Northland’s Special
Abortion Care 9-24 Weeks

SPECIAL NOTE:

Recently, the Supreme Court ruled to uphold the Federal Abortion Ban.

This Ban prohibits a certain medical technique used in 2nd Trimester Abortions.
There are several techniques, and this Ban does NOT affect all techniques.
However, we want to ensure your safety today, protect your future fertility and,
of course, obey the law. We immediately researched and developed with medical experts,
lead by our Medical Director, medical techniques that both maintain
our high standard of quality care and offer you the comfort you deserve.

Be assured. Here, you are safe.
Here, you will receive the highest quality care,
no ‘shortcuts' in your care or around the law.

Choose your abortion care provider as if your future depends on it, because it does.

Choose the Northland difference.

Special Abortion Care for our 2nd Trimester Patients (15-24 weeks)

There are many reasons women find they are in the second trimester of pregnancy before making the choice for abortion. Often, life circumstances change or take an unexpected negative turn. We know that sometimes, women were planning to have a baby before their situation changed. Sometimes, support disappears or medical conditions arise for you or in the fetus. Sometimes, pregnancy symptoms are not noticeable and you don't realize you are pregnant. Sometimes, financial hardship may cause you to wait. We know. Our counselors are here to sit with you, always in support, never in judgment.
There are as many reasons for abortion as there are women who have them.

We also know that you may have special needs or requests and we are open to hearing all you wish to share, all you need to say. In fact, some women prefer to refer to the fetus as a baby and may have special ideas about saying goodbye . If this may be true for you, please read: Honor Your Experience. You'll see support and ways other women have chosen to meet their needs. We're here for you.

2nd trimester care options
This surgery is referred to as D & E, meaning dilation (of your cervix) and evacuation (of the pregnancy).

Abortion care is a specialty surgical training. Our physicians and medical team are well prepared to take special care of you. In fact, we offer extra care you won't find elsewhere.

During your time with us, you will get to know your medical team and speak privately with a reproductive health counselor. In addition to the pre-surgery care and attention described on the main page, we offer much more.

Here, we are trained and able to offer two options for 2nd Trimester Abortion Care:

1-Day care option for 15 – 20 week D & E
New Northland Exclusive:
This exclusively Northland option has been created by special training of our physicians to offer you a new comfort choice in abortion care. Your examination by our physician will determine which cervical preparation and dilation method or combination of methods is best for your 1-day abortion care. The physician will decide which method is medically best for you based on your medical history and exam. It is Northland Family Planning's intention to take gentle medical and surgical steps to remove fetal life support and cause fetal death before removing the pregnancy. The abortion surgery (Dilation and Evacuation) will be performed once dilation is sufficient. This time will vary from woman to woman.

We will be here with you and make you comfortable during the time you are here.

2-Day abortion care for 15 –24 week D & E
After your examination and ultrasound, you may be told that 2-Day abortion care is best for you. Because this care requires 2 days, it is imperative that you are able to stay in the area and commit to returning the next day.

PLEASE REMEMBER: ONCE THE CERVICAL PREPARATION HAS BEGUN ON DAY 1, YOUR ABORTION HAS BEGUN.

During your first day with us, you will be here about 2 hours and will go through much of your surgical preparation, including discussion of important care instructions as you experience the gentle dilation of your cervix overnight. When you return the next day, your abortion surgery will be completed. Again, it is Northland Family Planning's intention to take gentle medical and surgical steps to remove fetal life support and cause fetal death before removing the pregnancy and completing your abortion.

NOTE: A Special Comfort Medication Package , including Moderate IV Sedation, is included in abortion care over 15.6 weeks.

Comfort options for pain management

• Specially designed surgical suites and recovery areas with aromatherapy and relaxation accessories
• Pre-surgery pain reduction treatment and during-surgery sedation medication plans, from light to deep

The most frequently asked question we hear is “Does it hurt?” We know pain is individual with each woman, so we have designed a special atmosphere and practice a unique, more holistic approach toward managing pain. By combining stress reducing, therapeutic relaxation techniques in a warm soothing atmosphere, we treat the whole body - not just the areas affected by the surgery. Soft lighting and relaxing music fill each treatment room, while aromatherapy and a warm heating pad help you relax. This treatment, combined with the care of our professional staff encourages a deeper state of relaxation before, during and after the abortion procedure. This "whole woman" approach sets us apart from other abortion providers.

Putting you first is the Northland way!

Sedation medication plan options
Here, it's all about you!
We know each woman's definition of pain is unique. That's why we offer several levels of sedation for your particular comfort needs. Additionally, our physicians consider both your medical and personal factors as they adjust medications for your individual requirements.

Our standard 2nd trimester abortion care fee includes, at no extra charge

• Moderate IV sedation medication for relaxation
• Local anesthesia for the cervix

If you are concerned and feel you need a deeper, stronger medication, consider our NEW Deep IV Sedation, which is the strongest sedation. You may feel like you are ‘asleep' during surgery.

Read about more about these options: Comfort Options for Pain Management

Recovery and healing
After the abortion surgery, you can expect to spend approximately one hour in our recovery suite. While in recovery, we monitor your blood pressure, bleeding, and pulse and offer you an opportunity to ask questions and relax. Tea and light refreshments are provided.

Healing is in your body, your mind and your heart. 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 we know not everyone is returning to a sexual relationship.

If desired, and you are eligible, in addition to birth control information to read about, before you go home you will be given a free starter package of birth control pills.

OR

NEW: Now, you can choose to start Depo Provera, the birth control shot that is effective for three months.

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

Post-abortion examination
We ask you to take care of yourself, take it easy for a couple of days, review your Take Home Packet and remember to return for your vital post-surgical check-up. Two weeks after your abortion, it is extremely important to visit Northland Family Planning Center for a post-surgery check-up. Because we care about your health, there is no charge for this check-up if you come within 2 to 4 weeks after your abortion . By this time, you will have had an opportunity to read through the materials in your Take-Home Packet and we will be glad to answer your questions or help you set a plan for your reproductive health, protecting your fertility and your general health so you are ready to take on your dreams for your future.

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. 

Here at Northland, it's all about YOU!

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Last page update: 9/07