In order to assure our patients' safety, a health pre-surgical workup is done to more accurately date the pregnancy by performing an ultrasound, and to screen for potential problems. It may be done on the same day as the abortion or on a different day depending on the clinic site. Women are seen by appointment only for this visit, and must provide health and financial information when calling to make the initial appointment.

Payment is due in full the day of the abortion. Medicaid and Denali KidCare are accepted as full payment; commercial insurance companies can be billed as well.

Facts about PPA abortions
Licensed physicians perform PPA abortions up to the end of the 13th week of pregnancy using an aspiration procedure that may involve just one visit.

Follow-up counselling is available at our Anchorage clinic free of charge.

Local anesthesia--which is the safest form of anesthesia for abortion procedures--is used for the procedure. In addition, mild tranquilizers or sedatives are available.

What you should expect on the day of the procedure
If not previously done, a vaginal ultrasound will be done to accurately date the pregnancy. If the ultrasound shows that the pregnancy is 14 weeks or more, you will be referred to another abortion provider for a second trimester abortion.

A nurse practitioner will review your medical history and discuss birth control options. Then you will meet with a trained counselor to confirm your options, go over the abortion procedure, medications you will receive, and discuss what to expect after the procedure. Additional questions can be answered at this time.

You may be given Ibuprofen and Valium or Xanax to reduce cramping and help you relax.

During the procedure
We will escort you to the procedure room, where you will meet your doctor and a trained advocate who will provide you with emotional support during the procedure.

Your doctor will perform the abortion by slightly dilating, or stretching, the cervix (the opening to the uterus) so that a flexible, straw-like instrument can be inserted into the uterus. The contents of the uterus will be removed with a suction technique, which takes just a couple of minutes. During the abortion, most women experience some cramping, similar to that during menstruation. The amount of cramping varies from patient to patient, from little or no discomfort to strong cramps. The cramping usually last about five to ten minutes.

After the procedure
Once the abortion is completed, you'll be transferred to another room and given time to recover. When your nurse feels you are ready you may leave. If you have had any medications that cause drowsiness you must have someone drive you home.

What else should I know?
Immediately after your abortion, your body will begin to prepare for the next menstrual cycle. Your first period will occur about 4-6 weeks after the abortion, depending on the type of birth control you begin using. REMEMBER: you can become pregnant at any time if you are not using contraception, even before your next period.