If you are considering an abortion, you want to get
the best care possible. But any doctor can put out a shingle and
claim to be a qualified practitioner. Some states don't even require special
training or a medical license. But how can you tell the quacks
from the professionals? Here are some things to look for.
Beware of clinic workers who try to rush you into a quick decision.
This will be one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Take
some time to think it over and seriously consider your other options.
A few days of consideration will not limit your choices.
Beware of clinics that offer counseling but promote abortion as the only
workable choice. The "counselors" have probably been trained to sell you
an abortion and are not looking after your best interests. Such persons
may try to make pregnancy sound frightening. A fair-minded counselor will
help you explore all of your choices.
Beware of abortion clinics that are stuffed with clients. They are probably
performing the abortions "assembly line" style on particular days of the
week. The doctor will not take the time to get to know you, your specific
situation, and your health concerns. Getting an abortion from a sub-standard
facility can leave you with an infection, maimed, or worse. (One abortion
facility was found to be reusing the disposable plastic cannulas used
for suctioning out the uterus.)
Make sure that your abortion is being performed by a board-certified
physician who has completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology,
not a nurse or other clinic personnel. Some psychiatrists and ear, nose
and throat specialists have been known to perform abortions, as well as
some people with no medical training at all.
Make sure your doctor has admitting privileges at a nearby hospital.
If something goes wrong, you want to know that you'll be rushed to a place
that can give you adequate care.
Beware of clinics which do not give you a frank discussion of your health
risks. Common problems include pain and infection. Less common but more
serious risks include infertility, hemorrhaging, and anesthetic complications.
Some clinics will have patients sign disclaimers, refusing responsibility
if something goes wrong.
Make sure the clinician takes a detailed health history. There are many
important factors that can affect the safety of the procedure for you,
including past pregnancies, RH factor, etc. If the abortion will be done
non-surgically, then any history of circulatory disorders or heart trouble
is crucial.
Ask what you should do if you have any complications from the abortion.
Some clinics will urge you not to go to the hospital or to your regular
doctor if you have problems because they don't want anyone to know they
have botched your abortion.
Ask if there are any lawsuits pending against the clinic. Ask if any
of the clinic doctors have been implicated of any wrongdoing. One abortionist
in Massachusetts was permitted to continue practicing, despite having
molested one of his minor patients and other wrongdoings.
Beware of clinics that won't show you the ultrasound of your unborn child.
Some clinics have performed abortions on women who weren't even pregnant.
The clinician should be able to show you the fetal heartbeat on the sonogram.
(Many abortion clinics have the ultrasound screen facing away from the
patient.)
If you are a teen, beware of clinics that don't want to involve your
parents in the abortion decision. They may tell you that your parents
don't need to know, or offer to help you get a "judicial bypass" if necessary.
Your parents care about your health, and though they may be angry, they
are responsible for looking out for your best interests. If you fear violence
or other abuse from your parents, your counselor should be helping you
find a safe home. A quick and secret abortion will do nothing to change
your abusive situation.
Beware of clinicians who pressure you into getting a tubal ligation especially
if you are young, poor, or a minority. They may tell you that you can
get it reversed later, but it should be considered permanent. Sterilization
abuse is a well-documented phenomenon, and some women are particularly
vulnerable to this type of coercion after a trying pregnancy or abortion.
