The decision to go for abortion is always going to be difficult. It will be challenging to come to terms with what you were going to do. Not a lot of women will want to talk about it openly yet it is something that affects people. You will want to make sure you’re only being attended to by a qualified medical professional. Choosing the right clinic is crucial as you want the procedure to be safe without any complications. In this guide, we’re going to highlight some of the factors that you should be having in mind when looking for an abortion clinic.
Safety
Safety should be the number one priority as it is a delicate procedure. You should not be looking for some cheap backyard clinic that is only concerned about the money and not your wellbeing. The clinic should also be equivocal in supporting women’s rights.
The last thing you want is to be judged for a decision that you made. You want to feel supported but ultimately, it is your decision to make. The clinic should have a track record of performing safe procedures. This will give you the peace of mind even when you reach out to them.
Privacy
Abortion is a very sensitive topic. As we’ve already mentioned, not a lot of people will talk about it openly. Everyone has a right to privacy and the clinic should respect your wishes. You might not want any kind of attention when seeking treatment which is understandable given the nature of the procedure. You also have a right to keep the information to yourself the clinic should be able to respect that.
Recommendations
If you’re not sure of where to start, you can begin by asking for recommendations from your family planning community. Your primary care physician is likely to know of someone you can trust. This is one of those things that you’d not want to ask friends or family because of the fear of being judged. It should be noted that there are places that will pretend they are health clinics but all they want to do is to discourage you from going forward with your decision.
Visit The Clinic
Before you make the final decision, it is important that you’re visiting the clinic so as to ascertain the services and facilities that are on offer. Make sure you have a list of questions or concerns that you’d like to be clarified.
Medical Vs. Surgical Abortion
There are clinics that will only provide a medical abortion. There are also those that provide both. Depending on your individual circumstances, either of the two could be a viable option. The choice will depend on how early or late you’re in the pregnancy. A surgical abortion will only take a few minutes but it is imperative that you’re getting the right doctor for the job. A good doctor will ensure you’re going through counseling before the procedure. He or she will go through your medical records to determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
Medical abortion can only be performed early in the pregnancy. There are some requirements that you have to meet and that is why it is important to consult with an experienced medical professional. Make sure you’re asking the type of abortions that the facility offers before you commit.
Counseling
A good abortion facility should have experienced counselors, as the experience can be traumatizing. Even if you’ve decided to go ahead with the procedure, you might not be in the right frame of mind. If you’re certain about the decision, it is still advisable to meet with a counselor so as to express your concerns.
Pain Management
There is some cramping that is associated with the procedure. Those who have gone through it say it is tolerable. You should not have a lot of problems if you work with a reputable health facility. There are clinics that will offer oral sedation to manage the pain during and after the procedure. Make sure to ask about the pain management regimen in place.
Comfortable
Comfort is key when choosing such a specialized clinic. You don’t need to be worried about the procedure going wrong. That is why it is important to visit the facility and the doctor so that you can establish a rapport. The staff should be courteous and professional when you first interact with them. It is within your right to seek the right medical treatment without being victimized.