What is special about Planned Parenthood?
When you choose Planned Parenthood, you are choosing a provider that:

• Is a trusted leader in the field of women's health, with high standards of care
• Is up-to-date and equipped to serve you in compliance with all of the new state laws pertaining to abortion services
• Has a great deal of support from donors, volunteers, elected officials, and religious leaders in the community

What is special about the South Surgical Clinic?
Known as the Choice Project, this clinic was built after many years of raising funds and building support in the community. Planned Parenthood chose to dedicate significant resources to open a state-of-the-art surgical facility that is safe and secure yet warm and welcoming.

What is surgical abortion?

Surgical abortion is one way to end pregnancy. It is done with conscious sedation, known as "twilight sleep," so the patient will be as comfortable as possible. During the procedure, the physician gently empties the uterus with machine-operated suction. Most women feel pain similar to menstrual cramps—for others, it is more uncomfortable. The procedure lasts approximately five to ten minutes. However, the patient should expect to be at the facility for anywhere from three to four hours. Surgical abortion is nearly 100 percent effective.

Prior to the appointment, the patient must:

• Listen to state-mandated information from a Planned Parenthood physician twenty-four hours before the appointment
• Receive a state-mandated written statement about a toll-free number for public information
• If under eighteen years old, make arrangements to comply with the parental consent law

On the day of the appointment, the patient will:

• Have an education session
• Sign consent forms and fill out paperwork
• Give a medical history and have laboratory tests
• Have a physical exam, which will include an ultrasound
• Receive antibiotics, a method of contraception, and instructions for a follow-up visit

After the procedure, the patient must:

• Spend time in the recovery area
• Be accompanied by a responsible adult to drive her home

Call 800-230-PLAN (7526) to schedule an appointment today.

Is surgical abortion the right choice?
If the patient is eight weeks pregnant or less, she may opt for either medication abortion or surgical abortion. Click here for more information about medication abortion. If the patient is more than eight weeks pregnant and is certain that abortion is the right choice for her, a surgical method is the only option.

How much does it cost?
The fee varies according to how far along in pregnancy the patient is, and which services are required. Planned Parenthood quotes a price that includes everything the patient will need during and after the procedure. Please call 800-230-PLAN to find out more.

Can a teen be seen without telling a parent?
As of September 1, 2005, Texas law requires that a parent, managing conservator, or legal guardian of anyone 17 or younger provide consent for abortion services. Texas law also provides a way for a teen to go before a judge to ask to be exempted from the parental consent law. For more information, click on the link Parental Consent for Abortion in Texas.

What about other options and the decision concerning this pregnancy?
There will always be someone at the clinic who is available to talk about each option: parenting, adoption, or abortion. They will also provide referrals to an appropriate agency or service for each of these options.

Volunteer clergy from several denominations can also meet with the patient to discuss spiritual concerns.

Texas Laws Pertaining to Anyone Having an Abortion
Texas law requires that a woman be offered the opportunity to read information prepared by the Department of State Health Services about abortion, her options, and fetal development at least twenty-four hours in advance of the appointment. This is different from the required information a patient must listen to twenty-four hours prior to an appointment. Click on the link to Texas Department of State Health Services.
This sends you to the "Woman's Right to Know Act" information currently available on the Texas Department of State Health Services website. To return to the Planned Parenthood web site, simply close the new browser window.

The state also requires abortion facilities to provide patients with a written statement containing a toll-free telephone number that a person may call to obtain information about that facility.