For Referrers
Preterm is committed to providing the highest quality medical care, confidentiality, respect and dignity to every woman. Each patient seeking abortion services receives individual counseling on her first visit and emotional and physical support during and after the procedure.
Below you will find information to assist you in referring patients to Preterm for their abortion care. In the right column you will find resources for helping you to talk to women about pregnancy options, our special program for patients diagnosed with fetal anomalies, and how you can expedite care by using the state's 24-hour consent form.
Please feel free to contact us with other questions. The best way to learn about what we do it to visit our clinic. We invite you to visit Preterm, and we will be glad to arrange a convenient time to meet our staff and take a tour.
FAQs from Referrers
- Does Preterm have payment plans?
- Do insurance plans cover abortion?
- What is the Ohio law regarding teens and abortion?
- What is the Ohio law regarding 24-hour waiting periods?
- Our patient just received the diagnosis of a fetal abnormality. How does Preterm address the needs of these women?
- Some of our patients have asked about having an abortion in a private setting. Can Preterm accommodate this special request?
Our patient has received a positive pregnancy test and is unsure about continuing her pregnancy. Does Preterm offer options counseling?
Yes, a woman can make an appointment specifically for options counseling. Our Patient Advocates are nonjudgmental and experienced in facilitating this often complex decision-making process. We respect and appreciate each woman’s capacity to reach her own decision.
Does Preterm have payment plans?
Currently we do not offer payment plans. However, Preterm is a nonprofit agency strongly committed to helping women who need financial assistance to obtain an abortion. To keep our fees reasonable, we rarely raise our prices. Although state and federal funding does not pay for abortion, Preterm discounts fees for women receiving public assistance and others who self-pay because they are uninsured. While we cannot guarantee a particular level of financial aid, depending on financial need, we may also be able to help find outside funds or offer subsidized fees. Our financial assistance manager will work with patients on a case-by-case basis.
Do insurance plans cover abortion?
They frequently do. Our staff will verify the plan and benefit, then notify the patient of her insurance coverage prior to her appointment.
What is the Ohio law regarding teens and abortion?
Ohio law states that a parent must consent if a minor (age 17 and younger) is going to have an abortion. If the minor feels she is unable to involve her parent, she has the option of obtaining a judicial bypass by meeting with Juvenile Court judge, who determines if she is mature enough to have the abortion without parental consent. Preterm staff can give minors further information regarding their options.
What is the Ohio law regarding 24-hour waiting periods?
Ohio law requires that any woman seeking an abortion meet with a licensed physician at least 24 hours before her procedure for a face-to-face consultation. Generally, to have an abortion, a woman makes two visits to a clinic no less than 24 hours apart. At Preterm the patient has all her pre-operative services during her day one appointment, including ultrasound exam, lab tests, individual counseling, and the physician consultation. She has her procedure on her day two appointment. If she has laminaria inserted the day before her procedure, the abortion is a three-day process.
There is an alternative. According to the law, any licensed physician can provide the face-to-face consultation. You can expedite your patient’s abortion care but doing this in your office. We have the state script and consent form available online for your convenience.
Our patient just received the diagnosis of a fetal abnormality. How does Preterm address the needs of these women?
Our staff is sensitive to the unique needs of these patients/couples. We have a special program to help them, and we provide the patient with referrals for additional reading and support groups, as requested.
Some of our patients have asked about having an abortion in a private setting. Can Preterm accommodate this special request?
Yes, Preterm can make arrangements for a private appointment. There is an additional fee for this service.
