Originally started by Planned Parenthood, the Guttmacher Institute confirms, by definition, the importance of INFORMED CONSENT. They state: informed consent is a process through which accurate and relevant information is presented to a patient so that he or she is able to knowledgeably accept or forego medical care, based on an appreciation and understanding of the facts presented. 1
And yet, interestingly, as of this writing, many of our patients have shared with us that when they have called the local Planned Parenthood to make an appointment for an ultrasound, they are told by Planned Parenthood they must schedule their abortion first in order to have an ultrasound. Apparently, Informed Consent falls to the way side. How so, you may ask?
The Guttmacher Institute states “Every state requires that a patient gives consent before undergoing medical treatment and that the consent be ‘informed’”. Healthcare providers have a responsibility to communicate all possible short- and long-term side-effects of each treatment option. Your provider should also address exploring which treatment options are most consistent with your values and beliefs.2
An ultrasound will establish two important factors: #1. pregnancy viability, (one in five end naturally, therefore a positive test by itself is not conclusive) and #2. the gestational age – how far along you are.
Insisting you schedule an abortion before being informed whatsoever is, well, unethical at best.
All this to say, we encourage you to stand up for your choice where ever you decide to go and review the following principles to help ensure your rights:
- Have you been provided with adequate information?
- Do you understand all your treatment options?
- Are you able to make an uncoerced decision based on that information?
Network Medical takes Informed Consent seriously and offers uncoerced, accurate and professional medical information, all at no cost to you. We inform, you decide.