Choosing an Abortion Provider Near Lakemoor & Volo, IL?
First of all, it’s important to note that not all providers are equal. Before you choose an abortion provider, we strongly encourage you to consider the following:
1. Is the clinic licensed?
In Illinois, abortion providers do not necessarily have to be licensed. This is important to note because those that are not licensed are not subject to health and safety inspections. Moreover, even licensed clinics may not be regularly inspected. Therefore, it is up to you to carefully look into the clinic you choose. In order to check for recent inspection information, google “abortion clinic inspections in Illinois” and look for information on the provider you are considering.
2. Additionally, you have the right to ask for the credentials of the doctors and staff, their experience, as well as any medical malpractice the clinic or staff have been involved in.
Prior to, you may want to ensure the person performing the abortion is a board-certified OB-GYN. Since this is not a requirement in Illinois, other types of physicians and even non-physician healthcare professionals might perform the abortion.
3. What does the clinic do in case of an emergency?
For instance, does the doctor have admitting privileges at the nearest hospital? Obviously, risks are involved with any medical procedure. Therefore, it is important that the clinic has a plan for any circumstance that may arise, even if it is rare.
Lakemoor & Volo
- What anesthesia do they use and who is responsible for administering it?
Unquestionably, a trained physician or certified nurse anesthetist are the only people that should be administering anesthesia.
- Will the provider be performing an ultrasound?
Surprisingly, an ultrasound prior to an abortion is not a requirement in Illinois. Therefore, an abortion provider may or may not offer one. However, we highly recommend you receive an ultrasound before you have an abortion. This is because an ultrasound is very important in confirming the viability, location, and gestational age of a pregnancy. Please note: dating a pregnancy by your last menstrual period is not the most accurate assessment of gestational age. It’s important to have an accurate assessment by ultrasound because gestational age affects which abortion procedure is performed and how much you are charged. Additionally, ultrasounds are essential in diagnosing ectopic pregnancies, which are life-threatening if left untreated.
Focus Women’s Center near Burlington-Lake Geneva, WI offers free ultrasounds to qualifying patients as part of our no-cost Pregnancy Verification and Consultation appointment.
- What procedures do they offer?
Note that not all providers perform all types of abortions. For instance, some only offer medial abortions and do not perform surgical abortions. With a medical abortion, there is a small chance that the pregnancy will not completely expel or terminate. If that should happen, you should find out what your next step would be, where you would be treated, and what additional expenses you can expect.
- How many visits are required?
Since every clinic has different policies, you should be sure to ask how many visits are required. It is important to have at least one pre-visit to discuss the procedure with the doctor and have all your questions answered. Afterwards, it is also very important to have at least one follow-up visit with an ultrasound. This is because you want to ensure that the abortion has completed, and you are healing as expected. Additionally, you want to find out if all of these visits are included in the abortion price or if there will be additional costs.
- Can your partner, friend, or parent come with you to your appointments?
For example, it would be good to have someone with you for emotional support, as well as a backup driver in case you find yourself unable to drive home after the appointment.
- During your initial pre-abortion consultation, ask yourself:
- Is the clinic clean?
- What is the atmosphere like?
- Is the staff taking the time to answer all your questions fully?
- Are they listening to any concerns you have?
- Do you feel like they are judging you or pressuring you to make a certain decision?
Most importantly, choose a provider that offers quality care. Without a doubt, if you have any concerns, look for a different provider. Remember – the cheapest abortion provider might not be the best choice. Unquestionably, your health and safety are the most important things to consider.
Always trust your gut! For example, if you notice any red flags, don’t have that clinic perform the procedure. Additionally, if you aren’t sure the clinic is doing something the right way, talk to your primary care provider and report your concern to the health department.
- Always remember, you have the right to change your mind.
Ultimately, no one can force you to have an abortion, even if you have already signed the paperwork consenting to the procedure. Furthermore, if you are feeling pressured to go through with it, let that be a huge red flag that you are in the wrong place. Remember, it’s your body – you have the right to listen to your instincts.
At Focus Women’s Center, we care about YOU. While this might be a scary and overwhelming time, you don’t have to face it alone. You can be sure that our nurses and staff are here to listen to you and give you the information you need to make a safe and healthy choice.
Sources
Gynecology and Society of Family Planning Committee on Practice Bulletins, Creinin, M, & Grossman, D. (2014). Medical management of first trimester abortion. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2014(143), 1-18. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/10/medication-abortion-up-to-70-days-of-gestation
Illinois General Assembly. (2021). SB0025 Reproductive Health Act. Retrieved from https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/101/SB/PDF/10100SB0025lv.pdf
Kaiser Family Foundation. (2021). State ultrasound requirements in abortion procedure. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/state-indicator/ultrasound-requirements/?currentTimeframe=0&sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D
Kaiser Family Foundation. (2021). Regulations on facilities and clinicians providing abortions. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/state-indicator/regulations-on-facilities-and-clinicians-providing-abortions/?currentTimeframe=0&selectedRows=%7B%22states%22:%7B%22illinois%22:%7B%7D%7D%7D&sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D
NBC 5 Chicago. (2012). Review finds inspections of abortion facilities lax. Retrieved from https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/abortion-clinic-house-of-horrors-prompts-review-in-illinois-some-abortion-clinics-shut-down-not-inspected-for-15-years/1933989/
Lakemoor is a village in Lake and McHenry counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. Volo is a village in Lake County, Illinois, Volo contains the Volo Auto Museum and is located near the Volo Bog State Natural Area,
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