You may have just found out that you are pregnant and are considering having an abortion.  My Choice Medical Center was established to provide quality abortion and reproductive health services to women in Pasadena and California in general. It is crucial that you book an appointment with our doctor to advice you on the options available to you depending on your health and how far you are in your pregnancy. This will help you make a more knowledgeable decision by analyzing the facts and information presented to you. We at My Choice Medical Center know that each case is unique and endeavor to treat all our patients in an honest and caring manner.  We are always available to address answer any questions and concerns that you may have.

We know that an unplanned pregnancy can take an emotional toll on you. Our doctors are available to counsel and answer your questions openly, and respectfully. Though having an abortion is a personal decision, this will help you weigh the different options available to you for you to make the best decision.

What is an abortion?

An abortion is a medical procedure performed to terminate a pregnancy. You can choose to either have a medical abortion otherwise known as the "abortion pill", or an in-clinic procedure referred to as surgical abortion. After our doctor conducts the initial examination, they will be able to advise you on the best procedure to undertake.

Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill)

This method of pregnancy termination is available to women who are ten weeks into their pregnancy. It is a safe method that is preferred by a majority of women because they can undergo the experience in the comfort of their homes. Our medical personnel are well trained to ensure you well prepared and at ease before the process begins, and that you are equipped with all the necessary information.

You will take your first Mifepristone pill orally at our office. We will advise you on how to take Misoprostol the next day at home, and within the next few hours, you will experience light to heavy bleeding and cramping.  You can experience this for several hours.  Therefore it is important that you are with someone close to you during this period. We recommend that you return to our clinic for a follow-up visit usually between 3-14 days to confirm that the abortion was successful.

What is a Surgical Abortion?

This is a surgical process that empties the contents of your uterus. In the first trimester, it is performed within 12 to 14 weeks from your last menstrual period. However, it can be performed up to 20 weeks into your pregnancy.

Why do some women opt for a surgical abortion?

There are many women who will choose to have a surgical procedure because compared to other surgical procedures it’s quite safe. Some women are more comfortable because it is carried out in a clinic with the care and support of doctors and nurses. Many women are at ease emotionally when they have knowledgeable people around during the experience. When compared to the abortion pill procedure that can take up to 24 hours to complete, you can be through with a surgical procedure in 10 minutes.

What happens before the procedure?

Our doctor will perform a pelvic exam and ultrasound to determine the state and stage of your pregnancy. This helps him determine the procedure to use.

Where will the surgical abortion be conducted?

The decision whether your surgical abortion will be conducted in the clinic or in hospital will depend on your medical history, stage of pregnancy, physical exam and lab tests.

What are the surgical procedures available?

  • Aspiration Abortion

This is a common procedure used in the first trimester up to 13 weeks after the last menstrual period.  It is conducted under local anesthesia to reduce pain. Your cervix will be dilated and a tube passed inside the uterus, then a suction device is used to remove the embryo.

  • Dilation and Evacuation in Early Pregnancy

This is a procedure employed for most second trimester abortions, thirteen weeks after your last menstrual cycle.  Apart from dilation of the cervix, equipment is used to grasp and remove the baby from the uterus.  It is also conducted under local anesthesia, and oral and intravenous medication is also administered.

Dilation and Evacuation in Late Pregnancy

This procedure can take two to three days and is usually conducted under general anesthesia. Drugs may be injected into the fetus to stop the heart before carrying out the procedure.

What happens after an abortion?

  • You can rest under observation in the clinic.
  • When you are ready to leave, you will be given follow up instructions so that you know what to do in case of any complications.
  • You may experience cramping, bleeding, and breast tenderness.
  • You should avoid sexual intercourse, tampons and douching to prevent infection.
  • You can use your prescribed contraception immediately after the procedure.

Why Choose Us?

If you have just found out that you are pregnant, you may be wondering what to do next. You can either choose to keep the child, give it up for adoption after birth, or have an abortion. You have to keep in mind that not all clinics that offer abortion services provide the same quality of care. You should carefully choose where to have an abortion and always remember that you cannot comprise your health and safety and neither can you put a price on quality reproductive healthcare.

Established in 2002 My Choice Medical Center has over the years provided excellent women’s health services for women in Pasadena and beyond. We only work with board-certified professionals to ensure that you are always safe in our clinic. Trust and confidentiality are extremely important to us. We endeavor to keep all your information confidential. We allow you to bring your partner and close relatives for visits, but we do not discuss with them confidential patient information unless you directly authorize us to.  We are located at 7232 Van Nuys Blvd #202 Van Nuys, CA 91405. To book an appointment you can reach us on 866-397-3070.