Our goal is to provide each patient individual time and attention: to give information, to answer questions and to make each patient feel comfortable.
A new law was passed in Arizona that requires you to meet with Dr. Goodrick at the office at least 24 hours prior to obtaining an abortion. This law does require an extra appointment. We will also be doing an ultrasound and checking blood type and hemoglobin for anemia. Per Arizona law, there is no charge for this visit. Click Here to read state mandated information the doctor will be reviewing with you.
At least 24 hours prior to having your abortion, you will need to review certain state-mandated information about your abortion in person with the doctor. At Camelback Family Planning, we offer the Abortion Pill (Medical Abortion/RU 486) or surgical abortion. Please be sure to read about the different methods. Once you have determined which type of abortion you plan to have, please call the office to schedule your state-mandated with the doctor.
Please feel free to call our office at any time if you have any questions regarding your care. You will have an opportunity to ask Dr. Goodrick and the staff any additional questions on the day of your procedure.
Before Your Visit
Shower or bath as usual and dress comfortably. You may eat a light meal 5 hours before your appointment and have clear liquids until 2 hours before your appointment. Please take any prescription medication at the usual times.
Your Visit
Plan to be in the office for approximately 2 hours if you are under 12 weeks. If you are between 12 and 15 weeks, it is a one-day procedure but you will be in the office approximately 4 hours. After 15 weeks, you will probably need 2 visits to the office that will be approximately 2 hours each.
You will be asked to complete some medical forms first and read through information about your procedure. Then, your history will be reviewed privately. You will also learn about the procedure and birth control options for after the abortion. Any further questions or concerns you have before the procedure will be discussed.
The Procedure
The abortion takes only a few minutes and is a simple, safe procedure.
A female Registered Nurse will be by your side during the entire procedure.
Oral and/or IV sedation is given with Nitrous Oxide Gas (laughing gas). Dr. Goodrick will then begin the procedure only after the sedation takes effect, which is within 1-3 minutes. The cervix (the entrance to the uterus) is dilated to about the diameter of a drinking straw. The doctor inserts a small tube, or cannula, which is attached to an aspirator machine. The mild suction action of the machine empties the contents of the uterus. You might have mild cramps during the procedure. Many patients do not remember the procedure and have no cramps at all.
After the procedure, you will be observed in a semi-private, cozy recovery room in a comfortable recliner with a heating pad. Our nurses will make sure that your blood pressure and heart rate are normal and that bleeding and discomfort are within normal limits. You can then have something to drink and some cookies. All post-operative medications will be given to you as well as written instructions. Birth control is usually started the Sunday after your abortion.
Aftercare
Most women are able to return to daily activities the following day. Avoid strenuous activity for a few days to prevent unnecessary pain or bleeding. Most women experience some spotting or bleeding that may last only a few days or as long as two weeks. To prevent infection we advise not to put anything in the vagina (tampons, sex, douching) for two weeks. Dr. Goodrick is available 24 hours a day for urgent medical calls. You can always reach us with a routine question or concern during normal office hours.
Safety
Abortion is considered one of the safest surgical procedures when performed by a skilled physician. Dr. Goodrick has provided abortions for over 15 years and her goal is to provide the best medical care to protect your future fertility. Go to Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
If you would like to save time on the day of your first office visit, you can print the required forms, fill them out, and bring them with you.
Please complete the following forms :
