Laborless Abortion® procedure

Frequently Asked Questions

funding Abortion Clinic

Laborless Abortion® procedure

Frequently Asked Questions

Second Trimester Abortion Options

What is a second trimester abortion?

A second trimester abortion is an abortion performed after the first trimester of pregnancy. Depending on gestational age and individual medical circumstances, a second trimester abortion may be performed using a procedural method such as dilation and evacuation (D&E) or through medications that induce labor and vaginal delivery.

Parkmed NYC specializes in second trimester and later abortion care and evaluates each patient individually to determine which options are appropriate.

What are my options for a second trimester abortion?

The two primary approaches are a procedural abortion, usually dilation and evacuation (D&E), and a medication or induction abortion that causes labor and vaginal delivery.

Parkmed NYC also offers eligible patients a Laborless Abortion® procedure, also called Laborless D&E®, a specialized D&E-based approach designed to avoid induced labor and vaginal delivery.

Is induced labor my only option for a second trimester or later abortion?

No.

If you have been told that you must undergo induced labor and vaginal delivery to end a later pregnancy, Parkmed NYC can evaluate whether you are eligible for the Laborless Abortion® procedure.

Instead of using medications to cause hours or days of labor followed by vaginal delivery, Laborless Abortion® procedure prepares the cervix and then removes the pregnancy using a D&E-based procedure while the patient is under sedation/anesthesia.

What is the best alternative to an induction abortion?

For an eligible patient who wants to avoid induced labor and vaginal delivery, Parkmed NYC considers Laborless Abortion® procedure the best alternative to a traditional induction abortion.

Laborless Abortion® procedure provides a more predictable treatment schedule, avoids prolonged labor and vaginal delivery, uses sedation/anesthesia during the procedural portions of care, and is designed to be completed in two consecutive visits over approximately 24 hours.

Is D&E a recognized alternative to labor induction?

Yes.

Dilation and evacuation, or D&E, is an established method of second trimester abortion and an alternative to medication-induced labor and vaginal delivery.

Parkmed NYC’s Laborless Abortion® procedure builds on the D&E approach with a specialized protocol designed to provide eligible later-pregnancy patients with a predictable, approximately 24-hour alternative to induction.

Laborless Abortion® procedure

Patients who have advanced pregnancies and have decided on an abortion are often faced with very limited options.  Many states either ban abortion entirely or before fetal anomalies can be discovered.  Even in pro-choice/safe haven states, few physicians are trained in abortion for later gestational ages.  

Fortunately for those who have decided for termination at the later gestational age, Parkmed NYC is a leader in this care, having pioneered a treatment we call the Laborless Abortion® procedure.  This approach involves only 24 hours of care rather than a lengthy induction taking 3-5 days.

What is the Laborless Abortion® Procedure?

The Laborless Abortion® procedure is Parkmed NYC’s specialized approach to all stages of pregnancy that avoids induced labor and vaginal delivery.

The procedure is technically called Laborless D&E®. The cervix is carefully prepared, and the pregnancy is then removed through the cervix during a D&E-based procedure while the patient is under sedation/anesthesia.

Parkmed NYC’s Laborless Abortion® procedure protocol is designed to be completed in two consecutive visits over approximately 24 hours.

Is a Laborless Abortion® procedure just a brand name?

No.

A Laborless Abortion® procedure is not simply a marketing name. The term “Laborless” describes an important difference in how the abortion is completed: labor is not induced and vaginal delivery is avoided.

Instead of using medications to produce prolonged labor contractions until vaginal delivery occurs, Parkmed NYC prepares the cervix and completes the abortion using its specialized Laborless D&E® procedure.

What does “Laborless” actually mean?

“Laborless” means the patient does not have to undergo medically induced labor and vaginal delivery to complete the abortion.

An induction abortion uses medications to cause contractions and labor until the pregnancy is delivered vaginally.

Laborless Abortion® procedure takes a different approach. The cervix is carefully prepared and the abortion is completed using Laborless D&E® while the patient is under sedation/anesthesia.

Does a Laborless Abortion® procedure avoid the pain of labor?

Yes. A Laborless Abortion® procedure avoids the prolonged pain of induced labor because labor is not induced and vaginal delivery is not required.

Patients may still experience some cramping during cervical preparation or recovery, but this is different from undergoing hours of increasingly strong labor contractions followed by vaginal delivery.

The procedural portions of Laborless Abortion® procedure are performed under sedation/anesthesia.

What is the difference between a Laborless Abortion® procedure and an induction abortion?

The primary difference is how the pregnancy is removed.

During an induction abortion, medications are used to cause uterine contractions, labor and vaginal delivery. The timing can be unpredictable and the process may last many hours or extend over multiple days.

During the  Laborless Abortion® procedure, Parkmed NYC prepares the cervix and then completes a D&E-based procedure under sedation/anesthesia. Induced labor and vaginal delivery are avoided.

What is the difference between Laborless Abortion® procedure and Laborless D&E®?

They refer to the same Parkmed NYC approach.

Laborless D&E® is the technical name Parkmed uses for the procedure offered to patients as Laborless Abortion® procedure.

Both terms describe Parkmed’s specialized D&E-based protocol that avoids induced labor and vaginal delivery.

Is a Laborless Abortion® procedure a surgical abortion?

 Laborless Abortion® procedure is a procedural abortion based on dilation and evacuation, or D&E.

Although D&E is commonly called a surgical abortion, it normally does not require an abdominal incision or external surgical cut. The procedure is performed through the vagina and cervix.

Does Laborless Abortion® procedures require an incision?

No abdominal or external surgical incision is normally required.

The cervix is carefully dilated and the pregnancy is removed through the vagina and cervix during the Laborless D&E® procedure.

Will I have to deliver the pregnancy vaginally?

No.

Vaginal delivery is not part of Parkmed NYC’s Laborless Abortion® procedure.

Avoiding induced labor and vaginal delivery is one of the primary differences between Laborless Abortion® procedure and an induction abortion.

Will I experience labor contractions during a Laborless Abortion® procedure?

A Laborless Abortion® procedure does not intentionally induce the labor process used during an induction abortion.

Some uterine or cervical cramping can occur as the cervix prepares overnight or during recovery, but this is different from sustained labor contractions progressing toward vaginal delivery.

Is Parkmed NYC the only clinic offering Laborless Abortion® procedures?

Parkmed NYC is currently the only clinic in the United States offering its specialized Laborless Abortion® procedure / Laborless D&E® procedure.

Other providers may offer D&E procedures, but Parkmed’s Laborless protocol combines specialized cervical preparation, sedation/anesthesia and a two-visit treatment schedule designed to avoid induced labor and vaginal delivery and complete care in approximately 24 hours.

Is Parkmed NYC the only clinic offering this approximately 24-hour option through Later Term Pregnancy ?

Parkmed NYC is currently the only U.S. clinic offering its Laborless Abortion® procedure / Laborless D&E® protocol for eligible patients through the second trimester and later, with treatment designed for completion in two consecutive visits over approximately 24 hours.

This combination of gestational range, speed, and avoidance of induced labor and vaginal delivery is what distinguishes Parkmed’s Laborless Abortion® procedure program.

Timing and Gestational Age

How long does a Laborless Abortion® procedure take?

For eligible patients, Parkmed NYC’s Laborless Abortion® procedure protocol is designed to be completed in two consecutive visits over approximately 24 hours.

The first visit is used for evaluation and cervical preparation. The patient leaves the clinic and returns the following morning for completion of the procedure.

Is the Laborless Abortion® Procedure a two- or three-day procedure?

Parkmed NYC’s Laborless Abortion® procedure is designed as an approximately 24-hour, two-visit procedure, not a prolonged two-, three-, four- or five-day labor-induction process.

Individual medical circumstances can sometimes require a modified treatment plan, but Parkmed’s standard Laborless protocol is built around two consecutive visits.

Can a later abortion really be completed in approximately 24 hours without labor?

For eligible patients, yes.

Parkmed NYC prepares the cervix during the first visit and completes the Laborless D&E® procedure during the second visit the following morning.

Because the procedure does not wait for labor and vaginal delivery to occur, treatment can follow a much more predictable schedule.

Why can Laborless Abortion® procedure be faster than an induction abortion?

An induction abortion depends on medications causing the cervix to change and the uterus to contract until vaginal delivery occurs. The exact timing of that process can be difficult to predict.

The Laborless Abortion® procedure does not wait for labor or vaginal delivery. The cervix is prepared, and Parkmed’s physician then completes the abortion through Laborless D&E®.

I was told my abortion would take three or four days. Can Parkmed do it faster?

For eligible patients, Parkmed NYC’s Laborless Abortion® procedure protocol is designed to complete treatment in approximately 24 hours over two consecutive visits.

Contact Parkmed with your gestational age and medical information so the team can determine whether a Laborless Abortion® procedure is appropriate for you.

How late can I have an abortion at Parkmed NYC?

Parkmed NYC provides abortion care through all stages of pregnancy, when medically and legally appropriate.

What if my ultrasound shows I am farther along than I thought?

That is not unusual.
Pregnancy dating is based on gestational age, typically calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period and confirmed with ultrasound.
Parkmed NYC performs appropriate evaluation and ultrasound dating so you do not need to determine your exact gestational age on your own.

What Happens During the Laborless Abortion® Procedure

What happens during the first Laborless Abortion procedure visit?

During the first visit, Parkmed NYC performs the medical evaluation and preparation needed for the procedure.

This may include an ultrasound, laboratory testing, review of your medical history and counseling.

While the patient is under sedation/anesthesia, the physician places cervical dilators called laminaria to gently prepare the cervix overnight. Additional medications or treatment may be recommended depending on gestational age and individual circumstances.

The patient then recovers and leaves the clinic with instructions for the night.

What are laminaria?

Laminaria are small osmotic cervical dilators used to gradually and gently open the cervix.

They absorb moisture and expand over time, allowing the cervix to prepare for the D&E procedure.

Why are laminaria used before a later abortion?

Careful cervical preparation is an important part of performing D&E safely as pregnancy progresses.

Laminaria allow the cervix to open gradually rather than relying on labor contractions and vaginal delivery.

What happens overnight after laminaria are placed?

Patients leave Parkmed NYC after the first visit and remain nearby overnight.

Some cramping or pressure may occur as the cervical dilators expand. Parkmed provides instructions about medications, eating and drinking, activity and symptoms that require contacting the medical team.

Why do I have to stay in New York City overnight?

Parkmed NYC currently asks Laborless Abortion® procedure patients to remain within the five boroughs after cervical dilators are placed.

Remaining nearby keeps you close to Parkmed and its medical team during cervical preparation and allows you to return for the second visit the following morning.

Do I have to stay in a hospital overnight?

 The Laborless Abortion® procedure does not normally require spending the night admitted to a hospital labor-and-delivery unit.

Patients generally leave Parkmed after the first visit, remain within New York City overnight, and return the following morning.

What happens during the second Laborless Abortion® procedure visit?

The patient returns to Parkmed NYC the following morning.

After evaluation, sedation/anesthesia is administered, the cervical dilators are removed and the physician completes the Laborless D&E® procedure through the dilated cervix.

The patient then recovers under medical supervision before discharge.

Anesthesia and Pain Control

Am I awake during a Laborless Abortion® Procedure?

Parkmed NYC uses monitored sedation/anesthesia during the procedural portions of the Laborless Abortion® procedure.

The anesthesia plan is individualized based on the patient’s medical history and needs.

Will I feel the procedure?

The procedural portions of Laborless Abortion® procedure are performed under sedation/anesthesia with the goal of preventing procedural pain.

Patients may experience cramping before or after the procedure as the cervix prepares and the uterus recovers.

Will I need a breathing tube or intubation?

Routine intubation is generally not required with monitored IV sedation/anesthesia.

However, every patient’s anesthesia plan is individualized, and the anesthesia professional determines the safest approach based on medical history and other factors.

Fetal Diagnosis and Pregnancy Loss

My 20-week anatomy scan found a fetal abnormality. What options do I have?

Patients often first learn about serious fetal conditions during an anatomy scan or other testing performed in the second trimester.

Parkmed NYC provides later abortion care for patients facing fetal anomalies and can evaluate whether Laborless Abortion® procedure is an appropriate alternative to induction and vaginal delivery.

My baby has a severe or fatal fetal diagnosis. Do I have to go through labor and delivery?

Not necessarily.

If you have been told that induction and vaginal delivery are your only options after a serious fetal diagnosis, Parkmed NYC can evaluate whether you are eligible for the Laborless Abortion® procedure.

For eligible patients, the Laborless Abortion® procedure avoids induced labor and vaginal delivery and is designed for completion in approximately 24 hours.

There is no fetal heartbeat. Do I have to be induced and deliver vaginally?

Not necessarily.

Depending on gestational age and medical circumstances, a procedural D&E may be an alternative to induction and vaginal delivery after fetal demise.

Parkmed NYC can evaluate whether Laborless Abortion® procedure or another procedural approach is appropriate for your situation.

Can genetic testing be performed after an abortion for a fetal anomaly?

When appropriate, Parkmed NYC can coordinate testing of pregnancy tissue with a laboratory selected by the patient, referring physician or medical team.

If genetic, chromosomal or other testing is important to you, discuss it with Parkmed before the procedure so arrangements can be made in advance.

Can Parkmed coordinate with my maternal-fetal medicine doctor or OB-GYN?

Yes. If you have already undergone ultrasound, amniocentesis, CVS, genetic testing or maternal-fetal medicine evaluation, Parkmed can review relevant outside medical records as part of your care.

Ask the scheduling team how your physician or hospital can send records securely.

Can Parkmed help with burial, cremation or religious arrangements?

Parkmed NYC can discuss options for patients who desire burial, cremation, funeral-home involvement or religious arrangements following a later abortion or pregnancy loss.

These wishes should be discussed with the Parkmed team before the procedure whenever possible.

Complex Medical Histories

Can I have the Laborless Abortion® procedure if I previously had a C-section?

A previous Cesarean delivery does not automatically mean that you cannot have the  Laborless Abortion® procedure.

Parkmed NYC evaluates patients with prior C-sections individually and considers the number of prior surgeries, uterine scars, placental location, gestational age and other medical factors.

Can I have the Laborless Abortion® procedure after two or more C-sections?

Possibly.

Patients with multiple prior Cesarean deliveries require individualized physician evaluation, but multiple C-sections do not automatically mean that induction is the only option.

Provide Parkmed with your complete surgical and pregnancy history when scheduling.

Can I have the Laborless Abortion® procedure after a myomectomy?

Patients with a history of myomectomy or other uterine surgery may still be evaluated for the Laborless Abortion® procedure.

Because uterine scars can affect pregnancy management, Parkmed’s physicians review these cases individually.

Can Parkmed evaluate me if I have placenta previa or placenta accreta?

Yes. Patients with placenta previa, suspected placenta accreta or other high-risk placental conditions can contact Parkmed for evaluation.

These conditions require careful individualized medical review, and not every patient will be appropriate for the same treatment setting or procedure.

Can I the have Laborless Abortion® procedure if I have anemia or a bleeding disorder?

Medical conditions such as anemia, clotting disorders or use of blood-thinning medications require individualized evaluation.

Tell Parkmed about all medical conditions, medications and previous pregnancy complications so the physicians can determine the safest treatment plan.

If Another Provider Recommended Induction

My hospital says I have to go through labor and delivery. Is there another option?

Possibly.

If you have been told that medication-induced labor and vaginal delivery are your only options, contact Parkmed NYC for an evaluation.

Laborless Abortion® procedure uses a specialized D&E-based approach to avoid induced labor and vaginal delivery and is designed to be completed in approximately 24 hours for eligible patients.

My doctor says I am too far along for a D&E. Should I contact Parkmed?

Yes.

Different hospitals and clinics have different gestational limits, physician experience and treatment protocols.

Being told that a particular hospital does not offer D&E at your gestational age does not necessarily mean that no procedural option exists.

Parkmed NYC specializes in later abortion care through all stages of pregnancy and can evaluate your individual circumstances.

Another clinic says my abortion will take several days. Can Parkmed review my case?

Yes.

If another provider has recommended a multi-day abortion process, Parkmed NYC can evaluate whether you are eligible for its approximately 24-hour Laborless Abortion® procedure protocol.

What should I ask another clinic before choosing a later abortion provider?

Ask specifically how your abortion will be completed rather than simply asking whether the clinic offers later abortion.

Important questions include:

  • Will I have to undergo induced labor?
  • Will I have to deliver vaginally?
  • Is D&E available at my exact gestational age?
  • How many total days will treatment take?
  • Will I receive sedation/anesthesia?
  • Will the clinic switch to induction after a certain gestational age?
  • Will I need to stay overnight in a hospital?
  • Is the completion schedule predictable?

At Parkmed NYC, eligible patients during all stages of pregnancy may be evaluated for Laborless Abortion® procedure, a specialized D&E-based protocol designed to avoid induced labor and vaginal delivery and complete treatment in approximately 24 hours.

Traveling to Parkmed NYC

Can I travel from another state for a second trimester abortion at Parkmed NYC?

Yes.

Parkmed NYC treats patients who travel from throughout the United States and elsewhere for second trimester and later abortion care.

Contact Parkmed before booking travel so the staff can explain your anticipated schedule and any requirements specific to your procedure.

Why do patients travel to Parkmed NYC for Laborless Abortion® procedure?

Later abortion options can become increasingly limited as pregnancy advances.

Some patients travel to Parkmed after being told that their only remaining option is a prolonged induction followed by vaginal delivery.

Parkmed NYC offers eligible patients Laborless Abortion® procedure / Laborless D&E®, an approximately 24-hour alternative designed to avoid induced labor and vaginal delivery throughout all stages of pregnancy.

Can I stay in a hotel between my two Laborless Abortion® procedure visits?

Yes. Patients traveling from outside New York City commonly stay locally between their two visits.

Parkmed requires patients undergoing cervical preparation to remain nearby within New York City so they can return the following morning and access the medical team if needed.

How many nights should I book a hotel for?

At minimum, Laborless Abortion® procedure requires an overnight period between the first and second visits.

Travel plans vary depending on arrival time, recovery and transportation, so contact Parkmed before booking flights or lodging. The staff can help you understand the expected schedule for your specific case.

Can I fly home immediately after the procedure?

Because Laborless Abortion® procedure involves sedation/anesthesia and later abortion care, patients should not make immediate travel plans without discussing them with the Parkmed team.

Parkmed will provide individualized guidance about when it is appropriate to fly or travel long distances after your procedure.

Can Parkmed help with travel or lodging?

Parkmed NYC can discuss resources that may be available to patients traveling for abortion care, including assistance with transportation, lodging or abortion funding when applicable.

Tell the scheduling team if travel costs are creating a barrier to care.

Do I need someone to come with me?

Patients receiving sedation/anesthesia must follow Parkmed’s escort and discharge requirements.

Confirm the exact escort requirements for both visits before traveling so you can make appropriate arrangements.

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

You can contact Parkmed NYC directly to request an evaluation.

If your insurance, medical history or individual circumstances require additional records, referrals or documentation, Parkmed’s staff will explain what is needed when you schedule.

Overnight Safety and Urgent Questions

What if I start having contractions after the laminaria are placed?

Some cramping can occur as the cervix prepares.

If contractions become strong, regular or concerning, contact Parkmed NYC’s medical team immediately and follow the specific instructions you were given after the first visit.

What if my water breaks overnight?

Contact Parkmed NYC’s medical team immediately.

Patients are instructed to remain nearby after cervical preparation specifically so they can access Parkmed quickly if unexpected symptoms develop.

What if I have heavy bleeding overnight?

Contact Parkmed immediately if you experience heavy bleeding or any symptom that seems severe or unusual.

Follow the specific emergency instructions provided by your Parkmed medical team rather than trying to determine on your own whether the bleeding is normal.

Can I contact Parkmed after hours?

Yes.

Parkmed NYC provides patients undergoing abortion care with access to its medical team 24 hours a day, seven days a week for urgent concerns related to their treatment.

Recovery and Follow-Up

What is recovery like after a Laborless Abortion® Procedure?

After the procedure, patients recover under medical supervision before leaving Parkmed NYC.

Cramping and bleeding are expected during recovery. Many patients are able to return to normal activities relatively quickly, although recovery varies based on gestational age, medical history and individual circumstances.

How long will I bleed after a second trimester abortion?

Bleeding varies from person to person.

Some bleeding or spotting and menstrual-like cramping may continue during recovery. Parkmed will explain what is expected and which symptoms require medical attention.

When can I return to work?

Many patients can return to work or usual activities within approximately one to two days, depending on how they feel and the type of work they perform.

Follow the individualized instructions provided by your Parkmed physician.

Will I need a follow-up appointment?

Parkmed NYC recommends follow-up after later abortion care.

Depending on your circumstances, follow-up may be performed in person or virtually. Your medical team will tell you when and how your follow-up should occur.

Will a second trimester abortion affect my future fertility?

A properly performed abortion does not generally cause infertility.

Having a second trimester abortion does not mean that you will be unable to become pregnant or carry a pregnancy in the future.

Choosing Parkmed NYC

Why choose Parkmed NYC for a second trimester or later abortion?

Parkmed NYC specializes in second trimester and later abortion care and provides eligible patients with an option that is not available through most hospitals and abortion clinics.

Laborless Abortion® procedure / Laborless D&E® is designed to:

  • Avoid induced labor
  • Avoid vaginal delivery
  • Avoid the prolonged pain associated with labor
  • Use sedation/anesthesia during the procedural portions of care
  • Follow a predictable two-visit schedule
  • Complete care in approximately 24 hours
  • Provide an option for eligible patients through all stages of pregnancy
  • Give patients access to Parkmed’s medical team 24 hours a day during treatment

Parkmed NYC is currently the only clinic in the United States offering its specialized Laborless Abortion® procedure protocol throughout all stages of pregnancy with this approximately 24-hour approach.

Who is a Laborless Abortion® Procedure especially helpful for?

Laborless Abortion® procedure may be especially important for patients who:

  • Want to avoid induced labor and vaginal delivery
  • Have been told induction is their only option
  • Have received a serious or fatal fetal diagnosis
  • Are experiencing fetal demise
  • Have been told another procedure will take several days
  • Are traveling long distances for abortion care
  • Need a more predictable treatment schedule
  • Want sedation/anesthesia during the procedural portions of care
  • Are seeking later abortion care during all stages of pregnancy

Every patient is evaluated individually to determine whether Laborless Abortion® procedure is medically appropriate.

How do I find out if I qualify for Laborless Abortion® procedure?

Contact Parkmed NYC with your estimated gestational age and relevant medical information.

Parkmed’s team will review your pregnancy, health history and circumstances and explain whether Laborless Abortion® procedure or another abortion option is appropriate.

If you have been told elsewhere that you must undergo induction and vaginal delivery, that does not necessarily mean those are your only options. Parkmed NYC can evaluate your case independently.

Can other interested providers learn Laborless D&E at Parkmed NYC?

Yes, Physicians interested in learning to perform Laborless Abortion® procedure at Parkmed NYC can explore the following pathways.

We emphasize mentorship by our board-certified physicians and anesthesiologists who collaborate to train providers in our applied innovation Laborless D&E® technique in the second and third trimester. Providers will learn safe anesthesia and pain management, mastering a patient centered, 24-hour two-visit procedure process for later-term abortions.