Only licensed physicians perform abortions at Planned Parenthood of South Carolina. All patients have the abortion procedure performed with local anesthesia, but patients may also choose to have a sedative by mouth or to have intravenous medication for sedation and pain relief for an added fee. We do not offer general anesthesia. In order to assure our patients' safety, a health screening process is performed prior to the abortion. This involves a review of the medical history, assessment of vital signs and lab work, including a urine pregnancy test, urinalysis, hemoglobin and Rh testing.
All patients also receive an ultrasound to confirm the length of the pregnancy.
Patients seeking abortion services at Planned Parenthood receive counseling regarding their decision to have an abortion. They are given detailed information about the procedure and sign informed consent. Counselors also review birth control information and help patients choose a method to use after the abortion. Planned Parenthood abortion fees cover the health screening, counseling, laboratory tests, ultrasound and the abortion procedure. Patients also receive a free package of birth control pills if they choose that method.