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Safety of Abortion in Ambulatory Surgical Centers vs. Office-based settings

Thirteen states have laws that require abortion clinics to meet the standard of Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs). Many of these laws apply only at a specific gestation, typically in the second trimester. We found no significant difference in rates of complications after having an abortion in an ASC compared to having an abortion in an office-based setting. Laws that mandate that abortions be performed in ASCs do not increase the safety of abortions.

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Thirteen states have laws that require abortion clinics to meet the standard of Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs). This is the first study to directly investigate the safety of abortions performed in ASCs compared to office-based settings. There was no significant difference in rates of complications after having an abortion in an ASC compared to having an abortion in an office-based setting.  Laws that mandate that abortions be performed in ASCs do not increase the safety of abortions.