Pregnancy Termination

If a patient desires a termination, please have them come to Bethel ASAP so they can get a sonogram. Once they have had a sonogram, we can facilitate having them apply for emergency Medicaid if they still desire a termination.

The patient will need to make their own appointment in Anchorage for a termination. If they are past 13 6/7 weeks, the termination cannot be done in Anchorage and the patient will have to fly to Seattle to go to the Cedar Valley Clinic in Renton WA. Medicaid will still pay for it, but they will need to apply for the emergency Medicaid so it can be done before it’s too late in the pregnancy to fill out.

There is an information packet they can be given.

What is an abortion?: It is the termination of a pregnancy. It can be done medically (abortion pills) or surgically in a clinic setting. All pregnancies are confirmed by doing a dating sonogram prior to either procedure.
Is abortion legal?: Yes. Abortion was made legal in Alaska in 1971. In 1973 the Supreme Court decision known as Roe vs. Wade legalized abortion throughout the United States. The Supreme Court has mandated some restrictions on abortion practices, which vary state to state. In the state of Alaska, a termination can be performed prior to 13 weeks and 6 days from the FIRST day of your last menstrual period. Some clinics in Alaska will only perform an abortion up to 12 weeks. Over 13 weeks patients will need to travel to Seattle, Washington.
Are there risk factors?: Yes. As with any medical procedure, there are always some risks involved. Your provider at the clinic you choose will explain these risks to you in detail at your appointment.
What is the difference between a medical and surgical abortion? What is the cost?: A medical abortion can be done from 4-8 weeks from the first day of your last period. Whether you are considered a candidate for this type of abortion is totally left to the discretion of the clinic you choose. If you are traveling from rural Alaska, you will need to stay in Anchorage or Seattle for at least 2-3 days because follow up in the clinic is necessary.

The cost varies in each clinic and if you choose to have additional sedation or pain medication, it may require an additional fee. The average cost is $650-$1500 for either type of abortion. It is always YOUR responsibility to ask about the fees.

What should I do for my appointment?: Wear comfortable clothing, a two piece outfit that will allow easy access to your arm while blood pressures are being monitored. DO NOT CONSUME ALCOHOL, ASPIRIN PRODUCTS, OR USE ANY RECREATIONAL DRUGS 24 HOURS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT. If possible, decrease or eliminate all tobacco products including cigarettes and chew. Ask the clinic what you may eat/drink before this procedure and if you may continue to take your regular daily medications or vitamins.
Are there any websites to explore more information concerning abortion?: Yes. An Alaskan organization which offers reproductive choices is The Alaska Pro-Choice Alliance. Their website is: http://www.alaskaprochoice.org. Further information is through the state of AK. http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dph/wcfh/informedconsent/default.htm. Another non local organization is the Feminist Women’s Health Center which provides reproductive health information. Their website is: http://www.fwhc.org/abortion/index.htm.
What if I have difficulty with my decision AFTER the abortion is over?: Each clinic is different, but post abortion counseling may be included as part of the original fee. Please clarify this BEFORE your appointment. Some websites you may want to explore include: http://www.4exhale.org and http://www.peaceafterabortion.com
Do I have other options besides abortion?: Yes. You could also consider adoption as an alternative option to abortion. See these websites for more information or contact your provider or the Social Worker at your local hospital. http://www.americanadoptions.com/Alaska or http://www.cssalaska.org/html/programs/adoption-services.php
How do I make an appointment for an abortion?: If you have private insurance or you will self-pay, you may call and schedule your appointment. If you have no means to pay, you should see if you are eligible for Alaskan Medicaid by applying for Emergency Medicaid. You will need to have your Alaskan Medicaid number BEFORE you can call and make an appointment. The clinics that are available for this procedure are below.

Contacts

In the State of Alaska, (must be less than 13 weeks pregnant).

Colleen Murphy, MD
4231 Lake Otis Parkway
Anchorage, AK 99508
907-563-7228 Fax: 907-563-6278

Susan Lemagie, MD
425 E. Dahlia, Suite J
Palmer, AK 99645
907-745-8379 Fax: 907-745-0153
(Does not accept Medicaid)
(up to 12 weeks gest. Est: $1440.00)

Planned Parenthood of Alaska-Anchorage
4001 Lake Otis Parkway
Anchorage, AK 99508
907-563-2229 Fax: 907-563-7419
1-800-769-0045

Michael Merrick, MD
416 Frontage Road, Suite 400
Kenai, AK 99611
907-283-5487 Fax: 907-283-6062
(Patient must stay in area)
(up to 12 weeks gest. Est: $700-800)

Alaska Women’s Health Services
4100 Lake Otis Parkway
Anchorage, AK 99508
907-563-7228

If you are more than 13 weeks pregnant:

Cedar River Clinic
263 Rainier Ave. South, Suite 200
Renton, Washington 98057
1-800-572-4223 or 425-255-0471
Fax: 425-255-0262