Abortion Frequently Asked Questions
Abortion Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) at Choices Women’s Medical Center are included on this page. Frequently Asked Questions are answered about Choices in General, Surgical Abortion, Medical Abortion or Abortion Pill, Gynecology, and Pregnancy on separate pages. Choices is woman-owned and operated with mainly women staff.
Are you a free clinic that offers free abortion?
No. Choices is privately owned by Merle Hoffman who founded Choices in 1971 shortly after New York State made abortion legal and two years before it was legalized nationally. At the same time, we help patients work out financing so that abortion can be free or low-cost. We accept most insurance plans as well as NY Medicaid. New York State residents, including Nassau and Suffolk County residents, can apply for Presumptive (Emergency) Medicaid on site for an appointment that day. We also accept cash and all major credit cards. We partner with funding agencies that can help cover the cost.
Do you provide the “Morning After” Pill?
Yes, we do provide the “Morning After” Pill at Choices. Also known as Plan B, it helps prevent pregnancy when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex. Plan B is NOT an abortion pill. It does NOT affect or end an existing pregnancy. Plan B is covered by most insurances and Medicaid.
Do I have to make an appointment for an abortion?
Appointments are always recommended. You may also walk-in for specific services. You can call 718-786-5000 to speak to one of our representatives or make an online appointment for any of our services. Chat is available 9am to 5pm on Monday to Saturday from links on most pages of our website.
Do I need a pregnancy test done at your clinic before scheduling an appointment?
No. Your pregnancy test is performed when you arrive for your appointment.
Up to how many weeks do you terminate pregnancy?
We can terminate pregnancy up to 24 weeks, the legal limit in New York State.
What is the earliest you can be in a pregnancy to terminate?
In most cases the abortion can be performed as early as the EPT pregnancy test shows positive results or at approximately 5 to 6 weeks. Make an appointment with us if your period is two weeks late.
How much does it cost to have an abortion?
The fees for an abortion vary depending on type of service (surgical or non-surgical abortion), type of anesthesia (local anesthesia or general anesthesia) and length of gestation.
What kind of insurance do you accept for abortion? Is it covered?
Choices accepts most private insurances, subject to verification based on the service you are receiving:
Aetna
Affinity
Affinity (MEDICAID)
Cigna
Consumer Health Network
Empire BCBS
Empire Healthplus (MEDICAID)
Empire Plan
Fidelis (MEDICAID)
GHI (Emblem)
HIP (Emblem)
HIP (Emblem MEDICAID)
Health first
Health first (MEDICAID)
Healthcare Partners
Magnacare
Medicaid
Medicare
Metroplus
Metroplus (MEDICAID)
Multiplan
Oscar
Oxford
UHC
United Community Health Plans (MEDICAID)
Wellcare (MEDICAID)
1199
Choices also partners with the following funding agencies for abortion coverage: NYAAF (New York Abortion Access Fund), NNAF (National Network of Abortion Funds), and WRRAP (Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project).
Please click here to view our financial assistance page on our website for more information.
Can I use my parent’s insurance?
Yes.
If I have no money can you help me get a free abortion?
We can help NYC and Nassau and Suffolk residents apply for Presumptive (Emergency) Medicaid when you come in for your appointment.
I don’t have insurance. Can I still get an abortion at Choices?
Yes. If you need help paying for your abortion, Choices can help you in several ways.
*You may qualify for Emergency Medicaid which covers pregnancy-related services, including both medical (“the pill”) and surgical abortions. *We can help secure funds for you from a funding agency or organization that will cover the cost. *We can help you work out a reasonable self-pay plan. Please call 718-349-9100, Ext 520 to speak with a Choices financial counselor who can assist you in abortion funding related questions.
How much does the abortion pill cost?
Medical abortion, also known as the “abortion pill,” is available for $600, which includes your first visit and a follow-up visit.
How much does a surgical abortion cost?
The cost will vary from $500 to $2800, depending on how far along you are in pregnancy.
Can I have an abortion if I’ve had a C-Section for childbirth?
If you have had a C-Section, there are certain limitations for surgical abortions at Choices. If you are in your first trimester (3 months) of pregnancy, you cannot have an abortion at Choices if you have had more than 3 C-sections. If you are 13-17 weeks pregnant, you cannot have an abortion at Choices if you have had more than 2 C-sections. If you are 18-20 weeks, you cannot have an abortion at Choices if you have had more than 1 C-Section. If you are more than 20 weeks pregnant, you cannot have an abortion at Choices if you have had a C-Section.
Is it dangerous to have an abortion?
The procedure is very safe. Fewer risks exist with abortion than childbirth. The physician performing the surgery is highly skilled and specializes in this procedure. Our staff is trained to offer the highest standard of medical care available.
How soon can I get an appointment?
Appointments are available for the same day or the following day. Choices is open Tuesday through Saturday.
Will somebody talk to me before the procedure?
Yes. A licensed social worker will talk with you to make sure you understand the procedure, feel certain about your decision and answer any questions you may have. She will review your medical history, pre- and post-operative instructions and discuss birth control options.
How will I feel emotionally after the abortion?
It has been our experience that the majority of our patients feel relief after the procedure. Every patient is unique, however, and may experience different and varied emotions. We understand that abortion may be a difficult decision for some patients, and the entire Choices staff are dedicated to serve you with compassion and sensitivity.
How will you know how far I am in my pregnancy?
You will be given an ultrasound by our Ultrasound Technician, and our medical practitioner will perform a pelvic exam to determine the length of gestation.
What if I am RH negative?
A blood test performed in our lab will determine your RH factor. If your blood is RH negative, you will be given an injection of MicroRhoGAM following the procedure.
How will I know that the abortion was successful?
The contents of the uterus are sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis. The results of the analysis are sent to the doctor within 5 days of the procedure. You are also advised to return to the clinic two weeks after surgery for a postoperative evaluation which is included in your fee.
What happens if I have some complications/problems after my abortion?
Professional medical staff is available to our patients 24 hours every day. If you have any questions or are experiencing post-operative problems, please call Choices at any hour of the day or night. A RN will speak with you and may ask that you return to our clinic for evaluation.
Can I still get pregnant in the future after my abortion?
Yes, there is no evidence that having an abortion has any effect on future pregnancies.
If a patient is a minor, do they need to have parental consent to have an abortion?
No. Minors in New York State are not required to notify parents or get their consent.
