Early Options™

Early Options™ is a family practice based approach to early abortion services.  Early Options™ was established in 2000 in New York City.  Progressive family doctors established Early Options™ to take the stigma and targeting out of early abortion care.  The Early Options™ model 1) offers early abortion services in mainstream family practice offices; 2) promotes noninvasive early abortion methods; 3) offers private and confidential abortion services;  4) supports the relationship between the patient and her doctor and caregivers;  5)  includes a woman’s companion as important to her medical care.

Early Options has pioneered a primary care approach to the termination of early pregnancy.  Women are seen for private, scheduled appointments.  Their visit is confidential, and their are no common waiting areas.  Women are taken directly to a private examination room, where they have a private consultation with their Board Certified woman family doctor.  Companions are welcome. 

Early Options™ has been at the forefront of promoting the Aspiration Abortion Procedure (Manual Vacuum Aspiration) as the most safe, simple, and quick early abortion method.  This nonsurgical procedure takes minutes to complete, with minimal discomfort.  There is immediate recovery, and the patient can resume her normal activities when she leaves the office.  Early Options™ also recommends the Abortion Pill for women who have difficulty tolerating medical procedures.  Unfortunately, most abortion clinics still offer surgical (D&C) abortions, which are too invasive for ending early pregnancy. 

Women have been extremely appreciative of the care they have received at Early Options™.  In order for this to become the model of the future, significant educational efforts on the Aspiration Abortion Procedure and the availability of private care would need to be supported.