ABORTION SERVICES

Abortion Services
Abortion services are only available at three PPMW clinics — the Schumacher Health Center in downtown Washington, the Silver Spring Health Center, and the Falls Church Health Center. Staff members at all of our health centers are available to answer questions about types of abortions, fees, and services available.

Surgical and Medication Abortion
There are two types of abortion: surgical and medication. Surgical abortion is a simple surgical procedure when done early and under good medical conditions. It takes about 15-20 minutes and is usually done in a clinic or a doctor’s office.

Medication abortion is an option within the first 8 weeks after the last menstrual period and ends a pregnancy using prescription drugs. It takes approximately 4-8 hours to pass the pregnancy. Although the abortion does not take place in the clinic, you must schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure that the procedure is completed. Additionally, you must be prepared to have a surgical abortion in the event that the medication abortion does not end the pregnancy.

Making Choices
If your pregnancy is unintended, you may feel alone, scared, guilty, angry or confused at a time when an important decision must be made.

Many women of all ages and backgrounds have had to make the difficult choice between parenthood, adoption, and abortion. You will make the best decision for yourself by being honest with yourself and remaining true to your own beliefs.

You should take into consideration your feelings as well as facts when you consider how this pregnancy will affect your life now and in the future.

The choice is entirely up to you, but that doesn’t mean you must be alone in making your decision. You may seek out the people who will support you: your partner, family, friends, clergy, or a professional counselor.

Parental Consent and Notification
For a current list of state parental consent and notification laws, please click here.

If you have more specific questions about parental notification in your state, please contact one of our health centers. Our staff will be able to provide you with further information and answer any questions you may have.

The National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL Pro-Choice America) also has a report entitled Who Decides: A Reproductive Rights Issues Manual.

Additionally, the National Abortion Federation operates a toll-free referral line to answer questions about state laws governing abortion. You can call 1-800-772-9100 from 9:30 am-5:30 pm or visit the National Abortion Federation for more information.