First Trimester Abortion
A first trimester abortion procedure occurs up to 6 weeks from your last menstrual period (LMP). We are committed to the highest standards in medical care, which you will experience as you walk through our doors. At that time, you will be greeted by a kind, caring staff member. We will work with you to provide care that is designed to support any needs that you have and you will have an opportunity to discuss any questions with the doctor. A first trimester abortion is a safe, simple 3 minute procedure. We offer two options for sedation. Moderate sedation and local anesthesia.
Every person seeking an abortion in Florida is required to have a consultation visit a minimum of 24 hours prior to any abortion. This visit includes ultrasounds, lab work and a meeting with a physician.
What to Expect During a First Trimester Abortion
As soon as you walk through our doors you will be greeted by a kind, caring staff member.
Our staff members are well trained to tailor each session to the specific needs of each patient. Your private session is designed as a time to exchange information and express any concerns or feelings you might be experiencing. You will have an opportunity to discuss any questions you have with the doctor.
Prior to the first trimester surgical abortion procedure, you will have your choice of sedation. We offer two options for sedation – moderate sedation and local anesthesia.
- Moderate Sedation: This is a good option for patients who want to be comfortable and relatively unaware of the procedure.
- Local Anesthesia: The local option is for patients looking for a very light administration of medication and the ability to drive themselves home.
Afterwards, you will be brought into our recovery room where our nurses will care for you. During your recovery, you will be given post-operative instructions, medications, and a prescription for the birth control option of your choice.
If you would like to begin a method of birth control immediately following your procedure, we would be happy to help you. There are several options available for you to start on the day of your procedure. We can insert an IUD during the procedure (speak to one of our phone counselors about the fee and the patient assistance program). If you would prefer the birth control injection, we offer Depo-Provera for a nominal fee (effective for three months). You also may request a prescription for birth control pills or the NuvaRing.
The Safety of First Trimester Abortion
The Guttmacher Institute is recognized in the U.S. and worldwide as a leader in women’s reproductive healthcare research. According to their state facts about abortion, they describe the safety of abortion.
- A first-trimester abortion is one of the safest medical procedures, with minimal risk—less than 0.05%—of major complications that might need hospital care.
- Abortions performed in the first trimester pose no long-term risk of problems such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) or birth defect, and little or no risk of preterm or low-birth-weight deliveries.
- Exhaustive reviews by panels convened by the U.S. and British governments have concluded that there is no association between abortion and breast cancer. There is also no indication that abortion is a risk factor for other cancers.
- Leading experts have concluded that, among women who have an unplanned pregnancy, the risk of mental health problems is no greater if they have a single first-trimester abortion than if they carry the pregnancy to term.
Guttmacher: https://www.guttmacher.org/united-states/abortion | https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/state-facts-about-abortion-florida