Abortion, Induced Health Article

OTHER

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Debra Gordon Stephanie Dionne Sherk

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?

An induced abortion must be done under the supervision of a physician. Under normal circumstances, the abortion is performed by a licensed obstetrician or gynecologist. In some states, however, advanced clinicians such as nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, or physician assistants can perform an abortion under the direct supervision of a physician.

Most women are able to have abortions at clinics or outpatient facilities if the procedure is performed early in pregnancy and the woman is in relatively good health. Women with heart disease, previous endocarditis, asthma, lupus erythematosus, uterine fibroid tumors, blood clotting disorders, poorly controlled epilepsy, or some psychological disorders usually need to be hospitalized in order to receive special monitoring and medications during the procedure. In 2000 over 93% of abortions were performed in a clinic setting; clinics accounted for nearly half (46%) of all abortion providers. Hospitals were the site of 5% of abortions (accounting for 33% of abortion providers), while only 3% of abortions were performed at physician offices (21% of abortion providers).

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

• What abortion options are available to me based on my stage of pregnancy?
• What are the short- and long-term complications of the procedure?
• What type of pain relief/anesthesia is available to me?
• Who can be in the procedure room with me?
• What will the abortion cost? What do the fees include?
• Is pre-abortion counseling offered?
• How is follow-up or emergency care provided?
• Does the doctor who will perform the abortion have admitting privileges at a hospital in case of a problem?