» Do I need anyone's permission to have an abortion?
California law does not require consent or permission of a parent or spouse. We encourage you to seek support from those you trust and respect.

» Will an abortion prevent me from getting pregnant later?
Pregnancy termination performed by experienced physicians should not affect your future fertility.

» I've already had an abortion. Is it safe to have another?
Yes. There is no clear evidence that suggests multiple abortions, (done properly by qualified, experienced physicians) will affect your future fertility.

» Do I need to go to the hospital to have this procedure?
No. In most cases, an outpatient surgical facility such as Eve Surgical Center is designed and staffed specifically to meet these needs. However, we have staff privileges at Cedars Sinai Medical Center and we would be the first to advise you, if hospitalization were appropriate.

» Why is an ultrasound (sonogram) used?
We use ultrasound on every patient to increase the safety of the procedure. It allows our physician to determine the duration of pregnancy as well as diagnose whether the pregnancy is ectopic (tubal), or any uterine abnormalities.

» Who performs the abortion?
Our physicians are Board Certified Obstetricians/Gynecologists who specialize in pregnancy termination service and are nationally recognized for their skill and expertise.

» How long does the abortion take?
When the pregnancy is early, the procedure is quite brief. However, due to paperwork, counseling, lab work and recovery, your total time at our center is approximately 3-4 hours. More advanced pregnancies usually require 2 or more visits on consecutive days.

» Will I hear anything during the procedure?
No. We have modified the technique to make it silent.

» What are the possible complications?
With any surgical procedure, there is a possibility of complications. Serious complications are very rare and in fact, abortion is considered safer than childbirth. The skill of the physician and general health of the woman are important factors in determining the risk of complications. At Eve Surgical Center our complication rate is less than the national average and our physicians are nationally recognized for their skill and expertise.

» How will I feel afterwards?
Most women are able to return to daily activities 1 to 2 days after the abortion. There will be some bleeding and restrictions on certain activities. This will be discussed in detail at your visit. Please keep in mind that everyone is unique and this has been an emotional as well as physical experience.