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Book an Appointment, Obtain Consent, Gather Further Information:

Book an Appointment Online or Get More Information about scheduling an abortion.

Read about the Centers abortion methods including the Medical Abortion and Surgical Abortion Procedures.

Find out the difference between a Medical Abortion and a Surgical Abortion methods, the current abortion laws in addition to common questions about the Judicial Process through our Abortion Frequently Asked Questions.

Post Abortion Care - What to expect after an abortion and what to do.

Read how to Obtain Consent for an abortion in Alabama under the age of 18.

Find out what you can expect from a Abortion Counseling Visit & Consent Information.

Read about What You Need to Bring on the day of your abortion

Making Decisions

After you have had a pregnancy test and know for sure that you are pregnant, you should carefully decide whether you want to continue the pregnancy and become a parent, place the child for adoption, or whether you want to have an abortion. Counselors at a family planning clinic can help you decide what you want to do. All counseling is confidential. It is important not to delay your decision. If you decide to continue the pregnancy, it is very important for you to see a doctor as soon as possible for prenatal care. If you decide to have an abortion, it is best to have the procedure as soon as possible after you realize you are pregnant. Abortions can legally be performed up to 20 weeks, however, the more advanced your pregnancy, the more expensive and increased health risk exist. West Alabama Women’s Center performs abortions up to and including 20 weeks. If you decide that you want to get an abortion, you should then decide whether you are able and willing to ask for permission from a parent or guardian. If you cannot get permission or choose not to discuss the pregnancy or make your parents aware of the pregnancy then you can go to court to ask for a judge’s consent.

How To Obtain A Judicial Waiver

Our Standards of Treatment

The Center provides safe medical treatment for women seeking abortion in keeping with the following standards:

Reproductive Rights

The Supreme Court has ruled that a woman has a right to decide if she wants an abortion. You can be assured that all information is strictly confidential and your privacy will be respected and guarded. Alabama State laws prevent same day procedure unless counseling material is received by certified mail. There is a 24-hour waiting period. Married women do not need their husbands' consent; however, parental or Judicial Consent is necessary if the patient is under the age of 18. Alabama law requires only one signature for parental consent.

Procedures

Abortions are performed for patients who are 4 to 20 weeks gestation. Ultrasound is performed to determine exact length of pregnancy and is included in the fee. The Center utilizes the most modern and by far the safest Surgical Abortion procedure, with terminations monitored by ultrasound. We use the simplest procedure, therefore, discomfort is kept at a minimum. Analgesics and anesthetics are used. We also offer Medical abortions (methotrexate, mifepristone) to patients who are candidates for that procedure as well as Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill).

Determination of Length of Pregnancy

Before any abortion can be done, a medical professional must confirm that a woman is indeed pregnant and determine exactly how long she has been pregnant. The length of a pregnancy is usually measured by the number of days that have passed since the first day of the woman's last menstrual period (abbreviated as LMP). Medical abortions can be performed as early as a pregnancy can be confirmed. In fact, the shorter the time that a woman has been pregnant, the better the medications will work. Because they do not work as well later in pregnancy, medical abortion is not usually an option after 9 weeks (or 63 days) LMP. After that, surgical abortion is the safest and best option.

Counseling

Counseling Services are provided to discuss the abortion procedure, the patient's feelings, risks and complications, alternatives to abortion if desired, birth control and follow up care. Information concerning these issues is also available to friends and family of the patient.

Laboratory Testing

Routine laboratory analysis includes hematocrit, pregnancy test, urinalysis, and blood Rh factor.

Contact Us

If at any time you have any questions please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions or Contact us directly at 1-800-616-2383. We also offer an Online Glossary for your reference to define specific medical terms found throughout our website.