Northland’s Exclusive
Early Abortion Care
ABOUT THIS SECTION
Technology has made 'knowing you are pregnant' possible within a few days of conception. This allows you quite a bit of time to think over your options, have conversations with yourself and with people who are important to you and make the decision that is best for you.
This section is about abortion care early in the pregnancy, from 4 – 9 weeks. You will read about Northland's specialty care options, both non-surgical and surgical. We know every woman is different and it is important to have choices and here, you do. Choose your abortion care provider as if your future depends on it...because it does.
Whether you are considering a surgical or non-surgical abortion, this is an emotional decision. You may want to take a look at Abortion Decision, Making the Choice here on our website. And, remember, here at Northland we support the decision that connects both your head and heart.
Here, we work from our hearts...and our hearts
are open to yours.
WE BELIEVE
The world is a better place when women have the freedom to make their own decisions regarding their bodies, reproductive options and sexuality. We believe good women, like yourself, are able to make difficult decisions and that it is a sign of strength to ask for help if you need it.
WE PROMISE
You can count on us to provide the highest quality care and non-judgmental emotional support, beginning now . We promise to take the time you need.
PAGE CONTENTS
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Northland's Special Abortion Care
Here, it's all about you. Read about the unique differences in our care, the many personal choices we offer you and some of the ways we show how we have listened to women who came before you.
Early Abortion Care Procedures (4-9 weeks)
We know this is a time when so much feels out of your control. Here, you can control much of your abortion experience. Northland offers you the opportunity to choose the abortion experience that best suits your needs. Read about the methods available and even see a chart comparing the three.
Anesthesia Program - Special Comfort Options
Often the first question women ask, is "Does it hurt a lot?" We don't think it has to. We offer you a unique pain management approach that helps you relax and offers you medication choices so you can have some control over this part of your abortion experience.
Counseling Conversation
Informed consent means more to us than an explanation of the abortion procedure. Connecting your head and your heart in this pregnancy decision is crucial to your emotional health. Our conversation focuses on your needs, not a form or a script.
What to Expect From Us
Our standard care is special, focuses on you and is very different from other providers.
Read about our extra attention to protect your physical and emotional health.
Teens and Parental Consent
Under 18? You need parental consent or a judge's permission.
Read about how we can help you talk with your parent or, if needed, help you navigate the judicial system.
Appointment Plan Choices
Our Special Abortion Experience Options allow you to have your abortion in absolute privacy, with a loved one at your side or choose our ‘no-wait' choices if your schedule is very demanding.
Abortion Care – All Procedure Options
Northland offers abortion care from 4 – 24 weeks of pregnancy. This section offers a full overview of all abortion care services and links you to sections discussing each option in more detail.
Northland's Special Abortion Care
Here, you are safe. As you choose a provider, remember abortion is still a specialty surgery, not a “lunch-hour drop-in”.
Abortion surgery is considered one of the safest out-patient procedures when performed by trained physicians.
Remember, ‘abortion care provider' includes all of us: our physicians, medical practitioners and our full team of caring, dedicated people who come to us because of their compassion and who we train to be skilled medical and emotional support team members.
You will love the Northland difference.
Here, we care about the whole woman and you will find that makes us different.
Northland has long been a recognized and trusted leader in abortion care here in the Detroit metro area since 1976. In addition, Northland has taken a leadership role in women's rights advocacy, both here in Michigan and at the national level. Our commitment to you, today for your care and tomorrow for your future, is unmatched anywhere else in our communities of care.
We provide abortion care from 4 to 24 weeks of pregnancy, with all procedures performed in our clean, private surgical rooms. Our physicians are experienced, licensed OB/GYNs and are assisted by a staff of specially trained, dedicated and compassionate professionals.
We adhere to the highest medical protocols and standards, set by the National Abortion Federation. We are inspected regularly and are credentialed by insurance companies. Each patient is also attended to by one of our devoted medical assistants and a full team of caring professionals.
Our skilled physicians
For your safety and comfort, we screen our physicians carefully. If they cannot meet our high standards for both medical and patient care, we will not work with them. Our Medical Director has over 30 years of abortion care experience, is a Medical School Clinical Faculty member, and a member of a National Medical Standards Committee for reproductive health care, including abortion. And, because we know it matters to you, our new female physician has been trained in the newest, most innovative care techniques.
You can easily see why we stand out in the Detroit area: Our strict and high standards of practice and our special care philosophy.
Here, it's all about you!
From your warm greeting on arrival, during your gentle lab work and open-hearted counseling, through your surgery and soothing recovery, you'll feel our support.
You'll know Northland is your best choice.
Your friends and medical professionals trust us.
Over one-third of our new patients come recommended by friends who have experienced the difference of Northland care. Another third are referred to us by medical professionals. And, in fact, many continue with us for a lifetime of total reproductive health care. Not only do we provide the best medical care possible, we also create an environment where women are treated with compassion, dignity and respect. We are always available for questions, concerns and support.
Here, we make the world a better place for women.
At Northland, you can personalize your abortion experience.
We are pleased to offer you
- Choices about the type of abortion you think is best for you
- Comfort options for pain management and
- Appointment Plan choices to fit your needs
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Early Abortion Care Procedures (4-9 weeks)
For many women in the very earliest stages of pregnancy, 4 to 9 weeks LMP (from the Last Menstrual Period), waiting to schedule an abortion can cause anxious days and hours of waiting. Some women have taken time, have made their decision and do not need to wait any longer.
In fact, our early abortion patients tell us they were ready to move forward and they wished to terminate their pregnancy early in development or, were having difficult pregnancy symptoms such as constant nausea. Early abortion may be a desirable option for you.
Options overview
There are three early abortion options available for women with confirmed pregnancies of 4 to 9 weeks LMP:
EARLY NON-SURGICAL ABORTION CARE
THE “ABORTION PILL” RU 486 - (4 - 8 WEEKS)
For your safety and protection, we use only the FDA-approved medication. Developed in the early 1990's, the non-surgical abortion is a method of terminating a pregnancy in the privacy of your home or with chosen loved ones around you, using a series of carefully prescribed medications. Available only to women who meet certain conditions and who are no more than 8 weeks pregnant (56 days), many women like this method because it feels more natural.
A non-surgical abortion is brought about by taking a series of medications that end an early pregnancy. Here, at Northland you may be able to choose the timing of your abortion. We offer two medication schedules: 24 or 48 hours.
This method involves a commitment of participation and time from you and the process can last several days. Non-surgical abortion is about 95% - 97% effective. Follow up exams are absolutely required and if it is found that the method failed, a surgical abortion is necessary.
We urge you to read all of the information available on all types of early abortion procedures and to ask all the questions you need to ask to feel comfortable. We want you to make an honest, informed decision.
To become more familiar with the Non-Surgical Abortion, please click on this link:
Non-Surgical Abortion Care
EARLY SURGICAL ABORTION CARE (4 - 9 WEEKS)
MANUAL VACUUM ASPIRATION (4-8 WEEKS)
STANDARD ASPIRATION (4-9 WEEKS)
Not many providers in this area are trained and willing to provide early surgical abortion care. Northland Centers have been specializing in early abortion care for over 10 years. Our physicians are specially trained for these gentle procedures and our entire medical team are specialists in the full range of abortion care.
Our method of early surgical abortion offers a more gentle procedure method than is possible with later abortions. Depending on the length of your pregnancy and medical condition, one of two procedure options may be performed:
The gentle IPAS procedure, called a manual vacuum aspiration, using a specially-designed IPAS device
OR
The shortened use of the aspiration machine for standard pregnancy termination with additional techniques for your comfort and the special skill and equipment to verify the pregnancy has been removed before you leave the Center. The surgery is relatively short, and when combined with our unique pre-surgery technique, is also extremely comfortable. Patients nearly always return to work in a day or two.
Both methods of surgical abortion end a pregnancy by emptying the uterus with special instruments and are over 99% effective.
Both methods require special training and equipment. Protect your health and choose a provider who values you and invests in the best for your care.
To read more about Early Surgical Abortion Care and comfort options for pain management, please click on this link: Early Surgical Abortion Care
Comparing the options for Early Abortion Care
All of our care options include Medical Screening, Ultrasound, Labwork, Pain Medications, Support Counseling and follow-up care as a part of our special care for everyone.
Click to enlarge.
Remember, your choice is about you - where and with whom you feel most comfortable!
Questions? Please call us and start the conversation.
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Counseling Conversation
Whether or not to continue a pregnancy, whether this is the right time for you to bring a life into this world, can be an extremely difficult decision. It is a choice that must make sense not only in your head, but in your heart as well. You deserve to feel at peace with your decision.
That is why we have developed our unique Head and Heart counseling program. Women who are unresolved about their abortion decision are encouraged to work with our counseling staff and take the time to explore all of their feelings about the pregnancy.
Here you meet privately with a counselor to talk about:
- All pregnancy options
- Your feelings and fears
- How the procedure is performed
- Possible risks and complications
- How best to care for yourself afterwards
Resources
You may find our website section, The Abortion Decision to be helpful as you go through the decision process.
We encourage you to participate in our free counseling services, ask questions and carefully consider all your options. We also offer the helpful, Pregnancy Options Workbook, free at our office or click above for access on-line to this helpful exploration of options and decision-making tools.
Whatever your final choice, we care about you being comfortable with that choice today - and tomorrow.
Informed consent means more to us than an explanation of the abortion procedure.
Extra attention is the standard of care here at Northland Centers and it sets us apart from others.
Our hearts are open to yours.
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What to Expect from Us Abortion is considered one of the safest surgical procedures in this country. Northland Family Planning Centers have been providing the highest quality abortion care services in the Detroit area for over 30 years.
While you are with us, you will meet your medical team and speak privately with a reproductive health counselor. For your additional safety and comfort, we also:
- Confirm your pregnancy with a pregnancy test and/or ultrasound
- Take a full medical history to be aware of your needs
- Have a private conversation with you about your pregnancy options and your abortion decision
- Explain the procedure and recovery process
- Perform your medical exam and abortion surgery in a clean, softly lit surgical suite with background music and aromatherapy for relaxation.
- If you are here for surgery, we allow you time to rest comfortably in our quiet recovery area with light refreshments
- Discharge you with full recovery guidelines, emergency contact information, prescribed medications, and a post-surgical check up appointment (at no charge to you.)
- Offer the option to choose and begin a method of birth control Quick!Start Birth Control
For surgical patients, birth control pills (starter pack FREE) or the Depo Provera birth control shot is available the same day as your surgery, with all methods available at your follow-up visit.
For non-surgical patients, these choices, as well as all others are available at your follow-up visit
And, because we care about how you are feeling, everyone receives a "Next Day Check In" call.
Remember, our On-Site Pharmacy offers no hassles and less cost!
You can fill your post-operative prescriptions right here.
Recovery and healing
Healing is in your body, your mind and your heart. We're still with you when you leave the Center. You will be given a Take Home Packet in which you will find helpful guidance on both physical and emotional health. There are specific and complete home care and recovery instructions explaining signs and symptoms of possible complications along with a 24-hour emergency phone number.
Each Packet also contains information on our When You're Ready Program, because not everyone is returning to a sexual relationship. To protect your health and your future fertility, plan on regular exams and cancer screenings. Read about all of our reproductive health services: Click here: Reproductive Health.
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Teens and Parental Consent If you are a minor (under age 18), the State requires that you obtain written parental consent or a judicial bypass before we can perform your abortion. Too often, young women are left on their own to sort all of this out. Here, at Northland, we will help you discuss your choice with a parent or guardian, or we can help you navigate the judicial bypass system, where a judge can provide the written permission for your independent choice to have an abortion.
Need some help talking with your parent(s)?
You may find our website section, Especially for Parents helpful to see what parents are concerned about and ways to start the conversation.
Check out: Mom, Dad, I'm Pregnant...: This new site offers help for both teens and parents to communicate during this challenging time.
Also look over the Pregnancy Options Workbook, which offers ideas for support and 'talking tips". You can also pick up a FREE copy at any of our Centers.
Our experience has shown us that talking about difficult choices is not easy but is so important for your emotional health. Come in and talk with us. Appointments
And, please , if this is your first visit for reproductive health or your first pelvic exam, let us know; we will stay with you and guide you through.
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Appointment Plan Choices
Special Abortion Experience Options
We listen...
Part of our mission is to continually improve our services by remaining aware of the changing needs of our community and by listening to our patients' comments and suggestions. Encouraging patients to help us create the kind of abortion experience they want has led to some of the best improvements in our practice and patient care.
As a result of feedback from you, our patients, we are pleased to offer appointment options with shorter waiting times and the choice to bring a special someone with you. Please remember, first, quality care for every woman is our pledge. In these options, the time and extra support person is different. Our support and care is always with every woman. Please let us know if any of these options interest you when you schedule your appointment.
Private Patient option
For those patients who prefer an appointment when no other patients are in the center, we offer a completely private abortion. If you would feel more comfortable accompanied by your partner or significant other, he or she may join you throughout the visit once your counseling session has been completed. The fee for this private option is $700 and includes the cost of a first trimester abortion surgery and the extra comfort medication package. The fee will be adjusted for second trimester abortion care patients.
Special Someone support option
You may want your partner, friend or parent to stay with you during much of your pre-abortion care. This option makes that extra allowance possible. You and your support person come into the Center a day or two ahead of your appointment. Your partner or significant other may join you throughout, but we will also meet with you privately for a conversation about your decision. This option reduces the time required for preparation on the day of your surgery and allows you to be seen prior to other patients. The charge for this special option is $100 in addition to your abortion care fees.
No Waiting options
For those with tight schedules, childcare concerns or those who would prefer to reduce the length of the time spent in our Center, these options are available:
NO WAIT SAME DAY
You can choose to be seen prior to the other patients that are scheduled ahead of you. The charge for this special option is $100 in addition to your abortion fee.
NO WAIT TWO DAY
You may come into the Center a day or two ahead of your appointment to complete your lab work, ultrasound, paperwork and counseling session. Your partner or significant other may join you throughout on the first day of your visit. This reduces the time required for pre-surgery preparation on the day of your procedure and allows your support person to be with you and for you to be seen prior to other patients. The charge for this special option is also $100 in addition to your abortion fee.
PLEASE NOTE: Insurance companies do not cover the additional expense of these options.
Appointment and Payment Information
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Abortion Care - All Procedure Options
Northland Family Planning Centers proudly offer you the following abortion care services: Early Non-Surgical Abortion Care (4 - 8 weeks): Available to women who are no further than 8 weeks or 56 days from their last menstrual period. A series of medications, in a choice of scheduling, are taken in the privacy of your own home and expel the pregnancy. No surgery is required, although if the method fails a surgical abortion is necessary.
Early Surgical Abortion Care (4 - 9 weeks): Our physicians have been specially trained for these gentle procedures that do not require you to wait until the sixth week of pregnancy as with other providers who may not have this training or equipment.
Standard First Trimester Abortion Care (9-14 weeks)
First trimester abortion surgery is the most commonly performed procedure. Our physicians use standard vacuum aspiration, but begin your surgery with our special technique that reduces your pain and bleeding.
Northland Exclusive!
Second Trimester One-Day Abortion Care (15 - 18 weeks): Developed by physicians affiliated with the National Abortion Federation, Northland Family Planning Center is the only Detroit area abortion center with physicians trained in this new second trimester abortion option. The physician will complete a medical evaluation to see if you are eligible for this procedure.
Second Trimester Two-Day Abortion Care (15 - 24 weeks): This is a two-day, outpatient procedure. Laminaria is inserted for gentle overnight dilation and the surgery is performed on the following day.
Here at Northland Centers, it's all about you!
We are here to answer your questions, offer you support and resources
for all your reproductive healthcare decisions.
Most of all, here, we treat you with
the dignity and respect you deserve.
Call us.
Appointment and Payment Information
If you have a suggestion that would help us
provide even better service, please let us know.
We are always eager to do all we can for your comfort.
Email: comments@northland.com
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