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Center for Pregnancy Options

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(415) 353-3400

The UCSF Center for Pregnancy Options provides abortion care and family planning services in a private, comfortable and sensitive environment. We care for women seeking elective abortion, treatment for miscarriage or fetal death, and pregnancy termination due to health problems of the fetus or mother.

We provide:

We are dedicated to protecting your privacy. Your personal, medical and billing information will not be shared with anyone – including your family and referring doctor – without your signed consent. All UCSF doctors, nurses, other staff, students, trainees and volunteers abide by strict federal and state privacy and security regulations.

Our center is an integrated service of the UCSF Center for Pregnancy Options, and our patients are not separately identified.

Our services

Elective abortion

Before making an appointment for an elective abortion, please confirm your pregnancy with an over-the-counter home pregnancy test, which you can buy at a pharmacy or supermarket. If you need help making decisions regarding your pregnancy, the following resources may be helpful.

Miscarriage treatment

A miscarriage can be a very difficult and sad experience. We provide several treatment options and support services, depending on your circumstances:

  • Treatment or close monitoring of an incomplete miscarriage
  • Medical management or medication to help complete a miscarriage
  • First trimester uterine aspiration

Abortion for fetal abnormalities or maternal health

Terminating a pregnancy due to fetal abnormalities or maternal health conditions can be an extremely difficult choice. We provide the following services in a supportive environment:

Experts at the UCSF Prenatal Diagnostic Center specialize in high-risk pregnancy and fetal abnormalities. For genetic counseling and testing, please contact the center.

Contraception

We can help you find the most appropriate contraceptive method, based on your health and family planning wishes. We provide:

  • Condoms
  • Diaphragms and cervical caps
  • Emergency contraception
  • Intrauterine contraception (also referred to as intrauterine devices or IUDs), including Paragard, which doesn’t use hormones, and Mirena, which releases the hormone progestin
  • Natural family planning
  • Prescriptions for oral contraceptives, including progestin-only and combined hormonal pills, birth control patches and the vaginal insert called NuvaRing
  • Depo-Provera, a progestin injection usually given every 12 weeks
  • Implanon, a progestin implant placed under the skin of the upper arm

Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception (EC) is safe and effective in preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex or when birth control fails. EC pills temporarily stop the release of an egg from the ovary and may prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus. Ideally, EC should be taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex, though it is still effective if taken within 72 hours. The sooner EC is taken, the more effective it is. EC is not effective if you're already pregnant.

EC is available without a prescription at pharmacies.

Support our program

Gifts to the UCSF Center for Pregnancy Options help us expand our services and continue to provide crucial care to patients and families. Please consider making a donation to support this important work.

Our locations

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    Patient education

    FAQ: Post-Abortion Care and Recovery

    Commonly asked questions regarding post-abortion care and recovery including, cramping/bleeding, possible complications, avoiding infection and more.

    Aspiration Versus Medication Abortion

    Are you considering a medical versus surgical abortion? Find information here on suction curettage and medical abortions to help in making your decision.

    Support services

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    Patient Resource

    Case Management & Social Work

    Connect with a team that can help you find resources, solve problems and advocate for you during treatment at UCSF.

    Class

    Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class

    This eight-week class teaches mindfulness practices that can reduce stress and improve your overall health, such as meditation and body awareness.

    Patient Resource

    Patient Relations

    We welcome feedback about your experience at UCSF Health. Find out how to contact us with comments, questions or concerns.

    Patient Resource

    Spiritual Care Services

    Chaplains representing many faiths are available around the clock to provide support, comfort and counsel to patients, families and caregivers.

    Patient Resource

    Women's Health Resource Center

    Access free health resources here, from classes and webinars to support groups and medical referrals, plus pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding services.

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your condition
    • List of your medications, including dosages, plus any you're allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    International Services

    If you live outside the United States and are coming to UCSF for medical treatment, our patient liaisons can help coordinate all aspects of your visit.

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    Interpreting Services

    UCSF offers interpreters in various languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), as well as services for deaf, hard-of-hearing and visually impaired patients.

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    Hospital Stays

    Make your hospital stay as smooth and comfortable as possible by finding out how to prepare and what to expect.

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    Your Doctor Visit

    See our top 10 tips for making your UCSF doctor’s appointment as stress-free and productive as possible.

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