Access to abortion care in this country can be hit or miss. There are hundreds and thousands of miles where there is no abortion clinic in sight. And then there are some metropolitan areas where you can find 3-5 clinics within a 20-mile radius. The metro Detroit area happens to be one of those rare cities where access to abortion care is not all that difficult.
Because there are several options for care locally, how do you choose which clinic will take care of you in a way that is respectful, safe, and clean? Should you take the care and time to research your clinic options before scheduling?
The answer, while it may seem odd at first, is that you should definitely research your clinic options before scheduling. Choosing your abortion provider is no different from choosing a dentist, a medical doctor, or any other provider of a medical procedure. It is so important, in fact, that we have created a document to help you choose a provider and a web page to reflect that information.
When you call providers for information, start by asking these questions:
- What kind of abortion procedures do you offer?
- Do you have any female physicians? (If this is important to you)
- Do you offer unbiased, respectful counseling?
- Can you help me with birth control after my abortion?
- Do you accept insurance?
- Are you certified with NAF?
Make sure you listen to how they speak with you on the phone. Are they kind? Do they give you the information you are asking for willingly and clearly? Are they well informed, going above and beyond with information you may not have thought of to ask about?
When you ask about the cost of an abortion, make sure you are getting all of the information. Ask what is included in their price, and do they offer financial assistance? If a clinic is not willing to provide you with a quote of the fee, what are they hiding? Additionally, make sure you ask specific questions regarding your pain management options. Some clinics give very misleading information, telling patients they will be “put to sleep” when in fact that is not what will happen. If a clinic tells you that, it is very important to ask specifically “Will a Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) be in the room with me, giving me the medication? What is the extra charge?” Last but not least, if a clinic tells you that your appointment will be quick, in and out of the office, there is no way that could be possible if they are meeting the requirements of all the anti-choice state laws and providing excellent care.
If you have questions about any of this information, and would like to know what Northland can do for you, please call us at 1-800-447-7354. We are waiting for your call.