Second trimester abortions are performed between 12 to 24 weeks of pregnancy and require 1 to 3 visits. We use the dilation and evacuation procedure, also known as a D&E. After 15 weeks, in most cases, cervical dilators called Laminaria or Dilapan, are inserted into the cervix to gradually dilate it overnight before a doctor performs the procedure. Sometimes, early in the second trimester, we can use a medication to prepare the cervix instead of dilators.
The fee includes pregnancy testing, admitting, pre-operative history and physical, ultrasound, lab work, dilator insertion, most pre-operative medications, the D&E procedure, RhoGAM (if required), sedation, medications given on the day of procedure, most post-operative medications and your post-operative care as authorized by us.
Financial Assistance Available!
We are proud to offer financial assistance for those without insurance or the ability to pay.
You can eat and drink normally, and drive yourself to and from the visit. This is the day the abortion begins – you must stay within one hour of the office for the next 1 – 2 days.
When you arrive at the office, you will be asked to complete some paperwork. Many of these forms are available on this website. You can complete them, print them and bring them to your visit if you prefer. Your vital signs will be taken and we will collect a small sample of your blood to determine your Rh factor and iron level. You will have an ultrasound next. If you have had a cesarean section, you will be asked to have a full bladder for the ultrasound.
An admissions staff member will explain the procedure to you and assist you in completing additional paperwork.
A clinician will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and insert the cervical dilators that will be used to prepare your cervix for the procedure. This procedure takes approximately 5-15 minutes. Most patients experience cramping, pressure and discomfort during the insertion. We will provide you with pain medication. After the insertion, the vaginal canal will be packed with sterile gauze to keep cervical dilators in place and to help prevent infection.
After this process, we will give you post-insertion instructions so that you know how to take care of yourself until you return the following day. You will be given medications, and an appointment time for your second insertion or surgery.
Depending on how much your cervix has dilated overnight and other medical considerations, you may have the surgical procedure to complete the abortion today.
If additional dilation and preparation is needed for the procedure, the first set of dilators will be removed and a second set will be placed in the cervix. You may be given medications to help with dilation as well.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke for eight full hours before your surgery, most often after midnight the day before your visit. This includes gum, candy, water, and any kind of food or drink. Your surgery will be delayed if you have anything at all to eat or drink -for your safety.
When you arrive at the office, a staff member will escort you to a private area where you will change into a gown that we provide. A medical assistant will bring you to the surgical suite, and an IV will be placed in your hand or arm, in most cases.
You will be in the procedure suite for about 15 – 30 minutes. A licensed CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist) will administer sedation and a licensed medical doctor will perform the abortion by removing the pregnancy and aspirating the uterus. All of our physicians have specialized training in abortion care and are involved in training the family planning fellows at a local, prestigious hospital.
Patients are sedated for this procedure, which means that they will not feel any pain or discomfort.
You will be taken to the recovery room after the procedure is complete. Trained medical personnel, including registered nurses and medical assistants will care for you until you are ready to be discharged. Most patients spend about 1 – 3 hours in the recovery room, depending on individual medical assessments. We have tablets that you can listen to music or watch a video on in our second stage recovery area, while having a light snack.
When you are ready to be discharged, our staff will explain your post-operative care and medications.
After you are discharged, you should go home and rest. You may eat and drink normally. If you have nausea or vomiting, we recommend eating something light such as rice, soup or toast.
You are able to go back to work or school within 1 – 2 days, unless the doctor has provided you special instructions. We can provide a confidential doctor’s excuse if needed.
FPA has a designated 24-hour emergency number. We encourage you to call with any questions or to discuss any problems that occur after your visit. You are welcome to return for a free follow-up visit in 2 – 3 weeks, or sooner if needed.
Abortion is safe, legal and available for everyone at FPA in Illinois. Please do not delay your care for financial reasons. Contact us today — We can help you access funds for both abortion care and transportation immediately. You can trust FPA, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Family Planning Associates is happy to offer referral resources for our patients and their allies.
It is normal to have questions, and it can be difficult to find unbiased information about abortion on the internet.
You can complete your registration forms before you arrive. Simply download, print and fill out the forms.
We serve Chicago, Illinois & the entire Chicagoland Area and are honored to accept patients from Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama and Iowa. We see patients from all over the US every day in our Chicago abortion clinic.
FPA offices are modern, professional and designed with your comfort in mind. If there is anything we can do to help make you feel more comfortable while under our care, please ask. We may not be able to accommodate all requests, but we will always try our best.
At FPA, we are truly pro-choice and we support all pregnancy options – not just abortion. We offer referrals for prenatal care, adoption, and counseling so you can fully explore your options, and make the best choice for you. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone, e-mail or through our live chat service.