a remarkable lack of pain. In fact, most of our patients have commented that they do not experience the procedure as being painful.
The following medications may be used during the procedure.
- Sublimaze
- Versed
Click here for a detailed description of these medications.
It is strongly recommended that you have someone available to drive you home the day of surgery. If you do not have a ride, we will need to adjust the time of your appointment, how long you will be in the office, and the medications administered.
What also helps is the counselor who will accompany you throughout the procedure. She will assist you with relaxation techniques and be there for you. Soft music and soft lighting also help, as does the supportive atmosphere within the clinic.
The combination of all these ingredients - anesthesia, relaxation techniques, and a supportive, soothing atmosphere - have proven to be very effective in the management of pain.
What if there is a complication after the abortion?
First of all, complications are rare. Abortion is a very safe procedure. Only a very small percentage of women experience complications. Many of these complications are minor in nature and do not affect the ability to become pregnant again.
Of course, as with any medical procedure, there is no 100% guarantee. Be assured, however, that if a complication should arise, we are equipped, trained, and experienced to handle it professionally. And in case you need assistance after you leave the clinic, a registered nurse and counselor are on-call, 24-hours a day.
How long will it take?
If you under 14.0 menstrual weeks by ultrasound, the entire process - including counseling, lab work, tests and the abortion - is usually completed in one four to five hour visit.
If you are 14.0 menstrual weeks to 24 weeks by ultrasound, counseling, lab work, tests and other preparatory work will be performed the first day. In addition, laminaria will be used to dilate your cervix gently and safely. Click here for information on laminaria insertion.
At 13.5 weeks to 18 weeks, the abortion will then be scheduled for the following day.
At 19 weeks to 24 weeks a second day of laminaria will be used to further dilate your cervix and the abortion will then be scheduled for the third day.
No matter how long you have been pregnant, actual surgery only takes 5 to 25 minutes, depending on your medical condition.
Can I be assured of confidentiality?
Absolutely. We take extra measures to ensure total confidentiality.
We recognize that abortion is a very personal, private matter.
Can I bring someone with me if I want to?
Yes, especially if you feel their support will be helpful to you. And it is recommended that you have someone to drive you home.
The person you bring with you will not be able to be in the surgery room with you. We will include your companion in as much of the office process as possible. Our trained counselor will be with you at all times to help keep you comfortable and assist the doctor.