Surgical Abortion Timing: Understanding Waiting Periods & Options

Question
Dear Dr. Joan,
First, thank you so much for providing this valuable Q and A service. I went today to a clinic for a surgical abortion and was told that as I am only 4 and a half weeks into the pregnancy that they would not perform the procedure. They said they "might" be able to perform it 1 week from now. Is this reasonable? The extended period of waiting seems unduly stressful from a psychological point of view. I took a look at your site, and unfortunately did not see any physicians for the L.A. area.  Do have any colleagues that you can recommend in this area that will perform this procedure at 5 weeks?  Thank you...

Answer
Dear Sky,
It's reasonable for a clinic to wait a week before performing the procedure.  It is safer for you, and better to wait.  I believe the only place that might do it sooner is listed on my site (Santa Rosa California) or possibly Planned Parenthood Golden Gate...nothing in LA that I'm aware of. However, it's possible that even these sites would have you wait if they cannot confirm that the pregnancy is in your uterus.  This is typically confirmed by ultrasound at around 5 - 5 1/2 weeks.
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan