FAQS

Commonly Asked Questions about Abortions & Women’s Services

At South Avenue Women’s Services, we understand that making decisions about your reproductive health can be complex and emotional. As a board-certified clinic in Rochester, NY, specializing in medical and surgical abortions, we are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment for women’s services. This page provides helpful links and addresses some of the most frequently asked questions about abortion and related services, helping you make informed decisions about your health. In addition to abortions, we offer a range of elective services, including various birth control options, STI/STD testing, and gynecology exams, among others. If you have any questions, please call us at (585) 271-3850, and a member of our staff will assist.

Clinic Information and Appointments

How is your practice different from others in your area?

We are a private practice with 36 plus years of experience, not a clinic. We are located on a busy hospital campus in the Rochester area, so you cannot be distinguished from an employee, a patient, or a visitor. We are also a full service OB/GYN practice, so other patients whom you may encounter do not know what services you are seeking. Many patients who start off having a termination of pregnancy at our office become OB/GYN patients in our practice. Because of our long history of providing safe and private services, we receive referrals from private physicians from various locations.

Is an appointment needed?

All of our procedures by appointments only. Evening and weekend appointments are available by staff availability. In most cases we will be able to see patients the same day that they call or the next day. Some important information will be taken over the phone.

Do you accept walk ins?

All our procedures by appointments only. Evening and weekend appointments are available by staff availability. In most cases we will be able to see patients the same day that they call or the next day. Some important information will be taken over the phone. Please fill out the contact form or call.

Do you offer evening appointments after 5pm?

Yes, we offer evening appointments. Please call (585) 271-3850 to schedule your appointment.

How long will I be at your office?

At your first visit, plan on 45 minutes to fill out a medical questionnaire, have an ultrasound, be counseled, and complete the procedure. We also have evening and weekend hours. Your follow-up visit is much shorter.

When will someone respond to an appointment request?

Normally within 48 hours. In the event of a holiday are the occasions where it may be longer. In most cases we will be able to see patients the same day that they call or the next day. Some important information will be taken over the phone. Fill out the contact form or call for an appointment.

Abortion Options and Procedures

What is the difference between medical and surgical abortion?

Medical Abortion

Surgical Abortion

What are the different abortion options?

There are two types of abortion: medical abortion & surgical abortion.

Medical abortion involves taking medication (“the abortion pill”) to end a pregnancy within the first nine weeks. Surgical abortion involves a medical procedure to remove the pregnancy from the uterus and can be performed at various stages of pregnancy, depending on the method used.

When is the latest you can perform an abortion?

By New York state law we cannot perform an abortion after 24 weeks.

Do you offer a pill option?

Yes, please see our Medical Abortion page for more information about the pill option. Fill out the contact form or call for an appointment.

How does the abortion pill work?

The abortion pill is a combination of two medications, Mifepristone and Misoprostol, which work together to terminate a pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for the pregnancy to continue. Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus breaks down, and the pregnancy cannot progress. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract, expelling the pregnancy tissue. This process results in heavy bleeding and the passing of blood clots and tissue. For more information, please call us.

Will my procedure be done the same day?

It is our goal to meet your needs. The medical abortion can always be performed on the first day you visit our office. The surgical abortion is a one-day procedure if you are less than 10 weeks. If you are between 10 and 12 weeks, it can be either a one-day or a two-day procedure at the request of the patient and the discretion of the doctor. If you are over 13 weeks, it is a two-day procedure.

Can a pregnancy test and abortion be performed in the same visit?

Yes. At your first visit, plan on 45 minutes to fill out a medical questionnaire, have an ultrasound, be counseled, and complete the procedure. We also have evening and weekend hours. Your follow-up visit is much shorter. Please fill out the contact form or call.

What should I expect?

Read over our Abortion pages here and here for an idea of what to expect. See our post procedure instructions for aftercare information. Fill out the contact form or call for an appointment.

Legal Aspects and Regulations

Is abortion legal?

Since the overturning of Roe V. Wade in June of 2022, abortion policies and services vary by state. Abortion is legal in New York. For the most up-to-date information, visit Abortion Finder’s State-by-State guide.

What are the abortion laws in NY?

Abortion is legal in New York State. Any person who can get pregnant, such as women, transgender men, non-binary individuals, and anyone with a uterus, can get an abortion. You can get an abortion regardless of your immigration status and have a right to receive medical care, including abortions, in your preferred language. The state does not have any parental involvement requirements, mandatory waiting periods, or mandated counseling.

Do I need parental consent to get an abortion?

New York does not have any parental involvement requirements for minors seeking an abortion.

Is it legal to travel outside of your home state for an abortion?

If you are not a minor, there are no penalties for traveling to get an abortion. Some states are motioning for laws that would punish minors who travel across state lines for an abortion. Please visit Abortion Finder’s State-by-State guide to check the laws of your state.

Cost, Insurance, and Financial Assistance

What insurance do you accept?

Abortion is covered by most insurance plans in the Rochester area. We accept reimbursement from most area insurers, including Aetna, Blue Choice, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Blue Choice Option, Excellus, Medicaid, Preferred Care, Preferred Care Option, and many other plans. Insured patients should remember that they may have a cash co-pay. If you have out-of-area insurance, you can discuss the details of coverage and payment with us. We don’t work with parasail at this time.

How much does an abortion cost without insurance?

For patients without insurance, or who do not wish to use their insurance, cash payment is accepted at the time of service. Cost depends on the procedure being done as well as how far along the pregnancy is. We accept VISA, MasterCard, and Discover. We do not accept personal checks. People with unusual financial hardship may qualify for a discounted fee. Please fill out the contact form or call.

What is the cost?

Cost depends on the procedure being done as well as how far along the pregnancy is. For patients without insurance, or who do not wish to use their insurance, cash payment is accepted at the time of service. We accept VISA, MasterCard, and Discover. We do not accept personal checks. People with unusual financial hardship may qualify for a discounted fee. Please fill out the contact form or call.

Do you offer payment plans or discounts?

We do not offer payment plans. The cost is a one time payment. People with unusual financial hardship may qualify for a discounted fee. In most cases the fee is all-inclusive, covering all services including a post-procedure appointment. A few extra services or medications require a separate additional fee.

Can I make an appointment without insurance?

You can make an appointment. For patients without insurance, or who do not wish to use their insurance, cash payment or credit card is accepted at the time of service. People with unusual financial hardship may qualify for a discounted fee. Fill out the contact form or call for an appointment.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Is my procedure confidential?

Absolutely! We are a private practice and follow all of the HIPPA laws. When you walk through our office doors, no one knows what services you are seeking since we are a full-service OB/GYN practice. We do not speak to anyone about your procedure without your written permission.

How private is my visit?

We are a private practice and follow all the HIPPA laws. When you walk through our office doors, no one knows what services you are seeking since we are a full-service OB/GYN practice. We do not speak to anyone about your procedure without your written permission. Fill out the contact form or call for an appointment.

Can you eat or drink while taking the medicines?

Yes, you can eat and drink while taking Mifepristone and Misoprostol. Since nausea may occur, most prefer to eat lightly. It’s important to stay hydrated and not drink any alcohol or use any drugs. It is essential to follow the specific instructions provided by our team to ensure the medication is as effective as possible.

When will bleeding start after taking Mifepristone, and how long will it last?

Bleeding usually starts within 1-4 hours after taking Misoprostol, but it can vary for each person. The bleeding typically lasts about one to two weeks, with the heaviest bleeding occurring in the first few days.

What if you don’t bleed after taking Misoprostol?

If you don’t experience any bleeding within 24 hours after taking Misoprostol, it may indicate that the abortion was not successful. In this case, you should contact us right away for further evaluation and guidance.

What passes during an abortion, and are there specific steps to take when it passes?

During a medical abortion, you will pass some tissue in addition to blood clots. No specific action needs to be taken. How you choose to handle the material that passes during your medical abortion is a personal decision. We are available 24/7 to answer any questions you have, and our aftercare guide will provide additional information.

What are the side effects of the medicines?

Some common side effects of Mifepristone and Misoprostol include cramping, bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and fever. These side effects are usually temporary and resolve on their own within a few days. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, call us at (585) 271-3850.

What is a successful abortion, and how do you know if you’ve had one?

A successful abortion is when the pregnancy has been terminated completely, and the uterus has expelled all the pregnancy tissue. Signs of a successful abortion include heavy bleeding, the passing of blood clots and tissue, and a decrease in pregnancy symptoms. To confirm a successful abortion, you will need to attend a follow-up appointment with us, which will be scheduled during your visit. They are typically within 5-14 days after your first visit.

How do you know if you have a continuing pregnancy?

A continuing pregnancy occurs when the abortion is not successful. Signs of a continuing pregnancy may include ongoing pregnancy symptoms, minimal or no bleeding after taking the medications, or an ultrasound that shows ongoing fetal development. If you suspect a continuing pregnancy, call us right away.

Do you need to have an ultrasound after doing an abortion with pills?

Having an ultrasound after a medical abortion is necessary to ensure the process is complete. We require you to return to our office for a follow-up ultrasound, and we will schedule this exam after your first visit.

Does medical abortion increase the risk of breast cancer?

There is no evidence to suggest that medical abortion increases the risk of breast cancer.

After the Abortion: Care and Recovery

Will you be able to get pregnant and have children after an abortion with pills?

Yes. Having a medical abortion using pills does not affect your future fertility or your ability to have children. Most people can become pregnant again soon after an abortion, which is why we discuss future contraceptive options at your follow-up appointment.

When can you start having sexual relations again after having an abortion with pills?

It is recommended to wait at least one week after having a medical abortion before resuming sexual activity. This allows your body time to heal and reduces the risk of infection. We recommend talking with us during your appointment for any specific recommendations.

When can you get pregnant again after having an abortion with pills?

You can get pregnant again soon after having an abortion with pills. In some cases, as early as within a few weeks. Although your menstrual cycle may be delayed, you can still ovulate within a few weeks after your abortion. It’s important to use contraceptives to avoid pregnancy, and we will discuss contraceptive options at your appointment.

How can you prevent a future unwanted pregnancy?

To prevent future unwanted pregnancies, use reliable and effective contraceptives. We offer a range of birth control options, such as the pill, patch, ring, shot, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and barrier methods like condoms. During our visit with you, we will go over options suited for your lifestyle.

When can I start birth control?

We offer you birth control on the same day you come in. It is very easy to conceive after a termination of pregnancy, and we recommend starting birth control right away. We offer all of the birth control options currently available on the market.

Additional Women’s Services

Do you offer other women’s services?

Yes, we are a full service OB/GYN practice. Fill out the contact form or call for an appointment.

Do you provide any free services such as gynecological exams and mammograms?

For patients without insurance, cash payment or credit card is accepted at the time of service. People with unusual financial hardship may qualify for a discounted fee. Fill out the contact form or call for an appointment.


Contact us online by completing a form for more information or call 585-271-3850 to make an appointment.