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About Our Centers:

In 1997, the Family Planning Association of Maine created the Institute for Reproductive Health to meet the need Central Maine women have for affordable abortion services provided in a safe and supportive environment.

On March 28, 2003, the Institute was renamed the Harris Institute for Reproductive Health in honor of the late Dr. Harris, a widely admired and respected Maine physician who was a lifelong champion of the pro-choice movement.

On June 24, 2004, the Family Planning Association of Maine acquired the Women's Community Health Center of South Portland which has since been renamed to the Family Planning Association of Maine.

Our goal is to provide women with the care and support they need and deserve when facing an unintended pregnancy.

Abortion Services

Since 1971, the Family Planning Association of Maine (FPA) has ensured that affordable, high quality reproductive health care services are available throughout Maine.

We believe that every woman—regardless of race, religion or economic status—should have the freedom to decide whether and when to have a child, and that every child should be loved and wanted.

If you decide to have an abortion, our role is to support you in the decision you have made, to provide you with the highest quality medical care, and to give you the information and medical supplies you need to avoid unintended pregnancy in the future. We provide abortion care services in two Maine locations: Augusta and South Portland.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far along in my pregnancy can I be and still secure services?

You may access abortion services at the Family Planning Association of Maine as early as 5-6 weeks* and as late as 12-14 weeks from your last menstrual period.

*Note: Early pregnancy termination methods include both medication and surgical abortions. Our staff will answer any questions you may have about either procedure.

Do I need to come to the office more than once?

No. For surgical abortion, assuming everything is in order, you need only make arrangements to visit us once. However, medication abortion requires two visits.

How much time should I plan for my appointment?

We will do everything we can to make your visit as short as possible, but you should plan on four hours. The visit consists of a personal medical history, information about the procedure, obtaining your informed consent, the procedure, and the recovery process.

Can I bring a support person?

Yes. Each patient may bring one support person—your partner, a family member or friend.

What if I change my mind?

Our role is to support you in the decision you believe is right for you. If at any time prior to the procedure you change your mind, your decision will be respected.

Will I receive birth control?

Yes. Selected methods of contraception will be available to you before you leave.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Call the Family Planning Association of Maine:
Augusta 626-3243
Toll-free 1-800-525-3228
South Portland 773-7247
Toll-free 1-866-531-7247

What is the cost?

The Family Planning Association of Maine is a non-profit organization. Fees are established to pay for the cost of the procedure. Many private insurance companies cover services. Additionally, we do accept VISA, MasterCard, and American Express. Ask for more details when you call.

What are the options besides abortion?

Basically you have three choices: Parenthood, adoption, or abortion. The website below covers all of them:

www.pregnancyoptions.info

For information about adoption in Maine go here:

A Family for ME

Maine Department of Human Services-Guide to Adoption

Maine Department of Human Services-How To Adopt

Maine Adoption Placement Services

Comments from our patients:

“You’re different. You didn’t judge me, and you helped me when I had nowhere else to go.”

“This was a difficult decision and the staff made me feel comfortable and well cared for.”

“I walked in very nervous and a little scared. The staff explained the procedure and answered all of my questions. They were very kind and made me feel very comfortable.”

“Outstanding care. Your staff has some of the most caring people I have ever encountered. They made me feel safe and well taken care of...thank you.”

"A decision like this is a hard one to make. There are so many different feelings. But, it is comforting to have people showing you [they] care and support [you] when others question you about it. It’s hard enough as it is, physically and emotionally, and you folks helped me tremendously! I want to thank you for making my experience so much easier for me."

"I thought your care was excellent in every way. My partner and I were prepared for the worst and your staff made me feel more relaxed and in great hands. I thought that the medical abortion procedure was a great choice for me. It allowed privacy and a measure of empowerment over the process. I would recommend your facility to others as a comfortable, competent, and welcoming place during a very emotionally stressful experience."

"The sympathy and kindness shown by the staff makes you feel like you are close friends. I am astounded by the time and love you put into treating patients. Thank you so much. There seems to be such a bond of sisterhood and I instantly felt part of it. I couldn’t ask to be in the company of better people. Please keep it up for the … young girls who may need you someday."

"Everything was explained very well. I felt very personally attended to, [for] which I was very thankful. I was firm in my decision and at the same time [your] non-partial support and knowing it was my decision was very encouraging."

Medical Abortion:

Tell me about RU486...

External Links:

www.pregnancyoptions.info

National Abortion Federation

National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League--NARAL