FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do not use the information found here as a substitute for a doctor’s advice.
You can call us at 901-722-8050.
Are pregnancy terminations legal?
Pregnancy termination in Tennessee is legal, except under certain circumstances. Our clinic performs abortions only on patients between 6 and 15.2 weeks of pregnancy determined by the LMP, or last normal menstrual period. Speak with one of our staff in person or by phone to determine the length of your pregnancy by LMP if you are unsure. Even if you are farther along than 15.2 weeks, we can suggest other exceptional clinics that can help. Keep in mind that, as a rule, earlier termination is safer and less expensive than later procedures.
If you are a minor, Tennessee Law currently requires parental consent, so ONE consenting parent or guardian of record must accompany you to our clinic with the parent’s identification, AND EITHER…
- The child’s birth certificate with the accompanying parent’s name on it,
- The accompanying guardian’s court papers establishing guardianship.
OR
IF YOU CANNOT OBTAIN CONSENT FROM YOUR PARENT OR GUARDIAN, you may still obtain a “juvenile court bypass” at no cost. Call us for information on how to obtain this important document. You should be prepared to bring your identification with you the day of your visit. The bypass itself is faxed to our clinic automatically once the court grants it.
Are pregnancy terminations safe?
The National Abortion Foundation states it most clearly, based on their research:
“Surgical abortion is one of the safest types of medical procedures. Complications from having a first trimester abortion are considerably less frequent and less serious than those associated with giving birth,” and stating further that, “in comparison, a woman’s risk of death during pregnancy and childbirth is ten times greater.”
“Serious complications arising from surgical abortions performed before 13 weeks are quite unusual. About 88% of the women who obtain abortions are less than 13 weeks pregnant. Of these women, 97% report no complications; 2.5% have minor complications that can be handled at the medical office or abortion facility; and less than 0.5% have more serious complications that require some additional surgical procedure and/or hospitalization.”
For our part, the Memphis Area Medical Center For Women has an excellent record of safety, and has used time-tested methods to reduce patient injury and discomfort to negligible levels. Keep in mind that our clinic only sees patients between 6 and 15.2 weeks from their last normal menstrual period (LMP), when procedures are both safer, less uncomfortable, and less expensive than those performed at later stages.
I have already had an abortion before. Is that a problem?
No. Generally speaking, a patient terminating more than one pregnancy is not a problem. The doctor will use his or her discretion in all cases. The patient will be strongly urged to get on birth control.
I don’t know if I am pregnant or not. Can you help?
Yes. We can determine how many weeks along you are, based on your last normal menstrual period, either in person or over the phone, and we provide on-site pregnancy tests. Please refer to the section entitled “Services and Scheduling” for more information.
I have been told I am “Rh Negative.” What then?
We will determine your Rh factor in the lab, and provide Rhogam© only if needed. This shot protects future pregnancies in women who are Rh Negative, but is unnecessary for women who are not Rh Negative. The price is 5-11.6 weeks $50.00; 12-15.2 weeks $100.00 extra.
I have been told I have fibroid tumors. Can I still have an abortion?
It depends on the placement and the size of the tumors. We can evaluate your needs during your visit.
How do you safeguard my medical privacy?
Your privacy is very important to us. We have taken several steps to protect your information, including secure document disposal. Also keep in mind we will not confirm appointments over the phone once the appointment is made (even if we think it is “really you” on the other end of the line), nor do we specify the reason for your visit on doctor’s notes to employers. We also only accept cash, in part because it limits the likelihood of digital banking and billing information falling into the wrong hands. We have no network to protect because we have no computerized patient information at all. These and other steps are taken specifically to keep others from intruding in your private affairs.
What if I am from another state/country?
Where you live makes no difference on your choice to visit our clinic for medical treatment. Be sure not to forget your identification, though, or any other required documents. Please refer to the section entitled “Services and Scheduling” for more information.
What if I change my mind?
You can change your mind up until the point when your cervix is dilated at the beginning of the actual procedure. Once the cervix is dilated, however, stopping the procedure would increase the likelihood of infection.
How long have you been in business?
We have been providing discreet, safe, and professional reproductive services for women since 1978. All procedures are performed on-site by gynecologists licensed by the State of Tennessee.
Are there protestors at your clinic?
Sometimes, but the legal balance we currently enjoy in this country between their right to protest and our right to provide a legal and necessary service means there is little to be concerned about. See the question below, “Is there security at your clinic?” for more information.
Is there security at your clinic?
Yes, trained security personnel are on-premises during all hours of operation. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that patients retain free access to the clinic and its services without undue interference from others. The National Abortion Foundation, of which our clinic is a member in good standing, reminds us that the FACE Act (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act) “makes it illegal to intentionally use force, the threat of force, or physical obstruction to injure, intimidate, interfere with, or attempt to injure, intimidate, or interfere with somebody who provides or is obtaining reproductive health services.”
No one has a right to bother you on your way into the clinic about your decision, or to interrogate you about your life or your choices. This is a governing principle of our clinic and our security staff. Let someone at the clinic know if you have any problems or questions relating to access or harassment during your visit. Our security personnel can deal with any situation and, as such, it is extremely rare for problems to arise at all.
Is there sufficient parking at your clinic?
Yes, there is always sufficient free parking available in the two on-premises parking lots and on two other lots immediately adjacent.
Do you provide translators?
¿Usted proporciona a los traductores?
Fournissez-vous des traducteurs?
No. We cannot provide translation.
No. No podemos proporcionar a la traducción.
Non. Nous ne pouvons pas fournir la traduction.
Do you provide the “morning after pill” (emergency contraception) or RU-486 (Mifepristone & Misoprostol)?
Yes we offer RV486 Medical Abortion..
Is there pain during the procedure?
Patients advise that the pain is similar to light to moderate menstrual cramping.
Will I be able to work the next day?
While some people feel comfortable enough to do light work the day after the procedure, we can provide doctor’s notes excusing the day of the procedure and the day following the procedure on request.
How long does the procedure take?
Pregnancy termination itself takes only a few minutes. The largest part of your time with us will be spent in our lab, speaking with our counselor, watching the informative video and, yes, waiting while tests are run. Your time with us will be about three hours total in our relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
How long will I be at the clinic the day of the procedure?
Your visit will take approximately three hours. Please refer to the section entitled “Services and Scheduling” for more information.
What should I bring with me the day of the procedure?
You should bring your identification, wear comfortable clothing, and bring a support person with you, if you wish. No children are allowed at the clinic, unless you are a minor having a procedure, in which case you will need your parent or guardian and some form of identification. You will need to pay for services in cash during check-in. Please refer to the above entry entitled, “Are pregnancy terminations legal?” as well as the section entitled “Services and Scheduling” for more information.
What if I am under 18?
You will need a consenting parent or consenting legal guardian to accompany you, OR you can obtain a judicial bypass. You must bring certain documents with you. Please see the above entry entitled, “Are pregnancy terminations legal?” for more information.
Do you accept insurance?
No. We will, however, assist you in filling out insurance forms, and provide you with itemized statements for you to submit to your insurance company.
Do you accept checks, credit/debit cards, or money orders?
Due to security and privacy considerations, we accept only cash. While we do not have an ATM machine on the premises, there is ATM access in the surrounding area.
Do you provide birth control, antibiotics, or pain medications?
We provide birth control and birth control counseling as a part of the termination process. Antibiotics and pain medication prescriptions are provided at the discretion of the doctor.
Do you provide nitrous oxide gas before the procedure?
Yes, we provide nitrous oxide gas, commonly known as “laughing gas,” which makes patients feel more relaxed, reduces cramping, and eases discomfort. It also wears off quickly after the procedure.
What if I am currently taking medications?
If you are taking medications, give us a call so we can advise you about potential conflicts if any exist. When you make your appointment, please include this important information, and advise us of any medical problems you have.
Will there be bleeding after I leave the clinic?
Everyone is different in this respect. Not everyone bleeds after a procedure; don’t worry if you don’t bleed at all. Some do bleed after a procedure (which is also normal), usually from two to three weeks, like you would during your normal cycle. Most patients will have light to moderate bleeding only for up to three weeks. If bleeding is greater than that, patients can call the clinic any time of day, any day of the week.
Will there be cramping after I leave the clinic?
Again, everyone is different. Some people may not cramp; others may have mild to moderate cramping. These are normal conditions.
How soon can I engage in sex after the procedure?
Do not engage in vaginal sex until you have your follow-up exam, which is usually scheduled two weeks after the procedure.
How soon can I bathe after the procedure?
You can shower and shampoo as soon as you return home, but refrain from tub baths for at least two weeks after your procedure. Also, do not douche or use tampons until your follow-up exam, which is usually scheduled two weeks after the procedure. These recommendations are important to prevent infection during the critical time after your procedure, but before your follow-up.