Frequently Asked Questions

Before Your Visit

How far along can I be to get an abortion in Maryland?

We provide abortions up to 35 weeks at our clinic in Maryland. Please keep in mind that abortions after 28 weeks are done on a case by case basis.

How far along can I be to get an abortion in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, we can provide abortions up to 10.6 weeks.

What types of procedures do you offer?

The medical abortion pill is available up to 10.6 weeks.

D & C (dilation & curettage) - available to all patients under 14 weeks.

D & E (dilation & evacuation) - available for patients between 14 and 24 weeks.

Induction abortions - available for patients who are between 24 weeks and 35 weeks.

If I am a minor, can I have an abortion?

Definition of a Minor: In Nebraska, a minor is anyone under the age of 18 years old who is not married.
Nebraska’s Parental Notification for Abortion Law (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-6902- 6906) Nebraska law requires a minor to obtain notarized legal consent from a parent or guardian before being allowed to have an abortion.
There are three exceptions: a medical emergency, a situation in which there’s proven abuse or neglect in the home, or a situation in which the court (Judicial Bypass) agrees that there’s “clear and convincing evidence that the pregnant woman is both sufficiently mature and well-informed to decide whether to have an abortion.”
We have a relationship with local lawyers who do pro bono (free) work in helping minors obtain judicial bypasses in a quick manner. Please contact the clinic at 1(800) 737-3845 for further information about this process.
Definition of a Minor: In Maryland, a minor is anyone under the age of 18 years who is not married or the parent of a child.
Maryland's Parental Notification for Abortion Law (Article 20-103 of the Maryland Annotated Code)
Maryland law requires that one parent or guardian be notified before a minor has an abortion. The parent/guardian does not need to consent (agree) with the minor's choice, but does need to know the minor is planning to have an abortion. Maryland's parental notification law says specifically that no notification is required if, in the judgment of the doctor performing the abortion:
The minor is mature and capable of giving her informed consent to the procedure, OR
Notification would not be in the minor's best interest, OR
Notice may lead to physical or emotional abuse of the minor, OR
The minor patient does not live with her parent or guardian, OR
A reasonable effort to give notice has been unsuccessful.

Preparation for Appointment

How do I prepare for an appointment?

Purses and bags aren't allowed for safety reasons. You may bring in your phone, wallet, keys, food, drinks, a book or reading device.
Wear comfortable clothes (layers, a sports bra, and underwear).
Expect to be in the clinic 2-3 hours if doing the medical abortion. If you are doing the surgical procedure, plan to be here at least 4-6 hours. The times can vary depending on the amount of patients that are coming in and what procedure they are planning to do that day. Plan to be here the majority of the day to be safe. Please take a shower the morning of your appointment and eat a light breakfast.

What do I bring for my appointment?

If you have a photo ID which matches the name you gave us when making your appointment, please bring it and your form of payment. If you do not have a photo ID, please contact us to make arrangements.

Can someone come with me to my appointment?

For the safety and privacy of our other patients, no one besides the person being seen is allowed inside of the clinic. However, one support person may wait for you in the lobby, or in their car.

Do you have translators?

We have employees who are bilingual in Spanish and English, but we do not staff translators for other languages. We work with our patients in determining the best and most cost-efficient way to access a translator for the procedure and follow-up care.

Privacy & Security

How secure is your facility?

We have double door entrance, which is equipped with a metal detector. We do not let anyone in the building without a photo ID. We have a camera system indoors and outdoors surveying the property. We also have a great relationship with the local police and fire department.

Will my information stay private?

Yes. We are a medical facility and are required to follow HIPAA regulations just like any other medical office.

Pain & Sedation

Will I feel pain?

The medical abortion does involve cramping and heavy bleeding (like an intense period), but you are able to take Tylenol and Ibuprofen.
IV sedation is provided as a standard for all abortions 18 weeks and over at our Maryland location.
For the surgical procedures, we administer a local anesthetic which numbs your cervix. You do feel pressure from some of the instruments used and may experience cramping during your procedure, but you will not experience intolerable pain. We do our best to manage any discomfort or pain you may feel.
Moderate sedation is available at both of our locations.

Do you offer IV sedation?

We do offer IV sedation at our Maryland clinic only.

Post-Procedure

How much will I bleed after my abortion?

Bleeding usually occurs for 2-3 weeks and may be “off and on” for up to 6 weeks. Bleeding can be heavier than a normal period, or you could not bleed at all. You also may pass some clots. When you are here for your appointment, we will give you a “How Much Am I Bleeding” graphic to take home and educate you on what bleeding is normal and what would be considered concerning.

What is recovery like after my abortion?

You may return to normal activity following leaving the clinic. With the medical abortion, there are no restrictions following your abortion. If you have a surgical procedure, there is a restriction of nothing in the vagina for 1 week (no tampons, douching, or sex).

Travel and Payment

Do I have to have someone to drive me home?

If you are having an abortion that takes multiple days, we strongly encourage you to have a support person with you. If this is not possible, we can help you navigate options. If you receive IV sedation, you will need a licensed driver to drive you home. If it is not possible for you to bring a licensed driver, please call us ahead to make arrangements.

Can I get help to pay for my abortion?

We work with many abortion funders, including the National Abortion Federation and the National Network of Abortion Funds, which may help in paying for part of your procedure. Our team member that makes your appointment will provide you with the contact information for abortion funds that you need.

Do you accept insurance for an abortion?

We accept cash, credit, or debit. Our billing specialist can consult with you about using your insurance. If you are more than 24 weeks pregnant, we cannot file an insurance claim for you. However, we can provide an itemized statement for you to file a claim on your own.

How do I pay for my abortion?

We accept cash, credit, or debit for forms of payment. If you are using a credit or debit card, the card must match the name on the photo ID of the patient or person with you. We can accept Health Saving Account Cards (HSA/HRSA) if you are covered on that plan.

There are organizations we work with who provide financial assistance. Our team member that makes your appointment will provide you with the contact information for abortion funds that you need.

We do not accept checks, money orders, or Care Credit. The full amount is due at the time of your appointment.

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Services provided in Bellevue, Nebraska or Bethesda, Maryland.

CARE | Bellevue, Nebraska

CARE | Bethesda, Maryland