Abortions

First Trimester Abortion
Most abortions are performed in the first trimester (6-12 weeks). This is a relatively low-risk procedure, often referred to as a D&C (dilation and curettage). This procedure takes approximately 5 minutes and may be done under local or conscious sedation.

What To Expect…

1. Our receptionist will greet you and ask that you fill out a medical history form.
2. A laboratory work-up will be done including blood analysis, RH typing, and urine and/or blood pregnancy test.
3. An ultrasound will be performed by a physician to determine the length of your pregnancy.
4. A counselor will then explain the abortion procedure to you. She will discuss contraception methods and will   answer any questions and address any concerns you may have.
5. In the operating room, you will be attended by a Gynecologist, and a nurse.
6. After the abortion, you will rest in the Recovery Room for about one hour. A Registered Nurse and Medical Assistant will be there to assist you.
7. We strongly recommend an appointment to return for a post-operative examination in 2-3 weeks. If you were unable to return to our office, it would be wise to see your own physician or visit a family planning facility for a check-up and birth control method.

Second Trimester Abortion
Abortion in the second trimester (13-24 weeks) is called a D&E, or Dilation and Evacuation. In some D&E procedures, laminaria, a natural dilator, is used to open the cervix over a period of several hours, or in pregnancy over 19 weeks, overnight.

What To Expect…

1. Our receptionist will greet you and ask you to fill out a medical history form.
2. A laboratory work-up will be done including blood analysis, RH typing, urine and/or blood pregnancy testing.
3. An ultrasound will be performed by one of our board certified gynecologists to determine the length of your pregnancy and discuss the procedure, which will be most appropriate for you.
4. A physician will explain the details of the procedure, answer any questions, and address any concerns you may have.
5. If cervical dilators are needed, the physician will insert them at this time and send you home.
6. As in any abortion procedure, you will be attended to by a gynecologist, anesthesiologist, and nurse while in the hospital operating room.
7. After your recovery time of at least one hour, a registered nurse will discharge you.
8. Please make an appointment to return to us for a post-operative exam, or visit your own physician in two or three weeks.

The Abortion Pill - Non-Surgical Abortion
Jersey GYN Associates offers an alternative to surgical abortion. Non-surgical abortion or “abortion by pill” is an option for women who are less than 56 days (8 weeks) from their last menstrual period. Some women prefer non-surgical abortion as an alternative to surgery and anesthesia because they feel that the process is more natural. For women who do not want to involve any one else in their decision, the privacy of the abortion pill is also a deciding factor.

We offer Mifeprex, also known as RU-486, to patients who meet the criteria for this method. Following blood work and ultrasound, counseling is given to explain the procedure and answer questions. Mifeprex is administered in our office, followed 2 days later by another medication called Misoprostol. This second mediation causes the uterus to expel the pregnancy tissue. All patients are required to return for a follow-up exam two weeks later. In rare instances, a D&C may be needed after either method to remove any retained tissue.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Does an abortion hurt?
The actual procedure is completed under anesthesia, so the patient feels no discomfort during the abortion. When local anesthesia is used, the patient experiences some cramping, similar to menstrual cramps.

Is it dangerous to have an abortion?
At Jersey GYN Associates, our board certified gynecologists perform all abortions. These highly skilled physicians have a complication rate of less than one per thousand. If an unforeseen event should arise and a patient needs to be admitted to a hospital, our physicians are on staff at Hospitals, only blocks away.

Will having an abortion affect my ability to have children in the future?
There is no indication that abortions are linked to future infertility.

Do I need the consent of my parent or spouse to have an abortion?
Currently, New Jersey Law doesn't require parental consent or notification. However, parents and spouses are welcome to participate during your counseling session, but this decision is up to you. Only medical personnel are permitted in the surgical treatment area.

What should I know before my appointment?

1. Do not eat or drink anything from midnight before your appointment, including gum, mints, or water.
2. Have someone drive you to the facility and return to take you home.
3. For the comfort of the other patients, please do not bring children to the facility.
4. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call to reschedule.

Abortion Clinic
Offices in New Jersey
(973) 373-2600
(201) 332-2002
(732) 636-6933
(908) 755-0286