Abortion Resources

CHOICES is here for our visitors from out of state!

Patients come to Choices Women’s Medical Center from all over the country and around the world because of our reputation as a leader in providing the best quality abortion care and reproductive health services. Since 1971 we have provided with no waiting periods or other restrictions.

Top-rated physicians and medical facilities send patients to us for abortion care because they know they will be cared for with compassion, confidentiality, and the highest level of skill. All of this makes CHOICES the first choice of many patients who need abortion care and live outside New York City.

CHOICES is conveniently located in Queens, New York near JFK Airport and an easy commute via subway, train, bus or car from all New York City boroughs and the tri-state region.

CHOICES also offers special assistance for our out-of-town patients. When you call for an appointment, ask to speak to an Out-of-Town Counselor who will help you with all your needs: transportation to and from NYC, overnight housing if needed and financial assistance. And remember, everything is entirely confidential.

New York State allows abortion up to 24.6 weeks with NO limitations. NO age restrictions. NO requirements that you notify parents or partners, NO waiting periods. In most cases, you can get a next-day appointment at CHOICES. Your decision about what to do about an unwanted pregnancy is entirely up to you. Your pre-abortion counseling session will answer all your questions and give you all the information you need to make an informed decision that is right for you.

If you are coming for a procedure that requires two days (generally between 13 and 24.6 weeks of pregnancy) or traveling from a long distance, you may need to stay overnight. CHOICES can recommend nearby hotels. We can also connect you with Haven Coalition, a volunteer network of caring people who will host your stay at one of their homes and, if needed, can arrange for someone to accompany you to your appointment at CHOICES.

We are here to assist you, no matter where you’re from.

CHOICES’ out-of-town program was internationally recognized in the leading British newspaper the Guardian.

For women who are not able to pay for an abortion and do not have insurance or other resources, we can work out financing so abortion can be free or low-cost. We partner with funding agencies so no one need to be afraid they will be turned away. If you live in New York State you may qualify for Emergency Medicaid which covers all pregnancy-related services, including abortion. Click here to visit our financial help page.

To see if you qualify for emergency medicaid, take our quiz.

Take the Emergency Medicaid Quiz

COVID19 Safety Measures

In accordance with New York State and City Health Guidelines, CHOICES takes all necessary precautions to keep our patients and staff safe. This includes having your temperature taken when you enter and wearing a mask inside. We encourage you to bring an escort with you who will be given your ID number to use when they pick you up to take you home after the procedure. Because of health precautions, your escort will not be able to wait inside CHOICES. Please be sure you have a way to contact them after the procedure and you have been discharged. (See below.)

Check-In

When you arrive at CHOICES, you will need to show your ID and insurance card at the check-in desk inside the main entrance. You will be issued an ID number that will be used only for identification. Throughout your visit, you will be called by this number instead of your name in order to protect your privacy. You will have a bracelet placed on your wrist with identifying information and be given a privacy notice and a patient information sheet for you to fill out in the waiting room. Your escort must remember your ID number as CHOICES’ staff will not release any information about you to anyone who does not know your ID number.

Lab

You will be asked to provide a urine sample, and blood will be drawn for necessary testing.

Sonography

A sonogram will be taken to determine the length of your pregnancy. Later In your counseling session, your provider will discuss the results with you and will show you the sonogram if you wish.

Counseling

This is a private time for you to discuss any concerns you may have. The counselor will help you be sure that you are secure with your choice and understand all of your options before continuing with the abortion procedure. You will need to sign a consent form for the abortion procedure.

Intake

A nurse will call you into the intake area. Your vital signs (blood pressure and temperature) will be taken. You will be asked to change into a medical gown and will put your personal items into a bag for safekeeping. You will wait here until the doctor is ready to see you. If you need an EKG, this will happen before your Doctor sees you.

Procedure Room

When you are called for your procedure, a Medical Assistant will bring you into the Procedure Room. Your doctor will review your medical history and the procedure with you and answer any questions. Your doctor will talk with you to see if you are in need of any testing that needs to be done at this time, as well as future birth control options. In most cases, you will be given sedation (put to sleep) for the procedure. You will not feel, hear or see anything during the procedure which generally takes between 5-15 minutes.

Recovery

When you wake up, the procedure will be over. You will be in the Recovery Room on a bed, and a nurse will be attending to you. It is common to have cramps when you wake up, and the nursing staff will monitor you to be sure that you are recovering normally. Once you are ready, you will be moved to the Discharge Area.

Discharge

In Discharge, you will rest on a reclining chair, have a snack and be given aftercare instructions. A nurse will assess your vital signs to determine when you are ready to leave. You should be able to go home after about 45-60 minutes. The exact time can vary, and the physician will make the final determination. Once we have determined that you are feeling well enough to go home, you will meet with the Discharge Nurse who will go over your aftercare instructions and answer any questions you may have. After checking your vital signs again, you will be free to leave with your escort. If you have any concerns or questions after leaving, you can always call us, and we will help in whatever way we can. In two weeks you will return for a follow-up appointment.