Frequently Asked Questions about Abortion
Is abortion legal? Abortion is safe and legal throughout the United States until the end of the second trimester, and later in special circumstances, based upon a U.S. Supreme Court case known as Roe v Wade. In Washington State your right to get an abortion is protected by a state law. You can find other states’ laws here.
How do I pay for services? For payment we accept cash, cashier’s check, credit card or debit card, WA-DSHS medical coupons, Alaska Medicaid, Washington Basic Health, Oregon Health Plan, or private insurance. We will help you with insurance or applying for DSHS Medicaid coupons.
Cost of abortion varies with stage of pregnancy, type of procedure, and other factors. We operate on a sliding fee scale. There is an added fee for general anesthesia. Low-income pregnant women may sign up to get medical care paid by WA State DSHS. Call the hotline at 800-770-4334 for instructions.
What if I don’t live in Washington State - how do I find an abortion provider? Call the National Abortion Federation a toll free hotline at 800-772-9100 in USA or 800-424-2280 in Canada. Ask about financial assistance if you are low income.
What are the risks with abortion? First trimester abortion is 7 to 10 times safer than giving birth. Serious complications occur in less than 1% of all abortions. Abortion has no lasting impact on a woman's future ability to get pregnant or give birth. Abortion is not associated with increased risk of breast or other cancer. Our doctors are highly skilled medical experts with many years of experience.
If I am a teenager, do I have to tell my parents? Teens in Washington State do not need their parent’s permission. Teens have a right to private and confidential medical care for pregnancy care including abortion, birth control, and tests and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. You can even apply for DSHS coupons to pay for an abortion.
What happens after the abortion? During your appointment you will receive detailed aftercare instructions. Please call the hotline number on the aftercare sheet if you experience any problems. Take your temperature every day for the next week. A fever may indicate you are developing an infection. Call the clinic if your temperature goes above 100.5 degrees. To reduce the risk of infection, we provide a prescription for antibiotics, and recommend that you do not put anything in your vagina for 1-2 weeks. A normal period will begin in 4-8 weeks. You may get pregnant anytime after an abortion. Some birth control options are included as part of your abortion appointment.
Answers to additional Frequently Asked Questions
Further Information About Abortion
