CHOICES is one of the few clinics that provides abortion services up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. Although over 90 percent of all abortions in the U.S. are done in the first trimester, many women need abortions beyond that.

There are many different reasons why women need later abortions, all of which are completely valid. These reasons may include:

• They did not realize they were pregnant earlier. (Women may skip their period for many, non-pregnancy-related reasons, including stress.)
• They did not have funds and did not know that New York Medicaid can assist.
• They were too embarrassed or fearful to tell anyone and didn't know where to go for help.
• They were pressured by a partner or parents to continue the pregnancy.
• They were uncertain of their own feelings and what to do.
• They live in a state with restrictive laws and very few abortion providers.

At CHOICES, we honor every patient’s right to choose in a completely nonjudgmental and confidential space, and provide abortions for every stage of pregnancy up to 24 weeks.

No matter how far along in her pregnancy a woman is, when she comes to our clinic she spends time with a sympathetic, compassionate female counselor trained in reproductive health and women's psychology. The counselor will discuss the appropriate abortion procedures and any concerns or questions the woman may have. She will also discuss other options such as adoption without putting pressure on the patient to decide either way.

The Second Trimester Abortion Procedure
Second trimester abortion (13 to 24 weeks) is done at our abortion clinic in NYC with a very safe surgical procedure known as D & E (dilation and evacuation). This procedure is done in two stages and will require you to come to Choices for part of two days. Our caring, compassionate, and supportive staff in the operating room will make sure that you feel completely comfortable and that all of your questions are answered.

Stage One - Dilation of the Cervix
Our professional sonographer will take a sonogram to determine exactly how far along the pregnancy is. Once this has been determined, the physician will insert cervical dilators.  After the insertion, you will be instructed on when to return to the clinic (which will usually be the next day), what to expect during the period when the dilators are in place and how to care for and observe yourself to prevent complications and manage any problems. If your pregnancy is more advanced in the second trimester, you may need to have the dilation done in two stages. Once the dilators are inserted the cervix begins to stretch and the abortion has begun.

Stage Two - Evacuation of the Uterus
For this stage of the procedure, you will be positioned as if for a regular GYN examination. The total time will be about half an hour, and you will be given general anesthesia.You might bleed after the procedure, but most likely the flow will be similar to the flow of a normal period.

Your condition will be observed and monitored for an hour so we can make sure you are recovering smoothly. For two weeks after the abortion, you will not be able to do any heavy lifting or straining, and you must abstain from placing anything inside your vagina.

Choices Women’s Medical Center in Queens, New York City, is committed to providing the highest quality reproductive healthcare in a safe, nonjudgmental, patient-centered environment. By offering second trimester abortions, we are continuing our tradition of fulfilling the needs of women from all five boroughs of New York, and beyond, through our out-of-town program [link].