Gynecologists and other healthcare providers understand that patient confidentiality is essential. If a patient feels that healthcare information is not kept private, that individual may become reluctant to seek care or to fully advise the doctor of health issues. Health information privacy is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). This important privacy act dictates who has the authority to receive and access a patient’s health information.

HIPAA requires compliance from every healthcare provider in the U.S., including gynecologists, in addition to health insurance providers and healthcare clearinghouses. The law protects health information that can identify a patient. It also provides for certain patient rights, such as the rights to correct errors in records, to receive a copy of records, and to request confidential communications.

At Washington Surgi-Clinic, our gynecologists maintain the strictest standards of patient confidentiality and care. In Washington, D.C., parental or guardian consent is not required for an individual to seek gynecology services , including abortions and STD treatments. You can schedule an appointment at our women’s clinic by calling (202) 683-7336.

Morning after pills are used to prevent unwanted pregnancies in the event of a failure of your primary birth control method. For example, if you use condoms, you can take a morning after pill if a condom breaks. It is most effective when taken within 12 hours of birth control failure. However, it may be used up to 72 hours after unprotected sex.

When you watch this video, you’ll hear a gynecologist explain the morning after pill. She emphasizes that it is not intended to be a primary method of birth control and should only be used in the event of failure of your usual birth control method. This gynecologist also recommends that women who only use condoms keep a morning after pill in their medicine cabinet in case a condom fails.

Washington Surgi-Clinic is a women’s health clinic in Washington, D.C. that offers a full range of gynecology services , including birth control and abortions. Women throughout Maryland and Virginia can reach us at (202) 683-7336.

If you’ve recently discovered that you’re pregnant, you can turn to a women’s health clinic for support. You have the right to choose to abort the pregnancy, if you wish. When you visit a gynecologist to discuss having an abortion, you’ll receive counseling on what type of procedure you might have, what to expect from the procedure, and what the benefits and risks are. You may wish to write down a list of your questions and bring it along to your appointment. Here are some common questions that women considering abortions have.

Are Abortions Safe?

Many women are understandably concerned about the safety of abortions . Every medical procedure carries certain risks; however, abortions are among the safest types of medical procedures. In fact, childbirth is known to have higher rates of complications than pregnancy terminations. Your healthcare provider will assess your health, discuss your anesthesia options, and counsel you as to the potential risks.

What Are Chemical vs. Surgical Abortions?

It isn’t always necessary to have a surgical abortion. In pregnancies of less than six weeks, you may choose to have a chemical abortion. This involves taking medications to cause termination of the pregnancy, which is then expelled much like a miscarriage. Surgical abortions can be performed during the first and second trimesters. There are different techniques that may be used, such as suction dilatation and curettage (D&C), and dilatation and evacuation (D&E).

Can Abortions Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer?

More than 100 of the world’s leading experts on women’s health met in 2003 to study this issue. After exhaustively reviewing the scientific evidence, they determined that having an abortion does not increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer.

If you have additional questions about abortions, the gynecology team at Washington Surgi-Clinic will be happy to assist you. Our caring gynecologists are sensitive to the needs of women and we strive to provide services that uphold our patients’ dignity and privacy. To discuss having an affordable abortion at our clinic in Washington, D.C., call (202) 683-7336 or visit us online for more information .