Frequently Asked Questions

Before treatment

Do I need a referral from a doctor?

No, you don’t need a referral letter. You can schedule an appointment at our clinic on your own. Do you have a referral letter? If so, please bring it with you, especially if it contains medical information that may be important for your treatment.

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Is there a mandatory cooling-off period?

No. As of January 1, 2023, the 5-day legal cooling-off period is no longer required. This means you can schedule an appointment sooner.

Can I bring someone with me to the clinic?

Yes, you may bring one person with you. Your partner or companion is also welcome to be present during the interview if you’d like.

For the ultrasound exam , we ask that you come in alone for a moment. We are legally required to speak with you in private.

When you are called in for your treatment, your companion may wait in the waiting room or outside the clinic. To protect the privacy of all patients, companions are not permitted to accompany you to the treatment area.

Do you have an appointment that involves sedation? If so, it’s not a good idea to go home on your own. You must not drive a car or operate any other vehicle for 24 hours after receiving sedation. Don’t have anyone who can drive you home? Then visit www.samennaardekliniek.nl.

I'm a minor. Do I need my parents' permission?

Are you 16 or older? If so, you can decide on the treatment yourself. Are you younger than 16? If so, you need permission from a parent or guardian.

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Do you not live in the Netherlands, or do you not have Dutch health insurance?

In that case, you will be responsible for the costs. Please contact the clinic by phone for pricing information. Payment must be made prior to treatment.

We never share your information with others—not even with your family doctor, unless you specifically ask us to.

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Why does treatment have to wait until 5 weeks?

Up to 5 weeks, a pregnancy is often not yet clearly visible on an ultrasound. As a result, we cannot determine with certainty that the pregnancy is located in the uterus. A positive pregnancy test only indicates the presence of the hormone, not the location of the pregnancy.

In addition, the results of a surgical procedure performed before 5 weeks are less reliable. After 5 weeks, the doctor can check after the procedure to confirm that the pregnancy tissue has been completely removed. Before 5 weeks, this check is difficult, which increases the risk of incomplete removal.

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I'm taking medication. Is it okay for me to keep taking it?

In most cases, you can simply take your usual medication with a little water. Are you taking blood thinners or diabetes medication? If so, please contact the clinic in advance. We’ll be happy to discuss the best course of action with you.

Why can you only start treatment 12 days after a missed period?

We can only detect a pregnancy on the ultrasound once your period is about 12 days late.

We want to be sure that the pregnancy is normal and located in the uterus before we begin treatment.

This also applies to the morning-after pill!

Is there a waiting list?

No, there is no waiting list. You can usually get an appointment within a few days.

What types of birth control are available?

There are hormonal contraceptives (such as the pill, hormonal IUD, vaginal ring, patch, contraceptive injection, and implant), non-hormonal contraceptives (such as the copper IUD and condoms), and permanent contraception (sterilization).

How reliable is birth control?

Highly reliable: sterilization , hormonal IUD, copper IUD, and the implant.

‍Reliable: birth control pills , birth control patches, vaginal birth control rings, contraceptive injections, and condoms.

Less reliable: withdrawal and the rhythm method. Their reliability depends heavily on how they are used.

Can I bring my partner or a companion?

Yes. You may bring one person with you. Your partner or another companion may be present during the consultation (you’ll have the ultrasound on your own). If you’re picked up for the procedure, your companion can stay in the waiting room or step outside for a moment, for example. You’ll see each other again once you’re all done and ready to go home.

Does birth control protect against STDs?

Only condoms protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Can I bring my kids?

No, unfortunately, it is not possible to bring (young) children to the clinic. We kindly ask that you arrange childcare in advance.

Will my health insurance cover the cost of the abortion procedure?

Yes. If you live in the Netherlands and have health insurance, the costs of an abortion procedure are fully covered by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. The reimbursement is processed through your health insurance, but nothing is deducted from your deductible. This means you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket.

Are there any protesters at the clinic?

Unfortunately, on some days there are anti-abortion protesters near the clinic.

We recommend that you clearly indicate when you do not wish to speak with someone.

If you want to avoid contact, it’s best not to respond to their questions or comments at all.

If you are being harassed, we would greatly appreciate it if you would report it to us.

Can I have an IUD inserted right away?

If you undergo a suction curettage up to 12 weeks, we can insert an IUD right during the procedure.

If the procedure is performed under light sedation, you won't feel a thing when it's being placed.

Our doctors can prescribe an IUD during the initial consultation. However, you can also discuss this with your primary care physician beforehand and pick up the IUD at your own pharmacy to bring with you on the day of your appointment. Please let us know your preferences when you make your appointment.

Treatments

Does the treatment hurt?

Treatment with sedation: You won’t feel a thing during the procedure. A sedative and pain medication will be administered through an IV. Immediately after the procedure, you may still feel a bit sleepy and dizzy. Sometimes you may experience some cramping, similar to menstrual cramps.

Treatment with local anesthesia: You will remain awake and feel what is being done. You will be given a painkiller beforehand, and the doctor will numb the cervix with a few injections. How painful this feels varies from person to person. Most women describe it as severe menstrual cramps.

Medical abortion (abortion pill): You will experience most of the symptoms on the day you insert the tablets vaginally at home. You may have severe abdominal cramps and heavy bleeding. The severity of these symptoms varies from person to person. You may also experience side effects from the medication, such as nausea, diarrhea, chills, or fever.

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Will the treatment affect a future pregnancy?

No, in general, an abortion does not have a negative impact on future pregnancies. An abortion is a safe procedure when performed by specialized doctors.

You will be able to conceive again immediately after treatment. Your first period usually occurs 4 to 6 weeks later.

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Can I have an IUD inserted right after the procedure?

If you are up to 13 weeks pregnant, you can have an IUD inserted immediately after treatment.

If you have undergone medical treatment (the abortion pill), an IUD can only be inserted once a follow-up examination has confirmed that the treatment was successful and you are no longer pregnant.

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What are the risks of an abortion procedure?

The chance of a medical problem (a complication) is very small. However, it is important to know that the risk increases slightly the longer you are pregnant.

The risks associated with each treatment method:

The abortion pill

Blood loss: You may lose a lot of blood. During your appointment at the clinic, we’ll explain exactly what to do in that case.
Success rate: For 2 to 5 out of every 100 women, the pill does not work (at all). In such cases, additional medication or a minor procedure is required.
Infection: The risk of infection is less than 1%. If this occurs, it can usually be effectively treated with antibiotics.

Treatment up to 13 weeks (suction curettage)

This is a very safe treatment.

Blood loss: The risk of significant blood loss is less than 1%.
Success rate: the chance of residual tissue remaining is less than 1%.
Injury: Damage to the uterus is extremely rare (occurring in fewer than 1 in 1,000 women). It usually heals on its own.
Infection: The risk of infection is very low (0.5 to 1%) and can be easily treated.

Treatment from 13 to 22 weeks

This treatment is medically safe, but the risks are slightly higher than in the first few months

Blood loss: The risk of significant blood loss is 1 to 3%.
Success rate: here too , the chance of residual tissue remaining is 1 to 3%.
Infection: The risk of infection is 1 to 2%.
Damage: Here, too , there is a very small chance (0.1 to 0.4%) of damage to the uterus, usually without lasting consequences.

Who will be present during the hearing?

The procedure is performed by a doctor who specializes in abortion procedures. An anesthesiologist and a nurse will also be present. Accompanying persons are not permitted in the treatment area.

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Why can you only start treatment 12 days after a missed period?

We can only detect a pregnancy on the ultrasound once your period is about 12 days late.

We want to be sure that the pregnancy is normal and located in the uterus before we begin treatment.

This also applies to the morning-after pill!

How reliable is birth control?

Highly reliable: sterilization , hormonal IUD, copper IUD, and the implant.

‍Reliable: birth control pills , birth control patches, vaginal birth control rings, contraceptive injections, and condoms.

Less reliable: withdrawal and the rhythm method. Their reliability depends heavily on how they are used.

Can I bring my partner or a companion?

Does birth control protect against STDs?

Only condoms protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

After treatment

What side effects might I experience after the treatment?

Common and usually mild symptoms following an abortion include fatigue (temporary) and abdominal pain or cramping, especially during the first few days. Bleeding typically lasts 1 to 2 weeks. It is normal for symptoms to increase slightly around the third day. Bleeding can sometimes last longer—this varies from person to person.

After taking medication (the abortion pill), you may also experience nausea, dizziness, or diarrhea as a result of the medication. Abdominal cramps and bleeding may also last a little longer.

These symptoms are a normal part of the treatment and are not complications. You will receive instructions and information after your treatment. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the clinic.

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What should I avoid doing after the treatment?

After the treatment, it’s a good idea to rest for a while. Listen carefully to your body. You may eat and drink as usual. We recommend that you avoid alcohol for the first 24 to 48 hours.

For the first 2 weeks after treatment: do not use tampons or menstrual cups, do not have vaginal sex, do not take baths, do not go to the sauna, and do not swim. Showering is allowed.

Did you undergo a procedure under sedation? If so, you must not drive a car or operate any other vehicle for 24 hours after the procedure.

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When should I contact the clinic or a doctor?

Feel free to call us anytime if you have any questions. Please contact us immediately if you experience any of the following:

Heavy bleeding: more than 2 to 3 full sanitary pads per hour for 2 consecutive hours, or if you continue to pass large clots after the first few days.
Fever or signs of infection: a temperature above 38.5°C that lasts longer than 24 hours, fever accompanied by chills, abdominal pain, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Severe or worsening abdominal pain: pain that does not feel like menstrual cramps and does not improve with pain medication.
Overwhelming emotional distress: everyone reacts differently to an abortion. Are you experiencing intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, or guilt that last longer than a few weeks and are affecting your daily life? If so, it may help to talk to a professional. You can consult your own doctor or contact us.

When can I go back to work?

We recommend taking it easy on the day of your treatment. You can usually return to work the next day. Above all, listen carefully to your body. Do you have a physically demanding job that involves a lot of lifting or walking? If so, it’s a good idea to take it a bit easier for the first few days. See what your body can handle and avoid doing anything that causes you too much discomfort.

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How is the follow-up check going?

During the follow-up visit, we’ll discuss how you’re doing and how the past few weeks have been. We’ll perform a pregnancy test and do a follow-up ultrasound to confirm that you are no longer pregnant. The follow-up visit takes place approximately three weeks after the treatment. You can schedule an appointment at the clinic or with your doctor or primary care physician.

How long will it take for my pregnancy symptoms to go away?

Morning sickness usually subsides within 24 hours of treatment. The sensation of sore or tender breasts usually goes away after a week. It takes several weeks for all pregnancy hormones to leave your body—this happens gradually. A urine pregnancy test is usually negative after 3 to 4 weeks.

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Why do I need to take antibiotics after treatment?

We are prescribing antibiotics to help prevent an infection in your uterus. It is also important that you follow the instructions you were given after the treatment.

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What exactly do you do during a follow-up visit?

At the follow-up appointment after 3 weeks, we’ll perform a urine test to see if all the pregnancy hormones have cleared from your system.

And if you’d like, we can also use an ultrasound to check whether the uterus looks normal again.

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Aftercare

Do I need to make an appointment for a follow-up visit?

No, you can come to the walk-in clinic three weeks after your treatment.

That’s on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (So not on Wednesdays!)

What exactly do you do during a follow-up visit?

At the follow-up appointment after 3 weeks, we’ll perform a urine test to see if all the pregnancy hormones have cleared from your system.

And if you’d like, we can also use an ultrasound to check whether the uterus looks normal again.

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Are there any protesters at the clinic?

Unfortunately, on some days there are anti-abortion protesters near the clinic.

We recommend that you clearly indicate when you do not wish to speak with someone.

If you want to avoid contact, it’s best not to respond to their questions or comments at all.

If you are being harassed, we would greatly appreciate it if you would report it to us.

Do I need to make an appointment for a follow-up visit?

No, you can come to the walk-in clinic three weeks after your treatment.

That’s on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (So not on Wednesdays!)

What exactly do you do during a follow-up visit?

At the follow-up appointment after 3 weeks, we’ll perform a urine test to see if all the pregnancy hormones have cleared from your system.

And if you’d like, we can also use an ultrasound to check whether the uterus looks normal again.

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