Allegheny Reproductive Health Center

Pain Control Choices

We at Allegheny Reproductive Health Center 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 anesthesia numbs just the area where the procedure is taking place. That means that your cervix will be anesthetized, but because you will be awake, you will likely still feel cramps. All patients receive local anesthesia as standard procedure.

With IV sedation, you will be in a twilight sleep. That means that you will most likely have no memory of any discomfort you may have, and, if you do have any, it will be very minimal.

The newest pain control option available for you is alternative pain management. We are very excited about this new choice for women who don't like the possible aftereffects of IV sedation, yet are afraid to have an abortion without some additional pain control. Alternative pain management helps you to achieve a state of very deep relaxation that, if you wish, can be enhanced by a comfort medication. With alternative pain management, you will be taught breathing techniques that, along with a healing warming collar and a cooling aroma mask, will lead you into a state of deeper relaxation. Your abortion will occur in a softly lit room enhanced by aromatherapy.  The assistant's gentle soothing touch helps with pain transference, and specially chosen relaxation music is played to keep you calm.  You may bring your own CD if you like.  Patients who have chosen this new option for pain control have been very pleased with the results.

Special Options

Allegheny Reproductive Health Center has listened to what you, our patients, have asked for. We now offer:

YOUR CHOICE OF SUPPORT PERSON

You may bring your partner, (we created a website specifically for men at   MenAndAbortion.com), mother, or a friend into the abortion procedure with you to hold your hand, talk to you, or just keep you company. More than ten years ago 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 28 year 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 and not have to wait, we now have an option in which you can elect to 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.