When an AD client plans to move forward with an abortion, there may still be important questions she hasn't thought to ask about the provider, procedure, potential complications, and follow-up care.
We’ve created a resource to help prompt conversations about abortion, what to expect, and making informed decisions about her care and safety.
Download the Questions to Ask Your Abortion Provider PDF
A Conversation Guide for AD Clients
Talking openly about abortion with an AD client can sometimes feel difficult, especially when you want to provide meaningful information without creating barriers or making her feel like she needs to defend her plans.
This resource gives you a natural way to begin that conversation. The questions can help you talk openly about the procedure, what she can expect, and important considerations around her provider, care, and safety.
This resource won't be the right fit for every client. We recommend using it intentionally and within the context of a deeper conversation rather than simply handing it to someone without explanation.
The goal isn't to encourage her to move forward with an abortion. It's to keep the conversation open, help her consider questions she may not have thought to ask, and make sure she feels informed about the experience she is stepping into.
Questions to Ask an Abortion Provider
To create your own version, you can copy and paste the questions below into your center's own materials and customize them for your services and approach, or download our ready-to-use PDF.
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Does the clinic provide independent counseling with medically accurate information on abortion?
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What is the name of the abortion doctor? Is he or she licensed and board-certified?
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Will you be able to speak privately with the doctor about your personal circumstances?
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Does the doctor have admitting rights to your local hospital in case of complications? Without this, you may not receive the care you need.
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Has the clinic received any patient complaints or been found in violation of state laws?
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How many of the clinic's patients have experienced complications? Ask for details on the nature of any complications and patient outcomes.
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Will the clinic provide an ultrasound? If so, how much are they charging? This will determine how far along you are and whether your pregnancy can be carried to term.
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Will you be allowed to view the ultrasound if you choose to? You have the right to see your ultrasound and to receive information on your pregnancy development.
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Will the clinic test you for STIs? Any surgical procedure can be complicated by infection. An untreated infection increases your risk of infertility.
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Will the abortion be done surgically or by a pill? Different abortion procedures carry different risks, so knowing this may affect your decision.
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Will you feel pain? If so, what pain control measures will be taken?
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Will the clinic use local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia? All patients have a right to know this and to express a preference.
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Will the clinic give you written information about any possible physical or emotional after-effects of abortion? Every woman responds differently to abortion.
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Can you change your mind at any time? If you are having a medication abortion, ask about abortion pill reversal. Find out where you can go if you change your mind after taking mifepristone.
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Who should you contact if you experience any problems after returning home following the procedure?
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What should you do if the abortion fails? In some cases, the doctor fails to remove all fetal tissue during the initial procedure. If left untreated, this can lead to serious complications.
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Is the clinic willing to refer you to local agencies that can help if you decide to continue your pregnancy?