Do you offer the abortion pill?

        Yes.

How far into a pregnancy do you offer abortion?

We perform surgical abortions for women who are 5 weeks to 13.6 weeks into their pregnancy and medication abortions (abortion by pill) for women 4 to 9 weeks into their pregnancy.  We also provide referral services to centers that perform surgical abortions after 14 weeks.

 

How much does an abortion cost?

Both surgical and medical abortions cost $410.  This cost includes ultrasound, lab work, surgery, all medications, and a follow-up visit.  We accept cash and credit cards, but no personal checks.  We also accept most major types of insurance.

 

Additional costs could include:

 

If you have Rh negative blood, you may need a special shot (which costs $55-$110 extra) to protect future pregnancies.

 

Birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancies in the future.  Contraception costs range between $17-$22, depending on the contraception you choose.

If I am under 18, do I need parental consent or parental notification for an abortion?

No, in New Jersey, minors do not need to notify their parent(s) or get their parent(s) consent. 

Is abortion safe?

Yes, first trimester abortions are about twice as safe as having your tonsils removed and 11 times safer than childbirth.

Does getting an abortion hurt?

Surgical abortion:  Though a local anesthetic is injected into and around the cervix to numb the area and minimize the discomfort, most women feel some cramping during and after the surgery.  Some people compare the feeling to menstrual cramps.  The discomfort level varies:  for some women abortion is very uncomfortable, while others feel very little.

Medical abortion:  For many women, medical abortion is like an early miscarriage.  You might have cramps, feel nauseous or vomit, or have temporary abdominal pain.  Over the counter pain medications can help reduce these symptoms.

Will I be awake or asleep during the procedure?

Surgical abortion:  You will be awake, but we will give you medicine to relax you.

Medical abortion:  Awake

What if I just want to talk to someone?

We provide pregnancy options counseling services.  The counselor can talk to you about adoption, parenting, and abortion.  The counselor is not here to influence your decision in any way.

How many trips to the clinic are necessary for an abortion?

Surgical abortion:  Two – one on the day of the procedure and a check-up 2-3 weeks later.

Medical abortion:  Two - one to take the drug (mifepristone) that starts the abortion and then a follow-up visit one week later.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, you can bring anyone you would like for support, including your partner, parent, friend or family member.  However, no children are allowed and anyone you choose to bring must wait in the waiting room.

Will I have to sign anything?

Yes, you must sign consent forms for medical services.

How long will I be there the day of service?

Surgical abortion:  After paperwork, ultrasound, counseling, lab work, the procedure, and recovery, you will be there for 3 - 4 hours.

Medical abortion:  After paperwork, ultrasound, counseling, and lab work, you will be there about 2 hours.

How do they do the procedure?

Surgical abortion:  The standard method of abortion during the first trimester is called suction curettage.  This is a very safe procedure in which the contents of the uterus are removed by gentle suction.  The entire process takes about 5 - 10 minutes.

Afterwards you are taken to recovery and observed for about half an hour to make sure there are no complications.  A counselor will be there to talk to you, provide you with information about birth control and monitor your recovery. It is important that you schedule a follow-up visit 2-3 weeks after your abortion to make sure your body has healed.

Medical abortion:  There are three steps.  First, the doctor gives you a drug called mifepristone to take in the office.  This drug stops the pregnancy.  Second, you are given a second drug, called misoprostol, to take later at home.  This drug causes the uterus to expel its contents.  Finally, one week later you return to Planned Parenthood for a follow-up visit to make sure the abortion is complete.

How soon might I get pregnant again after an abortion?

It is possible to get pregnant within 2 weeks after having an abortion, so it is important to use birth control when you begin to have sexual intercourse again.  Our counselors will talk with you about how to prevent future unplanned pregnancies.

Does having an abortion affect my ability to have a child?

No. Having a safe, legal abortion should not affect your ability to have a child in the future.

  No.