General Questions
1. How much does it cost to have an abortion?
2. What kind of insurance do you accept for an abortion? Is it covered by insurance?
3. Can I use my parent's insurance?
4. Will my parents find out?
5. Are you a free clinic?
6. If I have no money can you help me get a free abortion?
7. Up to how many weeks do you terminate a pregnancy?
8. How early can I terminate a pregnancy?
9. Do you provide the "Morning After Pill"? How much is it?
10. What is the difference between a D&C and a medication abortion?
11. If a patient is a minor, do they need to have parental consent to have an abortion?
12. Do you have any female physicians available?
13. When will I have my next period?
14. What happens if I have some complications or problems after my abortion?
15. Is it dangerous to have an abortion?
16. Do I have to make an appointment for an abortion?
17. How soon can I get an appointment?
18. Do I need to see my doctor for a pregnancy test or ultrasound before my appointment?
19. Will somebody talk to me before the procedure?
20. How will you know how far I am in my pregnancy?
21. What if I am Rh negative?
22. Does my partner need to know?
23. How will I feel emotionally after the abortion?
24. What if I do not get my period soon after the abortion?
25. Do you provide me with birth control?
26. When do I start my new birth control?
27. Do I have to pay more for a follow-up visit?
28. Is everything confidential?
29. Do you offer free pregnancy testing?
30. Are there any protesters at the clinic?
31. How long has FPA been in business?
32. Do I have to give you my real name?
Surgical Abortion
1. What is the difference between local anesthesia and general anesthesia?
2. Will it hurt?
3. How long will I be under general anesthesia?
4. I am afraid I won't wake up after general anesthesia. Can that happen?
5. How long will I bleed after surgery?
6. How is the surgery performed?
7. When can I return to work?
8. Can I have someone come into the surgery or recovery room with me?
9. After surgery, when can I have sex?
10. Can I take a taxi or public transportation home?
11. Can I use tampons after my surgery?
12. How effective is a surgical abortion?
13. How will I feel after my surgical abortion?
14. Why can't I eat before surgery?
15. Is it a doctor who performs the surgery?
16. What happens with the fetus that was removed from me during the abortion?
17. How will I know that the abortion was successful?
18. Can I exercise after surgery?
Abortion Pill
1. What is the abortion pill?
2. Will it hurt?
3. How will I know that the abortion was successful?
4. What if the pill doesn't work?
5. Can I exercise after taking the pill?
6. How long will I bleed after taking the pill?
7. Can I use tampons after taking the abortion pill?
8. How effective is the abortion pill?
9. When can I return to school or work?
10. If I can’t come back to FPA for my follow-up appointment, can I just see my doctor or take a home pregnancy test?
General Questions
1. How much does it cost to have an abortion?
We do have financial assistance available, subject to eligibility. Our fees vary by how far pregnant you are.
2. What kind of insurance do you accept for abortion? Is it covered?
Yes, we accept most insurance plans. We will take your insurance information and benefits. Many insurance plans do cover abortion services. Your insurance plan may require that you pay a percentage of the fee for your services. In some cases you will need a referral or authorization from your doctor or health plan. Please contact your doctor or medical group to obtain your authorization. Prior to your appointment time, please check with us about the verification of your insurance benefits. In addition, we accept all major credit cards, money orders or cashier checks.
3. Can I use my parent's insurance?
Yes, if you are currently eligible under their plan.
4. Will my parents find out?
We recommend that the member contact the insurance company to discuss their policy on abortion confidentiality.
5. Are you a free clinic?
No. Family Planning Associates is a privately owned medical group. We are contracted with most insurance plans and we accept major credit cards, money orders or cashier checks. We also have financial assistance available, subject to eligibility.
6. If I have no money can you help me get a free abortion?
If you are eligible, your services may be subsidized by several funding sources.
7. Up to how many weeks do you terminate pregnancy?
FPA terminates pregnancy up to 23.5 weeks.
8. How early can I terminate a pregnancy?
In most cases the abortion can be performed as early as the EPT pregnancy test shows positive results. You just have to be far enough in the pregnancy for it to be visible on ultrasound, which is usually about 5 to 6 weeks.
9. Do you provide the "Morning After Pill"? How much is it?
Yes, we do provide the "Morning After Pill". Please call the clinic for fees.
10. What is the difference between a D&C and medication abortion?
A D&C (Dilation and Curettage) is the surgical procedure to terminate a pregnancy. A D&C can be performed up to 13 weeks gestation. The non-surgical procedure is accomplished with medication and offered up to 9 weeks gestation.
11. If a patient is a minor, do they need to have parental consent to have an abortion?
No. Minors in Illinois are considered emancipated if they are pregnant or seeking birth control. Therefore, they do not need parental consent. The law, however, is subject to change at any time.
12. Do you have any female physicians available?
There are male and female physicians at FPA. A female clinician will perform your pre-operative examination and additional female healthcare providers are with you during and after your surgery.
13. When will I have my next period?
Normally, your regular menstrual cycle will resume 4 to 8 weeks after surgery.
14. What happens if I have some complications or problems after my abortion?
Professional medical staff is available to our patients 24 hours every day. If you have any questions or are experiencing post-operative problems, please call the clinic directly or use our toll-free number (800-541-0356) at any hour of the day or night. Our trained staff will speak with you and may ask that you return to our clinic for evaluation.
15. Is it dangerous to have an abortion?
An abortion is an extremely safe surgical procedure. Less than 1% of patients experience any complications at all. Fewer risks exist with abortion than childbirth. The physician performing the surgery is highly skilled and specializes in this procedure.
16. Do I have to make an appointment for an abortion?
Yes. Each of our facilities offer this procedure on specific days.
17. How soon can I get an appointment?
Appointments are available for the same day or the following day, depending on our surgery schedule.
18. Do I need to see my doctor for a pregnancy test or ultrasound before my appointment?
No. Your pregnancy test and ultrasound will be performed when you arrive for your surgical appointment.
19. Will somebody talk to me before the procedure?
Yes. Our admitting staff will review your options and medical history, pre- and post- operative instructions, method of payment and birth control information. Our clinician will perform a physical examination prior to the procedure and will answer any additional questions you may have.
20. How will you know how far I am in my pregnancy?
Our clinician will perform a pelvic exam and ultrasound to determine the length of gestation.
21. What if I am Rh negative?
A blood test performed in our lab will determine your Rh factor. If your blood is Rh negative, you will be given an injection of MICRhoGAM or RhoGAM, depending on your gestation, following the procedure.
22. Does my partner need to know?
No. Your partner does not need to know. Your services are completely confidential. If you are using insurance to pay for services, it is possible that your partner will have access to the information from your insurance company if you are jointly insured. In this case, you can consider paying by cash or money order.
23. How will I feel emotionally after the abortion?
It has been our experience that the majority of our patients are relieved after the procedure. However, every patient is unique. If a patient is feeling anger, regret or guilt for an extended period of time, she may want to consider professional counseling. We understand that abortion is a difficult decision for some patients and we remain sensitive to their feelings. We are grateful that we can offer women a safe solution for undesired or problematic pregnancies. Exhale (www.4exhale.org) and Backline (www.yourbackline.org) are free after-abortion counseling hotlines that we recommend if you just need someone to talk to.
24. What if I do not get my period soon after the abortion?
Most cases, your menstrual cycle will begin 4-8 weeks after surgery. If you do not have a period in 8 weeks, please call us.
25. Do you provide me with birth control?
Yes. We offer birth control to our patients immediately after the pregnancy termination, if eligible. Your clinician will evaluate your needs and assist you with the appropriate birth control method.
26. When do I start my new birth control?
If you have had a first trimester abortion, you should start your new birth control on the first Sunday after your surgery. If you have had a second trimester abortion and were given birth control pills or Ortho Evra, you should start your new birth control on the first Sunday after your surgery. If you have had a second trimester abortion and were given the Nuva Ring, you should start on the second Sunday after your surgery. Starting birth control as soon as you can after surgery may help to reduce the amount of bleeding you have after surgery and regulate your periods sooner. If you are using your birth control exactly as it is prescribed (including taking your pills at the same time every day), it will be effective after using it for one week.
27. Do I have to pay more for a follow-up visit?
No. All of your follow-up visits, medications and necessary services are covered under your original payment if they are provided at FPA.
28. Is everything confidential?
All of our services are completely confidential. Patient information is never released without the authorization of the patient.
29. Do you offer free pregnancy testing?
Yes. This test may detect pregnancy as early as five days after the expected and missed menstrual period. We also have the EPT (Early Pregnancy Test) available for a fee of $10.00. This test can detect pregnancy as early as 10 days after conception. All testing can be performed on a walk-in basis.
30. Are there any protesters at the clinic?
There may be protesters at the clinic. Protestors are not allowed on Family Planning Associates property but they may be in the street or on sidewalks. You do not need to speak to any protesters or accept literature from them. The protesters are not permitted to touch you.
31. How long has FPA been in business?
Family Planning Associates has been providing professional abortion services to the Chicagoland area since 1988.
32. Do I have to give you my real name?
All of your medical records are completely confidential and require your signature and authorization for release. It is always important to give accurate and current information or medical records. Your correct name, address, phone number and medical history are important for many reasons, particularly in case of an emergency.
Surgical
Abortion
1. What is the difference between
local anesthesia and general anesthesia?
Local anesthesia is a cervical block performed before your surgery. Your
cervix will be numbed, but you will be awake during the surgery. General
anesthesia is administered intravenously. You are completely asleep during
the surgery.
2. Will it hurt?
If you have chosen general anesthesia you will be completely asleep during
the surgery so you will not feel any pain. After the procedure you may
experience mild to moderate cramping. In most cases ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil/Midol),
Aleve or Tylenol will alleviate the cramping. If the cramping is not alleviated
with these remedies, you should call us immediately. Please do not use
heating pads for cramps after surgery as that may cause heavier bleeding.
3. How long will I be under general
anesthesia?
You will be asleep for 5-10 minutes for a first trimester abortion, or
10-15 minutes for a second trimester abortion.
The anesthesia that we offer is safe, effective and short acting. You will be asleep from 5-15 minutes depending on the procedure. There is always some degree of risk with any surgery. Serious complications with general anesthesia are very rare in our facilities. Complications may occur if a patient has ingested food or liquid within 8 hours of surgery. Tell our staff if you have had prior complications with anesthesia or if you have had anything to eat or drink within 8 hours prior to your surgery.
5. How long will I bleed after surgery?
In most cases, the patient experiences bleeding for 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery. However, some patients do not experience any bleeding and other patients have spotting or bleeding off and on. If you have any questions about what is normal after your surgery, you can always call the clinic. A 24-hour on-call service is available for after hours.
6. How is the surgery performed?
The first trimester surgery is a simple procedure performed by aspiration (suction). This procedure is referred to as a D&C (Dilation and Curettage) and is a method to empty the contents of the uterus. This procedure takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
If you are over 13 weeks pregnant, you will first have your cervix dilated with a sterile product made specifically for cervical dilation. You will return for the actual surgery on the second or third day. This procedure is referred to as a D&E (Dilation and Extraction). In some cases, a patient will require two consecutive days of dilation and will return for the surgery on the third day. The dilation procedure takes a few minutes and you will be in the clinic for a few hours on the day or days that your cervix is dilated.
7. When can I return to work?
The majority of our patients return to work or school the following day. The admitting and medical staff will explain the DOs and DON'Ts after surgery.
8. Can I have someone come into the surgery or recovery room with me?
Your driver, friend or family member may not enter the surgery or recovery room with you, as we must protect the confidentiality of all of our patients. We encourage your driver to wait for you in our reception area. If this is not possible, your driver can return for you upon completion of your appointment. It is important that your driver wait for you until your medical history and physical exam have been completed.
9. When can I have sex again after the surgery?
You should not have sex for two weeks after your procedure. We recommend that you abstain from sexual activity for two weeks because you are more susceptible to infection following your procedure.
10. Can I take a taxi or public transportation home?
Taking public transportation after surgery is not recommended. If no other method of transportation is available, we require that an adult must accompany you.
11. Can I use tampons after my surgery?
You should not use tampons for two weeks after surgery. Sanitary napkins should be used to decrease the possibility of infection and to monitor the amount of bleeding.
12. How effective is a surgical abortion?
In most cases, a surgical abortion is completely effective. A small percentage of cases will require a reaspiration if unusual bleeding occurs or if there is retained tissue.
13. How will I feel after my surgical abortion?
Most patients experience some cramping. If the cramping is not relieved by over the counter medications such as Tylenol or Advil, we ask the patient to call our 24-hour emergency number (800-541-0356). You may take a shower or tub bath after surgery. Do not douche, use tampons or have intercourse for two weeks after surgery. Avoid any products that contain aspirin as aspirin promotes bleeding.
14. Why can't I eat before surgery?
When general anesthesia is administered, gag reflexes are temporarily suppressed. If food or liquid remain in the stomach, vomiting can occur resulting in asphyxiation.
15. Is it a doctor who performs the surgery?
Yes. All of our doctors are licensed by the State of Illinois, are board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and specialize in pregnancy termination.
16. What happens with the fetus that was removed from me during the abortion?
The tissue is sent to a licensed and accredited laboratory for analysis and is disposed in accordance to the mandates of state law.
17. How will I know that the abortion was successful?
The contents of the uterus are sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis. The results of the analysis are sent to the doctor within 7 days of the procedure. We will contact you if you need to come in for an evaluation to make sure that the abortion was successful. In some cases, the doctor may request that you return to the clinic 2-3 days after your abortion for a blood test for that purpose.
18. Can I exercise after surgery?
You should avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting (over 15 pounds) for two weeks after the procedure.
Abortion Pill
1. What is the abortion pill?
The abortion pill is a non-surgical method to terminate pregnancy. This method is available to women under nine weeks of pregnancy. The medications used are Mifeprex and Cytotec tablets.
2. Will it hurt?
After taking the abortion pill, you may experience mild to moderate cramping. In most cases ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil/Midol), Aleve or Tylenol will alleviate the cramping. If over-the-counter medications are not effective, the clinician may also give you a prescription for a stronger pain reliever, such as Tylenol with codeine. Please do not use heating pads for cramps as that may cause heavier bleeding.
3. How will I know if the abortion was successful?
The only way to know if the abortion was successful is to return for your 1 week follow-up visit. It is possible to have heavy bleeding and cramping and pass clots, yet still be pregnant.
4. What if the abortion pill doesn't work?
In a small percentage of cases, the tablets given for a medication abortion do not cause miscarriage. In these cases, the patient will require a D&C which is covered by your initial payment.
5. Can I exercise after taking the abortion pill?
You should not exercise after taking the pill until you return for you follow-up visit. The clinician will advise you at that time when you can resume physical activity.
6. How long will I bleed after taking the abortion pill?
In some cases the patient experiences bleeding for 2 to 3 weeks after taking the abortion pill. Bleeding can range from very light spotting to a flow heavier than a normal period. If you are ever soaking more than one pad every hour, or if you have any questions about what is normal after your abortion, you can always call the clinic as we have a 24-hour on-call service.
7. Can I use tampons after taking the abortion pill?
You should not use tampons for two weeks after taking the abortion pill. Sanitary napkins should be used to decrease the possibility of infection and to monitor the amount of bleeding.
8. How effective is the abortion pill?
The abortion pill is 92-95% effective. This means that 5-8 women out of 100 will need a surgical procedure or a D&C to complete the abortion.
9. When can I return to school or work?
You should plan on being at home for the first 24 hours after taking Cytotec (the second medication). Your bleeding and cramping might be more intense than you would feel comfortable with at school or work. The following day, you can return to school or work.
10. If I can’t come back to FPA for my follow-up appointment, can I just see my doctor or take a home pregnancy test?
By consenting to take the abortion pill, you also commit to returning to FPA for your follow-up appointment. If you know that you are unable to do so, you should not take the abortion pill with us. In order to confirm that the abortion is complete, it is necessary for us to do an ultrasound. If the abortion is not complete, only FPA can provide you with the additional medications or services needed to complete it. Home pregnancy tests can remain positive for over a month in some cases.
For the clinic nearest
you go to the Map & Directions
for the clinic address and map.
Email your Questions and Comments to: info@fpachicago.com
Responses to email may take up to 72 hours. If this is a clinical concern
and you have had an abortion at FPA, please call the clinic directly or
call our toll-free number (800-541-0356). We cannot guarantee confidentiality
of emails, being that most emails are not transmitted on secured servers.
If you are interested in a career opportunity with Family Planning Associates
Medical Group send your resumé to the Human Resource Director via
fax at (773) 481-5581 or email at hr@fpachicago.com.
