Allegheny Reproductive Health Center

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At Allegheny Reproductive Health Center we want to help control any pain or discomfort you might have during your abortion. For that reason, we have created a number of different options for you. Rest assured that, whatever your choice, we will be doing all we can to alleviate both your pain and your fears.

Local Anesthetic  A local anesthetic numbs just the area where the procedure is taking place. This means that your cervix will be anesthetized (numbed), but because you will be awake, you will feel cramping.  All patients receive a local anesthetic as standard procedure.

IV Sedation  You will receive medication to keep you comfortable, relaxed, and pain free during the procedure.  You will also have little or no memory of the surgery.  It is different than "General Anesthesia" because you remain breathing on your own.  You will be continuously monitored throughout the procedure. The anesthesia medications work quickly and wear off quickly.  When the procedure is over, you awaken rapidly and are discharged to the recovery room.   IV sedation is given and monitored by a CRNA (certified, registered nurse anesthesist).  We are the only clinic in the Pittsburgh area to offer this type of sedation.

Special Options

Allegheny Reproductive Health Center has listened to what our patients want . We offer:

YOUR CHOICE OF SUPPORT PERSON

If you choose to be awake, you can have your support person--- partner (we created a website specifically for men at   MenAndAbortion.com), friend, relative with you during the procedure to hold your hand, talk to you, or just keep you company. We were the first clinic in the state of Pennsylvania to offer this option and many patients are very grateful that we responded to their requests. Whether you prefer to go into the procedure alone or with your own support person, our carefully trained staff person will be at your side. 

PRIVATE PATIENT OPTION

For those of you who would prefer to come to the clinic on a day or at a time when other patients are not here, we offer a completely private abortion. You can avail yourself of Allegheny Reproductive Health Center's expertise and 35 years of  experience without the wait and lack of privacy that a regular clinic appointment entails. You can also avoid contact with the protesters if you choose to be a private patient. The cost for the private abortion is $400 over the cost of an abortion during regular clinic hours. Please note that your insurance will not cover this additional cost.

NO WAITING OPTION

On the date of your appointment, if you want to be seen by the doctor as soon as your counseling has been completed,  we have an option in which you can be moved ahead of other patients when the doctor arrives. Regardless of how many patients are scheduled ahead of you, for an additional $100 on weekdays and $200 on Saturdays you will be moved ahead of the other patients. This is an excellent option for those whose schedules are tight, who have child care concerns, or who just don't like to wait. Be sure to tell us if you want this option so we know in advance to give you preference.

If you choose to come to Allegheny Reproductive Health Center and you have a suggestion that would help us provide even better service, please tell us. We are always eager to do all we can for you, our patients.