Abortion

Get free and confidential answers to your questions about risks, procedures, and side effects from a medical professional.

Thinking about Abortion?

If you are facing an unexpected pregnancy in Berks or surrounding counties, you may be thinking about abortion. NorthStar Women’s Center is a safe place to get your questions answered with no judgement. Our supportive medical team provides pregnancy services at no cost to you. You will receive information on the types of abortion you are considering, what you can expect, and what you need to consider for your unique pregnancy. 

Services We Provide

The NorthStar medical staff provide lab-quality pregnancy tests, ultrasound confirmation of pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, all at no cost to you. You have a decision to make, and there are three things you NEED to know.
  • Are you still pregnant?  20-25% of pregnancies end on their own, most in the first twelve weeks.  Schedule a FOCUS appointment for an ultrasound to confirm viability.
  • How far along are you?  When considering an abortion, you need to know how far along you are so you know what procedure is available to you and how much it will cost.  Many things can affect ovulation, and you may be further along – or not as far along – as you think.
  • Do you have an active sexually transmitted infection?  Having an abortion with an untreated STD can increase your risk of pelvic inflammatory disease.  Get testing and treatment to protect your future reproductive health.
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What Do I Need To Know About Abortion?

Abortion, like every medical procedure, is a serious procedure available in Pennsylvania through 23 week, six days as measured from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP).  An abortion may cost anywhere from $625 to $3,000 or more depending on the type of abortion procedure and how far along you are and any complications that may require further treatment.  The decision is yours to make; no one can force you to have a medical procedure without your consent.

What Types of Abortion Are There?

Medical/Chemical Abortion
A medical/chemical abortion involves taking two medications.  The first medication (mifepristone) interrupts pregnancy development by blocking progesterone, prompting detachment of an implanted embryo. The second medication (misoprostol) is taken later to induce strong contractions to empty the uterus.  Patient can expect nausea (possibly vomiting), cramping, and bleeding.  A surgical abortion may still be needed (8-10% of women) to complete the process.

Surgical Abortion

There are three types of surgical abortion in Pennsylvania, depending how far along you are:
  1. A vacuum aspiration abortion involves stretching the cervix to insert tubing into the uterus.  The tubing is connected to a machine that suctions the fetus from the uterus.  Pain management options may be offered.
  2. A dilation and curettage (D & C) abortion requires dilation (opening) of the cervix to insert an instrument that will scrape the lining of the uterus to remove the fetus.  Anesthesia may be required.
  3. A dilation and evacuation (D & E) procedure requires dilation of the cervix to insert forceps into the uterus.  The physician uses the forceps to clasp parts of the fetus’ body and detach them in order to remove the larger fetus from the uterus.  Anesthesia is administered.

The staff at NorthStar will provide an ultrasound at no cost to you so you will know how far along you are.  We will answer all of your questions about the risks and side effects.  You will also be given information about other options and resources.

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"Not every path you choose leads to the destination you anticipated; sometimes,
the journey takes you to places you never imagined."

Take the First Step Today

Abortion is a serious medical procedure. 
You deserve to be fully informed about your options and what is happening in YOUR body today. To learn more, make your FOCUS appointment today.
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No one should face challenges alone. We are here to help you navigate through life’s tough decisions.
The Choice is yours, the support is here.

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Privacy Policy | Terms & Condition

“NorthStar offers up-to-date, accurate information about all of your options regardless of age, race, nationality, religion, disability, etc. We are a non-profit that provides all services at no cost to you. NorthStar provides information and services for educational purposes and does not make money from a woman’s decision, so we do not provide or refer for abortion services.”