Where to get an abortion in the San Francisco Bay Area?

May 1, 2013 7:40 PM

Where should my friend get a (surgical or medical) abortion in the San Francisco Bay Area? (for a friend)

Asking for a friend who read my earlier askme and wants me to ask all of you.

She needs to terminate her pregnancy and has a few questions:

- She has Kaiser insurance but is also willing to pay out of pocket for a better experience. Have you had an experience at Kaiser with this procedure?

- If you were going to get an abortion in the San Francisco Bay Area, who is the absolute BEST doctor to go to? Imagine that cost/location/etc. is no object.

She's very worried about complications. Never had children, probably 6 - 8 weeks along (needs to verify), could be a surgical or medical abortion. (The answer to my previous question appears to be that surgical is better, but if someone has statistics to the contrary, please share them.)

Also, I imagine you can't just search for this on Yelp or similar sites. Is there somewhere else to look for success rates, reviews, etc.?

posted by carolinaherrera to Health & Fitness (5 answers total)

Can she contact a local planned parenthood? They often refer out in-clinic abortions, as most locations only provide the pill. They should have a good list of resources.

Many doctors or clinics who preform abortions should also have reviews, as that is not their solitary business practice. So actually Yelp and Google review should help as far as how the doctor is and how the clinic is rated.

I have not had any of these procedures, but I have heard that in-clinic is MUCH better. The pill causes severe pain and cramping, whereas in-clinic only takes a few minutes. She will need someone to drive her home, and in-clinic usually also provides a counseling opportunity if she is nervous.

I hope someone can give you more specific advice, but that's where I would start.
posted by Crystalinne at 7:58 PM on May 1, 2013 [1 favorite]

Kaiser can absolutely provide this service. It's very common. She could call and make an appointment to see an OB-Gyn. Kaiser OB-Gyn Termination of Pregnancy
posted by gramcracker at 8:08 PM on May 1, 2013 [2 favorites]

If she has a regular OB/GYN she trusts, that person should be able to provide a reference for her.

Otherwise, I agree that reaching out to Planned Parenthood is a good option.
posted by dotgirl at 8:40 PM on May 1, 2013

I know folks who have done this with Kaiser and had positive experiences.
posted by samthemander at 11:24 PM on May 1, 2013

I would use Kaiser if that's an option. Meet with the doctor, discuss the options. It sucks to be in this situation and perhaps a couple of therapy sessions to process her feelings and fears about this would be a good thing. Your friend is lucky she has Kaiser in this instance.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 6:04 AM on May 2, 2013