Choosing a medical facility or professional can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. All you need is information you can trust. Using this guide below to find the best abortion clinic in Manhattan, NY, will help ensure you find a safe, reputable office.
8 Tips to Help You Find the Best Abortion Clinic in Manhattan
If you follow the 8 steps below, you should be able to track down the best abortion clinic in Manhattan, NY.
1) Know the Red Flags
2022 was a big year in the fight for reproductive rights, and no matter what anyone says, you do have them. Crisis pregnancy centers can make matters worse and finding the right abortion clinic more difficult than ever. Know what to look for.
A crisis pregnancy center (CPC) is not the same as an abortion clinic. CPCs are actually designed to stop people from having an abortion. They can also discourage the use of birth control. They may appear to be health centers but they aren’t regulated.
It’s important to know that many CPCs are affiliated with religious organizations and may advertise “pro life” or “choose life” messages. Pay attention to the language used.
Here are some red flags to look out for:
- Claims that abortions are illegal, dangerous, or can be reversed
- Only uses negative references to abortions, birth control, and/or sex
- Promises of financial aid if you continue a pregnancy
- They’ll only refer you to an abortion clinic if you go for a consultation
- You’re not referred to a legitimate abortion clinic
- You’re told you have to come in for an appointment to discuss abortion services
2) Know It’s Okay To Leave an Uncomfortable Appointment
CPCs are great at masquerading what they’re really about. If you find yourself in one, know it is okay for you to leave. You are not obligated to any services they offer.
Many women find leaving uncomfortable. If this applies to you, try keeping it simple. Just know that you can say, “Thank you for the information,” and go, and there’s nothing wrong with it.
Just remember to pay attention to your instincts. If anything at all feels off, you’ve not found the best abortion clinic for you.
3) Ask Someone You Trust For a Referral
Abortion isn’t always easy to talk about, but if there is someone in your life you trust who has had an abortion, find out who they recommend. Oftentimes, word of mouth is a good way to find medical services.
4) Make A List Of Clinics and Start With Phone Calls
Again, you need to pay attention to red flags even on the phone. You should be given very clear answers to your questions. If you’re not sure exactly what to ask, here is a list to get you started:
- Are there board certified gynecologists and nurses on staff?
- Can you set up a time to see the facility?
- Do they accept insurance?
- Have any patients experienced complications?
- How many years of experience do they have performing abortions?
- How many visits will you need to make?
- What types of abortions do they offer?
- What is the cost of each type of abortion?
- If you do not have insurance, do they offer financial assistance?
- Is there someone you can speak to about birth control?
- What type of pain medication will you have?
- What is the emergency protocol?
- Will there be someone to speak to you after hours?
5) Pay Attention to the Facility and Staff at the Abortion Clinic in Manhattan
Even if you can’t see the facility ahead of your appointment, you can still get a feel for it during. Is it clean? Is there a separate exit from the waiting area? How much privacy will you have? What about the atmosphere? Was it calm, welcoming, and comfortable?
Was the staff friendly when they greeted you? Did they answer your questions clearly? Were you treated with respect? Did you feel your privacy and confidentiality were upheld? Few things are worse than rude staff!
6) If You Feel You Need Financial Assistance, Know How to Get It
In New York, Medicaid will cover the cost of an abortion. However, you need to apply and be approved first. If you do not qualify for Medicaid, you might still qualify for funding assistance from another resource.
If you are able to receive financial help, know that most funding sources work directly with the abortion clinic. Patients are typically awarded grants that cover a portion of the abortion costs and money will not be sent directly to you. It is a good idea to figure out how much you can cover on your own before contacting anyone for help.
Typically, there is an application that must be completed in order to receive funding. Make sure you follow the directions carefully. Mistakes could void or delay processing your paperwork. If you are unclear about how forms need to be filled out, always ask.
7) Remember, Knowledge is Power
Before your visit to the best abortion clinic in Manhattan, New York, learn about the types of abortions, how they work, side effects, and approximately what they cost. Of course, there will be someone to answer all these questions for you, but learn what you can on your own to avoid surprises.
You will have an ultrasound to help determine how far along the pregnancy is. If it is 10 weeks or less, you might qualify for a medical abortion or abortion pills.
Surgical abortions can be done either through a dilation and curettage (D&C) or if the pregnancy is 13 to 24 weeks, a dilation and evacuation (D&E). These are different procedures that require preparation.
8) Ask About Counseling and Support Services
If the decision has been made to terminate a pregnancy because of a fetal anomaly, choose an abortion clinic that offers grief counseling resources should you need them. The clinic staff should also encourage family members to accompany you during evaluation and counseling.
Ideally, the abortion clinic you choose will have 24/7 support. No matter the situation, you deserve quality care at any hour of the day.
Another support function that a reputable abortion clinic will offer is a follow-up appointment. Whether you have a medical or surgical abortion, you need to have a follow up to make sure the pregnancy was terminated successfully and that your recovery is going well. You should be able to do that at the same clinic.
For the Best Abortion Clinic in Manhattan, New York, Choose Metropolitan Medical Associates in Nearby Englewood
At Metropolitan Medical Associates, we guarantee safe, confidential, and personalized care for every patient. Our board-certified gynecologists have over 100 years of combined experience and are affiliated with Englewood Hospital.
We provide 24/7 abortion pill care and will be here to help when you need us. Our team also consists of anesthesiologists, experienced nurses, and counseling staff that are here to answer all your questions.
In addition to safe abortion services, we also provide other care for women including but not limited to birth control, STD screening, and smoking cessation. If you are ready to request your appointment, or have questions about our team or the medical care we offer, please contact us at 800-932-0378.
If you request your appointment online, please be sure to leave accurate contact information. You can expect to receive a confirmation phone call 24 hours before your appointment date.