If you have questions that are not listed in the frequently asked questions below – please do not hesitate to contact us.

Will It Hurt?

We take every effort to insure that your abortion will be as comfortable as possible. Most patients tell us that with the local anesthesia they felt only mild cramping. If you choose to have the intravenous sedation medication you will be relaxed and comfortable and probably have no memory of the procedure.

Will I be able to have children in the future?

Studies indicate that properly performed abortions have little or no effect on future fertility.

How long will I be in the office?

First trimester patients (12 weeks or less) should expect to remain for 2 to 4 hours. Second trimester patients should expect to remain for 4 to 5 hours.

Can I drive myself?

If you choose local anesthesia (awake) you may drive. Patients who choose intravenous sedation medication for pain relief and anxiety control must have someone available to take them home. IV patients may not drive for 24 hours, and may not leave the office alone. A taxi or Uber does not qualify as a driver. You must be discharged in the care of another adult. If you are over 14 weeks sedation is included in the price and usually required.

When can I return to work/school?

Most patients will be able to return to office work or school the day after a first trimester abortion.

 Second trimester patients and those with more strenuous jobs will need a longer period of rest (two to four days). We will provide all patients with a discreet work/school release letter that does not specify that you had an abortion.

How much bleeding will I have?

The amount of bleeding is variable from one patient to the next, and can be from a few hours to several weeks. The bleeding may stop and start again several times. Some patients experience passing clots after an abortion.

Up to how many weeks do you terminate pregnancy?

At Little Rock Family Planning Services we terminate pregnancies up to 21 weeks menstrual age or 19 weeks post fertilization age.

How much does it cost to have an abortion?

Please call for a quote based on how many weeks pregnant you are. The price is the same for 11 weeks and under. The price gets more expensive per week after 11.6 weeks.

Do you assist women who need an abortion and have no financial support?

We work with the National Abortion Federation to assist low income women obtain funding. Please contact our office during regular business hours for more information.

Do I have to make an appointment for an abortion?

Yes. We do abortion procedures by appointment Tuesday through Saturday most weeks. Some weeks vary. Please call to get our exact schedule.

Does your center offer pregnancy testing?

Yes, the price of an in office urine pregnancy test is $10.

Can I take a taxi or the city bus home by myself?

Taking the bus after surgery is not recommended. You can take a taxi home by yourself if you chose to stay awake for the procedure. If you chose IV sedation medication, we require that another adult accompany you. They must come into the building with you prior to your procedure. They can show us their ID and give us a phone number where they can be reached. We are happy to contact them when your procedure is complete and you are ready to be picked up. They are not required to stay at the office.

When will I be able to resume sexual activity after my termination?

The doctor recommends not having sex for two weeks after your procedure. The reason that we recommend nothing inside the vagina for two weeks is because following your procedure you are more susceptible to vaginal infections and getting pregnant again.

When will I get my next regular period?

Normally, your menstrual cycle will resume in 4 to 8 weeks. Your first period after any pregnancy will be anything BUT normal. It can come earlier than normal, later than normal, it can be lighter than normal or heavier than normal. Things should be back to “normal” by your second period.

If I am having bleeding after my procedure, will this be my period?

No. The bleeding you will have after your procedure will be bleeding from your surgery not your period. It is normal to have bleeding off and on for 2-3 weeks after your abortion. The bleeding can stop and start and it can change colors (light pink to dark brown/black or bright red)

Can I use tampons after my abortion?

You should not use tampons after your abortion procedure for two weeks. The doctor recommends using maxi pads to reduce the risk of vaginal infections and to monitor the amount of bleeding you are having. We recommend calling us if you are soaking more than 2 pads in one hour, or a pad per hour for six hours in a row.

Can I eat before my surgery?

You may have a very light breakfast like toast or crackers and only clear liquid (water, Sprite or 7-Up) until 8 AM. If your appointment is after 12 PM you may eat normally until 8 AM and clear liquids until 10 AM.

Will a “real” doctor be performing my surgery?

Yes. Our doctors are licensed by the State of Arkansas.

Do I need to tell my parents about my abortion or get their permission?

We encourage all young women who are faced with pregnancy to discuss their thoughts and feelings with their parents. However, we also understand there are valid reasons a young woman might not find this possible. Minors seeking an abortion have an option to petition before a judge to be given permission for an abortion without parental notification. This process is not complicated. We assist minors who choose this option, providing detailed information and instructions to make this process as easy as possible. Call us for more detailed information.

Do I have to get my partner’s permission to have an abortion?

No. Ultimately the decision is all yours. It is often helpful when patients have their partners or family members for support figures.

What happens with the fetus that was removed from me during my abortion?

All fetal tissue is incinerated.

Can I take it home so I can bury it?

The tissue is collected and disposed of in accordance to Arkansas state Law. No. The products of conception may not be removed from our facility. Again, we are responsible for complying with the laws regarding disposal.

What happens if I have a problem after my abortion?

Little Rock Family Planning Services has a nurse and physician on call 7 days a week 24 hours a day. If you have any questions or are experiencing post operative problems, do not hesitate to call us at (501) 225-3836. Our answering service is specifically trained to handle your questions and to direct any problems to our on call nurse. Aftercare Instructions [pdf] are available online.

Do I have to pay extra if I am RH negative blood type for my shot?

No. All Rhogam injections are provided at no additional cost to you. A blood test will be performed on the day of your procedure to determine your RH factor.

Will I get started on birth control so that I can prevent future unplanned pregnancies?

Yes. We will provide you with a prescription to get started with at the time of your visit (unless contraindicated). We recommend starting your birth control on the Sunday after your procedure.

Be aware that you can become pregnant right after your pregnancy ends. You should start using your birth control BEFORE you start having sexual intercourse again. Depo Provera injections can be given the same day as the procedure for $50 extra.

Feel free to share your questions with us so we can add them to our list of frequently asked questions. Thank you.