Medically Indicated Abortion

Therapeutic abortion is ending a pregnancy to protect the mother's health or life due to severe fetal abnormalities. If you are reading this, chances are you have received devastating news about your pregnancy. A serious or lethal problem has been discovered. We understand your sadness, distress and surprise at such unexpected news. If you have decided to end your pregnancy based on this news, our office is able to offer a therapeutic termination of your pregnancy. We can obtain chromosomal analysis, level II ultrasound studies, or other diagnostic information from your physician or genetic counselor.

Before the Therapeutic Abortion Procedure

Dr. Robinson will talk with you and your support person(s) to thoroughly explain the procedure and address your questions and concerns. As an obstetrician, he is highly sensitive to your emotional needs during this experience. The entire staff is trained to offer support to you and your support person(s). If the pregnancy is over 15 weeks the abortion procedure will take place under general anesthesia at our Ambulatory Surgery Center in San Antonio, usually over 2 days. It is not necessary that you be seen in the Dallas office. We will review your ultrasound and lab work from your physician or clinic. All of your required forms may be faxed or emailed to our office. Dr. Robinson will visit with you in person or by telephone to answer your questions before your visit to the Ambulatory Surgery Center.

The Therapeutic Abortion Procedure

The therapeutic abortion procedure begins with laminaria insertion. On the first day of the abortion, an injection of medication is made into the amniotic fluid surrounding the pregnancy to assure that it will be stillborn and will not experience any discomfort during the procedure. You will be sedated prior to this procedure.

• Following Insertion of Laminaria You May:
• Eat and drink normally
• Take a shower, not a tub bath
• Use sanitary pads, not tampons
• Do not place anything into the vagina
• Use Ibuprofen every 4 hours for cramping

On the day of the procedure, you will be taken to the operating room and put to sleep. The procedure is done by inserting a sterile plastic tube through the cervix into the uterus to vacuum amniotic fluid. Abdominal ultrasound will be used for guidance. A small pair of forceps will be placed inside the uterus and the fetus will be carefully removed. A uterine curette will be used to check the walls of the uterus for complete removal of the placenta. The vacuum will then be repeated. A final post-operative ultrasound will be done to make certain the uterus is empty and the procedure is complete. The procedure will take between 20 to 30 minutes. You will then be awakened and taken to the recovery room for observation.