»

En Español

»

Your Health

Find a Provider Guide to Abortion Care in Massachusetts     Introduction     Types of Providers     Finding a Provider     What to Expect     Cost of an Abortion     Paying for An Abortion     Laws About Abortion     Making an Appointment Appendices     Insurance Resources     Abortion Funds     Advocacy Resources     References

When you call to make an appointment for an abortion, ask questions! If the person on the phone can’t answer your questions, ask to talk to somebody who can or call a different abortion provider.
 
Some abortion providers may be able to make an appointment for you for an abortion the next day, but the normal wait for an appointment is less than 1 week in a clinic or doctor’s office and 1 to 2 weeks in a hospital.
 
When you call, you should have:
 

• pen and paper for taking notes

• your schedule

• questions you may want to ask

• phone number where you can be reached

• date that your last normal menstrual period started

• your insurance information with name and number

 
Basic questions to ask:
 

• What kind of abortion do you offer (medication, surgical/”aspiration” or both)?

• For up to how many weeks of pregnancy do you provide these services?

• How much does the abortion cost? Which services are included in the cost? Are there any additional costs or charges (such as for IV pain medication, for an abortion which is further along, for the Rhogam shot)?       
  

• What types of payment (cash, credit card, check, assistance from an abortion fund, etc.) do you accept?

• Do you accept my insurance?

• When are appointments available?

• What will happen on the day of the appointment?

• Will I need to bring anything to the appointment?

• Is a follow-up exam available or required?

 
You might also want to know:
 

• Whether you will be given an ultrasound to determine how long you have been pregnant.

• Whether you are allowed or required to bring someone with you. Some clinics require that you have someone who can drive you home.

• Whether there will be someone to interpret for you if you need that. Interpreter services usually need to be arranged in advance.  If you need them, do this when you make your appointment.

• Whether they perform tests for anemia (low iron in the blood) and Rh factor (a common antibody).

Beware of "Crisis Pregnancy Centers":

Many women may not know about "crisis pregnancy centers".  These places present themselves as resources for women facing unplanned pregnancies. Examples in Massachusetts include A Woman’s Concern, Alternatives Pregnancy Center, Birthright International, Care Net, Compassion Pregnancy Center, Daybreak, First Concern, Friends of the Unborn, Heartbeat Pregnancy Help Center, Liferight, Pregnancy Care Center, Pregnancy Help and Problem Pregnancy.  These centers often locate near reproductive health clinics, create websites that come up in an online search for clinics, and advertise in ways that might appeal to a woman considering an abortion. Women seeking full options counseling or abortion referrals should be aware of such centers, which are managed and funded by organizations that oppose abortion.
 
Most of these organizations exist to convince women not to have an abortion and to delay choosing abortion.  Most give false and misleading information about abortion.  For example, women may be told that abortion causes breast cancer, severe emotional problems or  a significant risk of future infertility.  None of these is true.
 
How can a woman tell if a facility really offers unbiased counseling and abortion services or referrals?

• Check their website for statements about whether or not they provide abortion referrals.

• Ask them directly if they offer full options counseling.

• See if they are hesitant to give referrals for abortion either on the phone or in person.