I was there today for a termination for fetal abnormalities, and my OB told us that my life was in…read moredanger. I didn't know what to expect, but they went way above and beyond any expectations of how I thought a facility would run. As someone who has been staunchly pro-life, this decision was the hardest one my husband and I ever made. It was not done lightly, and with great sadness and trepidation, I called for an appointment. The receptionist let me cry and soothed me while I explained the need for the appointment. Upon arriving, there were protestors on the street, but the building is around the back, and there are pro choice advocates outside to ensure your car isn't bothered. The facility looks like a townhouse, and it's actually kind of quaint. When we went in, the receptionist was warm and compassionate, helped me get started, and took my husband and my mom to the private room upstairs while I provided a urine sample.
The lab tech was really nice, and took time to listen and review my notes. She also rubbed my shoulder while I cried, and proceeded to give me tissues and let me talk it out. After a simple blood test for my blood type, I was taken to the preliminary exam room. The doctor, Dr. McLeod was a sweet doctor, and reminded me of a kind grandfather figure. He was competent and compassionate, and took his time explaining what he was doing, and making sure I was comfortable during the initial exam. As someone who has been unable to relax for weeks, he actually put me at ease, and actually took my hand and said he was sorry for my loss.
I was then ushered to a private room to wait for our turn with the counselor. Stephanie held me while I cried again, this time in her arms. The office staff are the most compassionate people I have ever met. She took about 45 minutes answering my questions, reviewing my paperwork, and making sure I was feeling okay. She was so helpful and her guidance was appreciated. I stayed in the private room until I was called down. I have given a bag to hold my things, and a clean, large, cotton gown to wear for the procedure.
In the procedure room, I elected the general anesthesia, so the nurse and the anesthesiologist were present. The anesthesiologist was extremely professional and courteous, making sure I felt comfortable and safe before inserting the IV sedation. Dr. McLeod came in with his scrubs on, the room was sterile and clean, and at no time was I made to feel uneasy.
Right before the anesthesia took effect, I thanked the doctor, nurse, and anesthesiologist for taking my decision to save my life with the utmost dignity, compassion, and care more than anywhere I had gone for my high risk pregnancy. The told me it was their pleasure and thanked me for the kind words.
Around 20 minutes later, I woke up in a large recovery room, and was helped off the stretcher, and onto a comfortable recliner. They gave me water, pretzels and cookies. Then they made sure I felt ok to get dressed and had me change into my clothes. I had my blood pressure retaken, and then they had my husband and mom wait for me and helped me walk to the door. I was there a total of two and a half hours. I went home and napped for 4 hours and I feel exactly as they said I should expect.
Listen, I never thought I would write a review about an abortion facility, not in a million years, but I FIRMLY believe they do NOT deserve a poor rating, simply because of the services they provide. They went above and beyond for my family and I, I can't say I'll ever be back, but this experience opened my eyes to the true meaning of the term "compassionate care".