If you are exploring “private abortion,” there are a number of different aspects you may be thinking about. Perhaps you’re wondering whether a “private abortion clinic” is different from a non-private clinic. Crowded waiting rooms or rooms shared among patients may be the kind of privacy you’re concerned about. Perhaps you are concerned about confidentiality. All these are good and important questions, and if you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and considering your options, they are among the many things you do well to ask.
Avenue Women’s Center is a place where you can receive answers to these inquiries and more. Since 1981 we have served DuPage County and Chicagoland as the first step for women facing an unintended pregnancy. Since you have come to this page with “private abortion” on your mind, we’ll try to share helpful information about these issues with you. To learn more about how our services can assist you, contact Avenue Women’s Center to schedule a free, private pregnancy consultation with an experienced client advocate at one of our five DuPage County locations.
What is the difference between a private abortion clinic and a non-private clinic?
Generally speaking, this refers to whether the clinic is independently owned and operated by a private individual, private organization or group, for example, a doctor’s private practice. A non-private clinic is one that is not privately owned.
Is there a difference in performance or quality of care between a private and a non-private abortion clinic?
As with any service, there can be significant differences from one to another with regard to provider and facility. It’s not possible to generalize on this distinction. Abortion clinics in Illinois may operate with or without state licensing. A licensed clinic is one which agrees that the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) may conduct inspections for health and sanitary practices. Even for licensed clinics, inspections may or may not be regularly conducted. Licensing and certification are qualifications to keep in mind.
Are you concerned about privacy of service?
An abortion is a sensitive and private matter, and it’s completely understandable that a woman seeking this service would be concerned about privacy. A waiting room that’s crowded due to over-scheduling or multiple bookings for the same time frame would certainly not be desirable. Some facilities may have private recovery rooms; some may have shared spaces. It’s good to know in advance about accommodations of times and spaces. These aspects also may vary from one clinic to another.
What about confidentiality?
Laws vary from state to state in regards to parental notification of abortion for minors under the age of 18. In Illinois, if a minor seeks an abortion, an adult member of her household must be notified 48 hours prior to the procedure, unless a judge provides a waiver.
Legally, abortion clinics must uphold standards of confidentiality.
Here at Avenue Women’s Center, confidentiality is an important commitment as well. Along with that comes our promise to meet each client with nonjudgmental respect and compassionate care. We are here to listen to concerns, to give honest and accurate answers to questions, and to help women navigate concerns like the ones we’ve written about today. As Avenue Women’s Center is a non-profit, limited women’s clinic, many of our services are available at no cost to you.
There is much to consider if private abortion is on your mind. With offices in Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, Naperville, West Chicago, and Wood Dale, Illinois we invite you to call, text, email or chat with us to schedule a private consultation today. We look forward to hearing from you.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.