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The Procedure
The First Trimester Abortion ProcedurePregnancies are calculated from the first day of the last normal period. Once that date has been established and pregnancy is confirmed, a series of lab tests are performed. Vital signs and a medical history will also be taken prior to the abortion procedure. Depending upon the length of pregnancy, abortion is either a one or two day procedure. A complete set of instructions to fit the patient’s specific situation will be furnished prior to the abortion appointment. The abortion procedure will be performed in one of three ways. vacuum curettage, dilation and curettage (D&C), or dilation and evacuation (D&E) with vacuum aspiration. Once the procedure is complete, the patient will go to the recovery room before being released to go home. You should bring someone to accompany you or arrange other transportation. A free post-operative exam is also available, as is further counseling if needed. The Second Trimester Abortion ProcedureFor a termination of pregnancy in the second trimester (over 15 weeks) it will usually be necessary for the patient to make two visits to the clinic. On the first day, the patient will be asked to complete a medical history form regarding any previous or current illness and/or health problem. Laminaria and abortion consent forms will be presented for the patient’s careful reading. A counselor is available to answer any questions. This same trained professional will also discuss the procedure, necessary after-care and birth control, as well as anything personal the patient might like to share. Laminaria insertion will be done on the first visit to the clinic, 18-24 hours prior to the abortion procedure. They will be inserted in the cervix (opening of the uterus) where they will absorb body fluids, expand and gently dilate the opening. Actual insertion time is less than five minutes. A complete set of instructions to fit the patient’s specific situation will be furnished. The patient must stay within one half hour’s drive from the clinic after the laminaria insertion. If the patient experiences bleeding heavier than a normal menstrual period, temperature of 100 degrees or above, or cramping not relieved by heat, rest or medication, the clinic should be called immediately. On day two, the patient should carefully follow the instructions given her the first day, before returning to the clinic. The termination procedure is performed under sedation and a local anesthetic will be used to numb the cervix. The laminaria will be removed and the uterus will be evacuated using a special aspirator and forceps. After the procedure, the patient will rest in recovery, (usually 1-3 hours). Upon satisfactory recovery, the patient will be dismissed. We advise the patient to have someone available to drive her home. The LawSeveral courts including the United States Supreme Court have recognized the right of the individual to be free from unwarranted intrusion into the decision whether to bear or beget a child. Louisiana law requires that patients under 18 years of age have a parental consent form signed and notarized. As prescribed by Louisiana law, a physician counseling session must be accomplished at least 24 hours prior to starting procedure. We at Causeway Medical Clinic provide this service. Causeway Medical
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