Vacuum Aspiration abortions can be done in free-standing clinics in Virginia up to 14 weeks gestation (from LMP). It is a one-day minor surgical in-clinic abortion procedure that involves stretching the cervix to an opening wide enough for a suction aspirator to be inserted. 

The suction is then moved around to empty the uterine contents. Sometimes a curette is then used to scrape the uterine lining to ensure all fetal parts and blood clots are removed.

The Dilatation and Evacuation in-clinic abortion procedure is used for second-trimester abortions, requiring a more medically equipped clinic and staff, and probably a two-day experience. Because the cervix must be opened wider in a second-trimester abortion, medication is used to begin preparing the cervix overnight the day before the abortion. 

For this procedure, the medical provider uses dilating rods to manually open the cervix further to allow room for the larger suction tubing needed. Medical instruments are also used to evacuate fetal parts and possibly crush the skull to facilitate removal. Finally, the uterus is then scraped with a curette to ensure there are no remaining parts.  

Depending on the clinic, some offer anxiety-relieving medication and/or pain relievers. Sedation options are usually available for the D&E procedure, but they also contribute to its cost, risks, and level of necessary medical facilities. With these added medications comes a need for staff expertise in patient monitoring throughout the procedure. Patient safety measures and emergency transfer options should be available through the facility.

The risk of a serious complication increases with weeks gestation. As the number of weeks increases, the invasiveness of the required procedure and the need for deeper levels of sedation also increase. 

The biggest risks associated with these in-clinic abortion procedures are infection, hemorrhage, retained products of conception, or possible organ damage. Abortion clinics should provide a 24-hour clinician-staffed telephone line and have a plan to provide emergency care to patients after hours.

Other risks to be considered with in-clinic abortions include emboli (blood clots that can travel in the bloodstream), Rh sensitization, and possibly death. In addition, research shows that some long-term effects of abortion can be associated with negative psychological outcomes.

Depression, anxiety, PAS (Post Abortion Syndrome), substance abuse, and relational problems have been associated problems that most women don’t talk about after their abortions. 

Before an abortion decision is made, all your options should be considered. This decision is one that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. Your reproductive health is important enough to take the time to process your options completely and get all your questions answered. 

Alcove Health Women’s Clinic is here to help you with these things. You will meet with an advocate to talk through each of the pregnancy options and then you’ll have one-on-one time with our Registered Nurse for a medical evaluation. 

Gathering appropriate information and medical facts is part of making an informed decision prior to scheduling an in-clinic abortion. We want to help you think through what the best choice is for you.  Click here or call today for your free and confidential medical appointment!