Thank you for all the amazing work and support that you provide. From the first call and the availability you provide.

I had read other reviews prior to coming to this place and was a bit leery. Let me just say, the level of respect, professionalism and kindness that this clinic offered was unmatched. Everyone from the security gaurd, to the receptionist, the counselor, and medical professionals performing the procedure and ultrasound made me feel extremely comfortable and calm throughout the process (which I will admit I was nervous about). If you are deciding whether or not to go to this clinic, I cannot recommend this facility enough and these individuals enough. I am grateful I chose here for this procedure. read more

I have mixed feelings. On the one hand. I needed to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. And I was able to do that safely and with relative ease. Most of the staff were very friendly and helpful. On the other I felt that the actual doctor really lacked some of the bedside manner that other doctors have. It was almost as though she knew she was providing a somewhat difficult to obtain service to vulnerable women. She brought two interns with her and nobody told me that was going to occur until my feet were up in stirrups. Barely ethical. She got on me about both my blood pressure AND my method of birth control - again only once my feet were up in stirrups. While my doctor does not perform abortions I do feel comfortable with my doctor's care. My blood pressure was high? Well...I was scared to death, I hadn't had any water for almost 12'hours, I was pregnant when I shouldn't be (over 40, complicating health factors, take a daily med that causes serious birth defects, gets a regular depo shot). Her point about my birth control was well taken, but delivered at totally the wrong time. My favorite was the provided bunexplained prescription for TWO Plan-B's. It felt super judgmental, needless (you don't need a prescription), and frankly irresponsible to give someone a prescription without asking. In the recovery room I felt lucky. I'd had an easier procedure. My partner is very supportive. I had uncomplicated feelings about terminating my pregnancy. There were younger women in there crying. I couldn't help but wonder if they had been treated as carelessly as I had by the doctor? Small kindnesses are all that is needed - actually just not being careless is what is needed. Finally, I wish the doctor or anybody would have explained that in the 24-48 hours after he procedure you won't bleed much. Is is a few days later that you start to bleed heavily. I was feeling so confident after the procedure and when I began to bleed more it was sort of scary. Again, I get it - it is like an assembly line, but small small things make a difference. read more

Review from a male perspective, helping out a friend with a ride. The advantage of going to a private clinic like WHS vs Planned parenthood, is that they can get you in faster, and don't force you do a 72hr waiting period, or short range follow up visits. Time is tissue. If you are looking Abortion services, look at the National Abortion Federation website and also the Abortion Care Network. As of 2019, the cost for first trimester work is $700, and you can pay exact cash if you like. The OB/GYN literature suggests that surgery is preferable to pills because it's a one shot procedure, and you won't be cramping and passing blood for the next week which can create additional stress. WHS is a member of the National Abortion Federation, and follows professional society guidelines/accreditation. If you get surgery, then you will almost certainly get partial/full anesthesia, and will need a ride. The discharge area is behind the building on a lower entrance. If you look closely you will often see police hanging out further down the drive way or in the Walgreens parking lot. (If you get a script for antibiotics, get it filled right away, as you want to take post surgical antibiotics within 1-2 hours of surgery to get the best protective effect) I can't say anything about the procedure itself, but the waiting area has a gloomy awkward atmosphere, for obvious reasons. Bring a book, and drink something first because the designated driver can't leave after the procedure begins. read more

This review is long overdue seeing how my procedure was done over a year ago, but if your seeking the services that they offer this is the place to go. I researched many places with great reviews, and I'm glad I chose this location. The appointment scheduling process was easy and the lady on the phone was very kind. They seem to have flexible scheduling. Even everyone from the security outside the building to the nurse in the post-procedure room was kind and professional. If you're looking for the services they offer look no further. read more

Birth control fail. After discussing the options with my s.o., having basic prenatal work done, replacing glasses of wine with prenatal vitamins, and assessing the feasibility of carrying a pregnancy to term with clotting and immunodeficiency disorders that are neither fetus- nor mommy-safe--and while also on a cocktail of teratogenic drugs that can't safely be stopped--I concluded that baby-making would be more viably done another time, with planning and pharmaceutical prep, in consultation with a high-risk Ob/Gyn. I'm happy that that decision is legal in this country (despite which, as recently as 1994, there were two lethal shootings at other Brookline clinics). Women's Health Services, located near Coolidge Corner, performs surgical (aspiration and D&C) abortions up to 23 weeks. They accept most insurance. They're helpful when you call to schedule your procedure (they'll even doublecheck with your insurance re: coverage). Once you're at the clinic, they minimize waiting time. You can have your 2-3 week post-op checkup at WHS or with your GP. The Ob/Gyn who performs the abortion is nice, knows her stuff, and was able to devise an on-the-spot solution for a medical problem I have that might have delayed matters elsewhere. And, of course, she's beyond amazing because she's one of the all-too-few doctors performing what is the most frequently-performed (and most irrationally stigmatized) minor surgical procedure in the US. Start to finish, my visit for an early first-trimester abortion went like this: Park (for free) in the adjacent lot; smile (from a distance) at the protester/s; go through the security station at the entrance; check in at the front desk; take a seat in the waiting room; fill out your medical history and informed consent forms. A counselor will then lead you to a private room for a brief, non-directive chat about your decision and the procedure. Questions asked include "Is anyone forcing you to do this?" and "Do you have plans for post-op contraception?" After this, you'll return to the waiting room (or, if you desire, you can then have a parent or s.o. join the chat). Next, you'll be taken to the lab for basic bloodwork. Finally, you'll be taken to a changing room where you'll don a (non-paper!) gown before heading to the procedure room. Once you're up on the table, the Ob/Gyn will do a transabdominal ultrasound to stage the pregnancy. Next, you'll be bestirrupped. This is when things got whacky for me--and it's when the Ob/Gyn resolved the whackiness swiftly and effectively. While reviewing my medical history, she saw that I have a history of clots, asked if the cause is known (yes), and said I needed LMWH injections pre- and post-procedure. At first, I thought I'd have to reschedule for another day (and/or have it done at a hospital, where it's far pricier)--but lo & behold, the gynecologist didn't even have to see the alarmed look on my face to know that waiting till Monday wasn't really an option; she came up with a solution right then and there, writing a prescription for a week's worth of heparin before sending me to the changing room to re-dress so I could return to the waiting room to command my s.o. to take a stroll in the rain to the Walgreen's next door to have the RX filled. This made me beyond happy, this not-having-to-wait-another-day-or-three-but-still-maintaining-proper-protocol-thing. Once my s.o. returned, I was promptly resituated on the exam table, where a nurse showed me how to self-administer the shots so I'd have no problem doing it solo in days to come. After giving myself the first, I was good to go: sedation was delivered via IV and next thing I knew, I was half-lying, half-sitting in a chair in the post-op room. (I hadn't anticipated that totally-knocked-out level of sedation--if you're hoping to be conscious for the procedure, be emphatic!) Post-op, they'll likely give you prophylactic doxycycline and ibuprofen to-go (tell them if you're allergic to either), along with an RX for three rounds of Plan B (this, boys & girls ages 18+, is not because you need an RX to buy it; it's just in case your insurance covers it). Once I was reoriented in the time-space continuum, my s.o. was instructed to bring the car around to the post-op exit. All in all, nothing scary. The doctor and staff members were considerate, warm, and professional. I didn't have any complications after--just some minor pain, barfing, and postpartum moodiness. Not only do those hormones plummet, but no matter your reasons for having an induced abortion, no matter how un/tenable your pregnancy is, no matter how easy or hard the decision, no matter how happy you are with that decision, losing a pregnancy can still be a very real loss--and that's okay as long as you know you made the right decision for you. For more info on life-saving, choice-affirming repro health resources in MA, see NARAL's useful guide: http://bit.ly/gyr66z read more

I needed a D&C abortion. Without knowing what to expect re: waiting times, I called hoping I could make an appointment within the next few weeks. They said I could come in as early as the next day, though recommended I make my appointment for 2 days later, as waiting times would be shorter. I came in at 9AM on a Thursday and came out at roughly 1:30, a little longer than the 4 hours I had anticipated spending (though being constantly ushered from one room to another made the time go by relatively quickly). As the other reviewer experienced, the first few hours were: - filling out paperwork - doing a blood test to determine positive/negative blood (simple finger prick) - speaking to a very sweet social worker who addressed my concerns, concisely explained risks, and didn't probe into my reasons except to make sure i wasn't being forced into it - receiving birth control counseling- got a years prescription for a low-dose BC pill Everyone at every stage was friendly, professional, and completely committed to putting me at ease- hard to believe they could bring that kind of energy to every patient, every day (saints really!) Finally I was called in for the procedure. They provided me a proper cloth gown and led me to the operating table. Being the masochist I am, I couldn't help taking a quick glance around for any metal hangers, industrial fish hooks, axes, or other torture devices they might use while I am unconscious. Fortunately, they had removed anything even vaguely suspicious from sight, which helped to put me at ease. Next they jellied up my tummy (already tensing up at this point) and did an ultrasound. This is when things got a little worrisome. Being only 7 weeks along, it wasn't detectable- a blood test did confirm I was pregnant, and they warned me that the embryo might be in the tubes and that if this is the case, I may have to undergo a different procedure at a hospital. Because of this little glitch, I was also unexpectedly subjected to a pelvic exam, before which I warned the (female) doctor that I was a little antsy about this stuff and that I apologize if I tense up. (Unlike other doctors, she didn't constantly tell me to JUST RELAX!!! and rather, kept apologizing for the discomfort- made me feel like less of the wuss I am and actually HELPING me to relax). Also, the very sweet anesthesiologist held my hand and took my mind off of it by making jokes about "the old country" (Iran). After the general anesthesia was administered (i even turned away for the IV insertion) I was out within 30 seconds and woke up (i think) very shortly after in a recovery room. I magically had my underwear on (with pad...weird) and was given jolly ranchers and as much time as I needed to stand and depart. When i first woke up I felt nauseous from the drugs (although they did also give anti-nausea drugs) and the well-trained nurses, who had been very attentive throughout the whole procedure, could tell how i felt just by looking at my skin. One opened a packet of something and stuck it under my nostril, which took away the nausea very quickly. Within minutes i was feeling good enough to stand, dress myself, and meet my husband who was waiting with a taxi that the clinic had called in advance for me. Maybe because of the build-up to the event, this was probably my least traumatic visit to a gynecologist. I hope never to have to do it again, but given the situation, the outcome was ideal. I didn't have insurance, so i payed the $600 out of pocket. If for some reason they find that the procedure can't be done on that day (too late, too early, complications, etc.) you only pay $200 for blood work and ultrasound, etc. I can't say how post-op is really going (I'm writing this review on the same day) but they prescribed me painkillers (which i haven't taken yet, pain is quite mild) antibiotics to prevent infection, and a pamphlet on do's and don'ts. Feeling decently ok (tired) and optimistic about recovery. Very grateful that I live in a time (and state, have heard horror stories from the South) where making this choice doesn't have to be unsafe or traumatic. Update: Though it was years ago now, I felt I should add how my recovery went. As far as I remember, I was vaginally sore for a few days and a bit tender everywhere, but felt 100% within a week. read more

I had a wonderful experience with the professionalism and kindness of the staff. I was terminating a pregnancy and had a lot of mixed feelings. From the phone call to schedule my appointment to the actual procedure I felt cared for and respected. read more

It's unfortunate it took me 2 years to write this review, but I want other women to know my experiences here and that they are not alone. I was here back in August of 2015. This is obviously NEVER an easy decision to make. You make the best choice you can based on your circumstances and many other personalized factors. I actually live about an hour away from the city and chose this place based on how their website looked as well as ease of scheduling an appt. I tried to call hospitals in Boston that provided these services and it was a lost cause. The appt. was easy to make and they just ask that your doctor sends over paperwork confirming pregnancy, or at least they did for me since I had medication that I needed to take the morning of procedure (medication a huge factor contributing to my decision). WHS offers Saturday morning appts., making it easy to schedule around work or other obligations. The worst part of the experience was the PROTESTERS! The building is not clearly marked, for good reason, but my ride pulled into the wrong parking lot and we were bombarded by this older woman trying to put brochures into the car window which was cracked open. I told her to get lost and just stood in front of the car. Once you get in, you are no longer bothered and check-in with the guard. You check in at the front desk, and then get some blood work done and meet with a counselor to ensure your choice is what you want and discuss all options. My counselor was a SWEETHEART and she made me feel at ease. After that, you are brought into the surgical room and the nurses, doctor, and anesthesiologist talk with you and make you comfortable. It was over in no time and you wake up in a reclining chair in recovery room. They make sure you are OK and then call your ride who meets you in the back of the building with the car, FREE OF PROTESTERS THANK GOD!! My only complaint was the nurse in the recovery room. She was kind of short and snappy when I had questions. She seemed to be inconvenienced by us girls down there. Other than that everyone was great! Especially the anesthesiologist and support counselor. I chose to have my check-up there and the woman doing my follow-up check out was incredibly sweet. I HIGHLY recommend this facility to any women finding themselves needing to make this difficult decision. Don't let the protesters scare you off or make you feel badly, or anyone for that matter. This place made me feel supported and at ease, I am glad I chose them. Good luck, be strong, and stay blessed to all my fellow women seeking these services. No shame, it's your decision and yours alone. read more

I got excellent care here. It was actually one of the best healthcare experiences I've ever had, from intake to discharge. Everyone treated me with respect and gentleness. BTW, I also want to mention that I am not "haunted" by my abortion. The reason I want to say that is that whenever abortion is covered in the media, the women are always characterized as being haunted or conflicted, agonizing over the decision and shedding many tears. We never hear from the women for whom abortion is not a big moral dilemma, for whom abortion has no more emotional impact than any other surgical procedure. Ladies, you are not required to feel bad about your abortion at any point. You do not ever have to apologize to anyone for it in any way. You should feel proud for making a responsible decision, and proud to live in a (part of the) country that lets women have abortions in safety and comfort. read more

I am 16 years old and have a phobia of needles. The staff there was amazing and made me feel so safe, they even allowed me to get my blood drawn from the IV instead of getting a deprecate finger prick. They also let my mom come down to the room so I wasn't alone while going under. The operating room is just like a regular doctors office when in my head I imagined something scarier. The nurses were great and helped me calm down and get the IV. And just like that I woke up comfortable in a super nice chair, blanket and heating bad with no cramps and my nausea was gone from the medication. 10/10 recommend love the hospitality and they made me feel safe and like I wasn't alone. Definitely bring headphones, fuzzy socks and a sweatshirt to stay cozy before. Overall great experience and I have nothing bad to say. read more

I had an abortion here a little more than a year ago. I'm so happy I did it here because everyone really took great care of me and I mattered. I had to come in twice because the first time I had second thoughts, but they never made feel I had to have an abortion. They made me feel like it was my decision only. Mostly likely you will encounter protesters outside, that's the only annoying part about this process. Ignore them, they know nothing about you. When you enter the building, you and anyone else with you will get checked by security, he's very nice and I felt safe inside. The whole staff is nice and comforting. The waiting room is clean, time passed by fast for me. The counselor calls you in, you wait a bit more, get your blood taken. I found out I was rh negative, so they had to give me some sort of shot before the surgery. I felt kind of emotionless as I was laying down on the bed, the ultrasound was quick, I was in 11 wks. A lady with short hair was there to prepare me for the surgery, she was nice and she gave the room a sort of peaceful aura. Before I knew it I was knocked out and done with surgery. I woke up crying and a lady gave me tissues. She was the only one I didn't like bc she didn't show compassion much, but still she wasn't rude. Then I got picked up to go home, with after care instructions. I was very weak the next 2-3 weeks, I was emotional, sometimes couldn't believe what I had to do. But now I'm just happy. It's something that was a big deal at the moment, but today it's just part of the past. I really appreciate everyone at this clinic and all the hard work they do, they all deserve the best! read more

The review by Andi P. is an excellent description of the clinic, experience and thank you to Andi for writing this review for other women. My experience was that of having two pre-existing conditions (diabetes and another condition) and being on medication which is forbidden during pregnancy. My partner and I decided, if we wanted to have a baby, it would be better to do so under close care and careful planning. The clinic staff are professional and compassionate, and knowledgeable as well. It was very helpful talking with the counselor before the procedure. The physician (a man) was excellent, and the anesthesiologist discussed options with me, given the conditions i have. There were three options: a local anesthetic (not recommended unless absolutely necessary), a mild dose of anesthesia, and a full does. I went with the mild dose. I didn't feel anything during the procedure and was out for that time, but didn't have a problem "coming to" afterwards. I didn't have any complications or many symptoms afterwards - the strongest symptom was the change in hormone levels and resulting blood sugar changes. A few weeks after the procedure, I followed up with my own counselor to talk about what had happened. I definitely recommend doing this if it is your thing, because it helped a lot to be able to talk openly and in a judgmental situation about my feelings and experience. read more

Horrible place! Just speaking from reception alone! who ever this woman is she needs to fired. I call to make an appointment for a person reason I was greeted with a please hold which was fine 20 min later the lady returns to the phone I tell her I am calling to confirm an appointment and I would like to be seen today 24hrs/ next day service there website says she says it probably wont be today but we can see you sometime this week I feel like as soon as I tell her my name the rudeness started and by rude I mean raciest ! She says why don't you just go to your schools health services( my school has no health services and either way i pay a shit tun for insurance so why is that her concern) I say because my insurance covers here she says oh are you sure its here? she proceeds to tell me I need to call my "insurance" (as if she didn't believe I had any) and see if the cover my visit because she doesn't want me to have a $400 bill which she was sure I could not afford! I say look I know it covers I have called you even list my insurance on your website so I do not know what you are talking about..... Then she goes oh well the doctor can see you in two weeks!! was I more than furious next day to 24 hour appointments is what they promise on the website and what they promise on the phone before they guess your race assume you can not afford it and keep referring you to planned parenthood. This lady is scum I am sure it is a good place but your receptionist represents you very wrong! I proceeded to tell her she was unprofessional and hung up the phone. I can not believe the nerve of this woman and hope she is terminated!!! read more

I would like to begin by saying that I did not want to get an abortion and I have great pain knowing that I had to get one. I knew that the situation was not right at this point in my life to raise a child. (I am still in college/living with my parents). Plus, I did not know I was pregnant until 5 weeks in, so I had been drinking a lot. (if I hadn't been drinking so much I would have highly considered keeping the baby) That being said, I came to this clinic and had a surgical abortion. I did my research and decided to go the surgical route rather than the medical route. I can be a nervous wreck sometimes and I sure was when I came into the clinic, not knowing what would happen. I had heard about the side effects and in the back of my mind had the fear of something bad happening. I found the staff super friendly and accommodating. EVERYONE was pleasant. I came in feeling super nauseas and they all tried to make me feel better. One of the faculty members even hugged me and wished me luck. I had general anesthesia so I was put to sleep for the procedure. Next thing I knew I was sitting in the recovery room. I knew the procedure had been done but I didn't remember anything, except before I was put to sleep of course. Before I had the anesthesia I was laid down on a table and the doctors were trying to calm me down but my heart rate was skyrocketing to 110 bpm when my resting heart rate is about 60 bpm. I would recommend getting the general anesthesia if you do not want to see/hear/ feel/ or remember anything. I know that if I had the local anesthesia I would probably be crying on the table because I'd be too alert thinking about the procedure. The procedure itself I heard is only 4 minutes! Recovery was fine. I was only drowsy for about 45 minutes after I was released. My AMAZING boyfriend was by my side the whole time. He has given me tremendous support and has been my caretaker since I finished the procedure. I was subscribed medicine for recovery as well as Birth Control. I was happy that they got me a birth control prescription so quickly. Of course I will be taking that now. The only reason I rate this 4/5 stars is because the wait was really long and the anticipation of waiting just made me more nervous. By the time I finally arrived to the clinic I just wanted to get it over with...especially after my nauseating 1 1/2 hr drive there. I am not looking to be criticized for my decision but I wanted to post this for anyone who is considering this option. I was in the same situation and I wish I had seen more comments for this clinic. I chose it since I know Brookline, MA is a good area and also because of the comment below me (thank you if you see this (: It made me feel better about what I was going to do and I wanted to see someone write about their experience. read more