Frequently Asked Questions

Before treatment

Do I need a referral from a doctor?

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

Is there a mandatory cooling-off period?

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

Can I come in without a referral?

Yes. You can contact the clinic directly to make an appointment without a referral.

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. We are legally required to speak with you in private.

When you are called in for your appointment, 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 involving 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. If you don’t have anyone who can take you home, please visit www.samennaardekliniek.nl.

Can I bring my children?

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

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

No. If you are 16 or older, you can decide for yourself whether to have an abortion, and your parents’ consent is not required. If you are younger than 16, consent from one of your parents or your guardian is generally required, unless a doctor determines that you are capable of making the decision on your own.

Is there a waiting list?

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

How much does the treatment cost? And what about my privacy?

Do you live in the Netherlands and have Dutch health insurance? If so, the treatment is free. The costs are covered by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. Your health insurer will not be notified, and you will not have to pay any deductible. The treatment is completely anonymous.

We will need your health insurance card (or policy) and a form of identification to verify your eligibility for reimbursement.

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 is due before treatment begins.

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

I'm being forced to have an abortion. What can I do?

Please let us know. We will only proceed with treatment if it is your own decision. That is why we always speak with you privately before treatment begins. Together, we will review your situation and look for solutions.

Do you feel unsafe? Let us know. You can also contact Veilig Thuis at www.veiligthuis.nl.

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 confirm 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.

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 medication for diabetes? If so, please contact the clinic in advance. We’d be happy to discuss the best course of action with you.

about the treatment

Does the treatment hurt?

Treatment with sedation: You won’t feel a thing during the procedure itself. 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 pain reliever 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 experience 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.

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’ve had a medical abortion (abortion pill), an IUD can only be inserted once a follow-up exam has confirmed that the procedure was successful and you are no longer pregnant.

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 situation.
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 an infection does occur, 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 that tissue will remain 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.

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

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.

After treatment

What can I do to relieve cramps or pain after treatment?

You may continue to experience cramps and bleeding for a while. This is normal. You can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen at home. Do not take aspirin—it can increase bleeding.

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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 may 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. Do you have any questions or concerns? Please feel free to contact the clinic.

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 procedure. 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.

How is the follow-up 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 conduct 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.

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.

Why do I need to take antibiotics after treatment?

We are prescribing antibiotics to protect your uterus from infection as a preventive measure. It is also important that you follow the instructions you received after the treatment.

birth control

What types of birth control are available?

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

How reliable is birth control?

Highly effective: sterilization, hormonal IUD, copper IUD, and the implant. Effective: birth control pill, birth control patch, vaginal ring, contraceptive injection, and condoms. Less effective: withdrawal method and the rhythm method. Effectiveness depends heavily on how the method is used.

Does birth control protect against STIs?

Only condoms protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Does birth control work right away?

Not always. Contraception often isn’t fully effective until after 7 days. Use additional protection, such as a condom, during that time.

Can birth control be less effective if I'm taking other medications?

Yes, some medications can reduce its effectiveness. Therefore, always consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Is hormonal birth control bad for my health?

Hormonal contraception is generally not harmful to your health. For most people, it is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy. Many users experience benefits such as reduced menstrual cramps and a more regular cycle. However, side effects may occur. These are often temporary and go away on their own. If the side effects persist, contact your doctor. With the combined pill, contraceptive patch, and vaginal contraceptive ring, there is a slightly increased risk of cardiovascular disease in healthy users. This risk increases in smokers, women over 35, those who are overweight, those with high blood pressure, those with migraine with aura, and those with hereditary clotting disorders. Therefore, always discuss your health with your doctor and let them know if you smoke.

I don't want to or can't use hormonal birth control. What other options are there?

The following contraceptives and methods do not contain hormones: the copper IUD, condoms, sterilization, withdrawal, and the rhythm method.

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