Safety Exit
Request Appointment

Procedural Abortion

Abortion is legal & available in Montana

Request Appointment

An outpatient, “in-clinic” abortion procedure is a safe method of ending a pregnancy where a trained medical professional uses aspiration (light suction), and in some cases sterile instruments, to gently empty the uterus. The procedure is offered as a single-day appointment and most people are able to return to work, school, or other regular activities the next day.

At Blue Mountain Clinic, we offer in-clinic abortion procedures up to 20 weeks and 6 days in pregnancy. The cost varies depending on how many weeks pregnant you are.

To schedule an appointment, please fill out our appointment request form or call Blue Mountain Clinic with any questions about our services.

Request Appointment
Procedural Abortion Services Available Blue Mountain Clinic Missoula, Montana bluemountainclinic.org

Please do not delay an abortion for financial reasons. Blue Mountain Clinic offers funding and partners with organizations such as the Montana Abortion Access Program to provide financial assistance. We also accept Medicaid and private insurance.

In-Clinic Procedural Abortion

The Process Explained

During your visit, our caring staff will provide thorough information about what to expect, explain the procedure in detail, make sure all your questions are answered, and review aftercare instructions. We will also discuss your health history so we can provide the best possible care for you.

We offer a mild sedative at the patient’s request (aka “conscious sedation”). Patients who choose this option will not be unconscious for the procedure, but rather temporarily relaxed and more at ease. Please note: You will need to have a driver after the procedure if you are administered the sedative.

Out of an abundance of caution for our patients and staff, we are only able to allow patients back into the clinic. Support people, drivers, anyone who accompanies you to your appointment, are all welcome to wait in our waiting room or parking lot, or we can let them know when to come back and get you.

Prepare for your Visit

  • The procedure is offered as a single-day appointment.  When you call to make your appointment, we will let you know how long to expect to be at the clinic. 
  • Payment for abortion services is due in full at the time of your appointment. 
  • Upon arrival, we will have standard health history paperwork for you to complete. 
  • You will be accompanied by a trained counselor throughout your visit who will provide compassionate care and detailed information along the way. We provide a safe and comfortable environment to spend time one-on-one outlining the events of the day, detailing the procedure, reviewing consent forms, and thoroughly answering any questions you have. 
  • When you are comfortable moving forward, we will perform an ultrasound to date the pregnancy and make sure everything is safe to continue. 
  • The procedure (as outlined here) is performed by a trained medical provider and is usually the shortest part of the visit. 
  • Following the procedure, we will review aftercare instructions and monitor your recovery until you are ready to go home. 
  • An in-clinic procedural abortion is one of the safest medical procedures available and is equally as safe as a medication abortion. 
  • An uncomplicated abortion (procedural or medication) will not affect fertility or the ability to have healthy pregnancies in the future.
Step by Step Info Procedural Abortion Blue Mountain Clinic Missoula, Montana bluemountainclinic.org

Step By Step

Every person experiences abortion differently – emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. 

  • On average, the entire procedure takes less than 15 minutes.  Many people report cramping similar to a heavy period – some report having very little discomfort at all. 
  • The procedure begins with a bimanual exam, where the provider feels for the size, shape, and position of the uterus.  This is followed by a speculum which is inserted to hold the vaginal walls open.  This is not painful, just pressure.  
  • After cleaning and numbing the cervix (the opening to the uterus), tapered rods called dilators are used to gently stretch the cervix.  A small sterile tube is then inserted into the uterus and the contents are removed using light suction.  In some cases, sterile instruments and ultrasound are used as well. 
  • Following the procedure, we will review aftercare instructions and monitor your recovery until you are ready to go home.  We will provide any additional resources or information needed, as well as our phone number where we can be reached 24/7 with questions or concerns.

Additional Information

Abortion is legal and available in Montana!

Patients under the age of 16 are currently required by law to notify a parent or legal guardian before the procedure or obtain a waiver from a judge. Call the BMC team for more information about Montana’s Parental Notification law.

Spousal consent is not required to obtain an abortion in Montana.

Blue Mountain Clinic is dedicated to upholding the right to privacy for all Montanans. We are a full family practice clinic, which includes reproductive health care. Patients visit our clinic for all sorts of reasons, and we proudly provide confidential, respectful care to all.

Licensed clinicians provide abortion care at Blue Mountain Clinic. Our clinicians are experienced and dedicated to safe, reliable reproductive health care.

Alongside our clinicians is a compassionate support staff trained to counsel clients about their options, provide supportive care, detailed and thorough information, and patient advocacy.

Your visit is strictly confidential. Send an email to a member of our staff or considering sharing your experience (anonymously) to help others feel more comfortable and to help us improve our care!

Sometimes people choose to manage their abortions on their own, outside the traditional medical system. If you are considering self managed abortion for financial reasons, call us first, as we can often help with financial support! For those who choose self managed abortion, please feel free to contact us and explore our Resources page for more information, including possible safety and legal considerations.

Request Appointment
Call Now Button