Reproductive Healthcare Template

The Women's Reproductive Health, Research, and Policy Project at the University of Illinois at Chicago is grounded in the belief that every woman has a right to plan if, when and how to have a family regardless of race/ethnicity, socio-economic status or citizenship. Our mission is to conduct innovative, culturally-relevant research, to train highly skilled practitioners and to promote social policies that maintain a woman's bodily integrity. The Program advances this mission through its three components: a contraception research program, the fellowship in family planning and contraception, and the Center for Reproductive Health.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR VISIT

Surgical Procedure

Medical Procedure

Surgical Procedure

If you choose to have a surgical procedure, we will schedule you to arrive at our clinic in the morning. Please be advised that you will be at the clinic for 4-6 hours that day, so it is a good idea to bring something to read or headphones to listen to music.

When you first arrive you will have an ultrasound, and we will take a blood sample. You will also have a counseling session where you will discuss the procedure as well as contraceptive options. You will also be informed about the option to receive an anti-anxiety (relaxation) medication and/or a pain reliever in addition to a local anesthetic.

The actual abortion procedure will only take about 10-15 minutes and most patients spend about half an hour recovering before they leave.

Instructions

Please arrange for child care before arriving at the Center
If you plan to take either medication you must have a ride home
Take 800 milligrams of ibuprofen before arriving at the Center
You may eat a light meal before your appointment
Bring a photo ID
Bring your payment and/or insurance card

Medical Procedure

Unlike a surgical procedure, a medical abortion takes place in the privacy of your home after you take a combination of medications. If you choose this option, you will be required to visit our clinic on two separate occasions.

The first visit will require you to have an ultrasound, and we will also take a blood sample. You will also receive a counseling session to discuss the procedure and contraceptive options.

During this visit we will give you an oral medication called mifepristone. The following day you will insert a vaginal suppository, misoprostol, at home and this will cause an abortion. You will experience cramping and bleeding within several hours after inserting the misoprostol and most women pass the pregnancy at this point. You will receive a pain reliever to take for cramping.

You will return to the center a week after your initial visit so we can make sure that the abortion was successful.