Post-Abortion Appointments Now Available

We have a new type of appointment available here at the Center of Hope!

A post-abortion appointment can be scheduled for those women who have had an abortion in the past 4-6 weeks. You might be thinking… “Why is this important?” This appointment is very important to assess the woman for any possible infection or blood loss that could be occurring due to the abortion she recently had.

We offer STD testing for anyone who wants to be tested, but we encourage STD testing for women who are considering abortion. This is why: A woman who has an STD and either doesn’t know or doesn’t receive treatment can greatly increase her risk for worsening infection. If a surgical abortion is performed, the instrument put into the uterus can push whatever infection the woman may have even higher into other reproductive organs. If the device perforates into the uterus… infection could begin. I say all of that to say this: This appointment is important to assess any possibility of infection or anything that could pose a risk to the woman’s health so that help can be sought as soon as possible. Infection may not occur with every abortion performed, but it is a risk that could become very serious if untreated.

At this appointment, the nurse will meet with the patient and go over the paperwork. A pregnancy test will be performed, and results will be given. The Nurse will take the vital signs of the patient and assess if they are abnormal. Fever as well as high heart rate can be an indication of infection. The nurse will assess the patient and see if there are any new symptoms being experienced that may indicate infection. Symptoms may include worsening pain, bleeding, foul-smelling odor from the vagina, etc. Along with physical symptoms, the nurse will discuss and assess emotional well-being as well. This will be a time the patient can discuss her abortion experience if she so desires. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Once that is completed the patient has the option of opting or declining a fingerstick. The nurse will collect a small amount of blood from the finger to check for the Hemoglobin levels in the blood. A low hemoglobin level may indicate blood loss. For each of these assessments, the nurse may indicate the patient receives further care.

Written by:

McKenzie, Staff Nurse