I too would give Early Options a 5 and would highly recommend it to others, but I want people to read this and thought it's more likely if I give it a 4 rating.
We did a LOT of research on seeking an abortion and while Early Options was more expensive ($600 vs. $400 or even less at the clinics), we're so happy we chose it.
This is an awful decision to make, and it's been extremely tough and emotional for both myself (i cried everyday for over a week) and my partner, but for us the timing was off and we decided to terminate.
Then came the awful task of finding a place... I didn't trust my OB/GYN enough to call and ask, nor did I want to face any judgement or ""advice"" from friends, so I went online and did lots of research. I also called a few other places and asked a lot of questions.
Planned Parenthood and Dr. Emily are great - on the phone they were really kind and helpful, but I wanted to have my partner there with me and I wanted privacy. I didn't want to sit in a waiting room with 10-40 other anxious women.
Our appointment was at 1pm. We walked out at 2:40pm. Most of that time was spent talking to the doctor and nurse about the procedure and also about trying out a new form of birth control (we're going with the NuvaRing which they can give you an script for). You also need some time to give a urine sample, fill out paperwork and get a bloodtest (if you don't know your bloodtype.)
The procedure itself was only 5 minutes long and yes, it is painful (feels like REALLY BAD cramps), but the pain was over within 60 seconds and again, the doctor and nurse were AMAZING - really kind, patient and all round amazing people.
We didn't see one other person in there (i believe they stagger visits, so you're not sharing a waiting room) and my partner was sitting next to me the whole time, able to ask questions and then holding my hand during the procedure.
They took us into the room very quickly when we got there, but we did wait for 10 minutes for the doctor to come in and then another 10 minutes for the nurse a bit later. I suppose that could be another con, but it seems pretty standard for doctor visits. I found that having a friend with you and/or reading material or something else to distract you is helpful.
And yes, it's true what everyone else says about the office - it's clean, bright and very friendly-feeling.
Our biggest fear was not being able to have a baby in the future, but from all the research i've done, aspiration is not invasive - because there's no scraping, it's totally safe!! The doctor reassured us of this (but it's also consistent with what i've read elsewhere).
Afterwards, I was feeling fine - i even went for a jog later that day. They say that activity helps the cramping (which was VERY minimal even 2 minutes after the procedure!!)
THANK YOU to everyone at Early Options!! We SO appreciated your kindness!!
Best of luck to anyone else going through this ordeal - I know firsthand how hard it is, but I'm finally smiling again and very hopeful about my life and future. ;)
Pros: AMAZING staff - from receptionist, to nurse, to doctor
Cons: More expensive vs. other places
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