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Important Things to KnowBefore Having an Abortion
Name of the doctor performing the abortion
Many abortion clinics will not offer you the doctor's name unless you request it. This is important information in case of complications or injury resulting from the abortion. In addition, ask yourself, would you want to have surgery without knowing the name or any information about the doctor?
Qualifications of the doctor performing the abortion
Strangely, most state regulations do not require that doctors performing an abortion specialize in obstetrics or gynecology. It is important to determine what, if any, specialized training your doctor has received in this area of medicine.
History of the doctor performing the abortion
Malpractice suits which have been settled are a matter of public record. This information can be obtained by calling your state Health Claims Arbitration Office under the Department of the Attorney General. This will help you get some background information on the doctor that will be treating you. In this regard, it is also important to determine if the doctor has visiting privileges at a local hospital, in the event follow-up care is needed.
Availability of pre- and post-abortion counseling
Before and after counseling is an important part of your overall care. Look for an abortion provider who is respectful of the emotional issues involved in your decision and who will inform you about the physical and emotional risks you may encounter from the surgery. If these services are not offered to you at the abortion clinic, you might want to consider other options.
Abortion is an "elective" surgery
Because abortion is elective surgery, take your time and consider all your options. You have the right to change your mind at any time right up until the abortion has begun. No one should try to convince you to go through the abortion if you still have questions or would like some time to reconsider.
Know your legal rights after an abortion
An abortion clinic might insist that a patient sign a release form that will not hold the clinic or the doctor liable for injuries, which might occur because of the abortion. Know that this document has no legal authority. If you are injured during the abortion, you retain your right to receive financial compensation in a court of law, regardless of what you signed.
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