Colorado Abortion Safety Checklist
Abortion Safety
Your health and well-being are paramount. Your local Colorado pregnancy center understands that this is your pregnancy, your future, and ultimately, your choice. Their commitment is to support and empower you, ensuring you have all the necessary information to make a decision you feel confident about.
If you find yourself uncertain or have questions, we warmly invite you to speak with their knowledgeable staff or medical team.
Considering an Abortion?
Follow Our Abortion Safety Checklist:
1. Confirm Your Pregnancy
A standard pregnancy test does not provide a complete confirmation of pregnancy. An ultrasound, which an Colorado pregnancy center provides at no cost, will confirm the presence of a pregnancy within the uterus and determine its stage. This is essential as it affects the types of abortion procedures available to you.
2. Understand the Risks
Like any medical intervention, abortions carry their own set of risks, both immediate and long-term. We recommend discussing these with our medical professionals to fully understand the potential impacts on your health.
3. Consider All Alternatives
Making an informed decision involves exploring every available option—abortion, adoption, or parenting. This choice is deeply personal, and taking the time to consider all possibilities will equip you with the assurance to make the best decision for yourself.
4. Get Tested for STDs/STIs
Undergoing an abortion with an untreated STD/STI can increase the risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may lead to future infertility or chronic pain. We offer free referrals for comprehensive STD/STI testing and treatment to safeguard your health.
5. Take a Moment to Reflect
When faced with a significant decision, it’s beneficial to pause and reflect on your feelings and concerns. Visit your local Colorado pregnancy clinic to discuss your thoughts and questions, ensuring you are fully prepared to make an informed choice about your pregnancy.
Questions For You
Question: Has your pregnancy been medically confirmed?
Answer: Even if you’ve had a positive pregnancy test, you will need an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy, determine how far along you are, and rule out an ectopic or tubal pregnancy. As many as 1 in 4 pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage, and more than 80% of miscarriages occur in the first three months of pregnancy.
Question: Are you aware of which abortion procedure is appropriate for you?
Answer: Consider all your options. At your local pregnancy center you can receive a pre-abortion screening at no-cost by a medical professional.
Question: Do you understand the details of the abortion procedure and what to expect afterwards?
cnswer: At your local pregnancy Center you can receive a pre-abortion screening at no-cost by a medical professional.
Question: Are you informed about the possible physical and emotional risks and complications associated with the abortion procedure?
Answer: You deserve to be informed with all the facts. At your local pregnancy center you can receive a pre-abortion screening at no-cost by a medical professional.
Question: Does the clinic you have chosen commit to providing care for any complications that may arise?
Answer: Remember, you are not alone in navigating this decision. We encourage you to take the time you need to consider all aspects of your choice. If you have any questions, need more information, or simply wish to talk to someone who understands, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Question: Do you know that it is completely acceptable to change your mind?
Answer: Many women who have experienced abortion relate that they felt they could not change their mind once they had entered the facility. Others say that they waited on the table to be “rescued” by the baby’s father at the last minute. Some facilities even told the women that they couldn’t get their money back if they changed their mind, which is not legal.
Abortion providers understand this choice is a difficult decision and can work to encourage you to abort even as they say, “I simply can’t do this!” Know your rights. Don’t be pressured or intimidated, particularly by the clinic staff. If you are not sure about your abortion decision, you can change your mind. If the procedure is not performed, demand your money back.
Question: Have there been any legal actions against the clinic or its physicians?
Answer: Abortion is legal in the United States, but bad medical care is not. Women have died as a result of their “safe and legal abortions.” Some have had their bodies harmed to the point that they can no longer have children. Be sure and do your research.
Question: Is a licensed physician required to perform a surgical abortion?
Answer: Yes, only a licensed physician can perform an abortion, regardless of the type of abortion or the facility where it takes place.
Question: When was your last STD/STI test?
Answer: An untreated infection can cause complications if not treated before an abortion. Many local pregnancy centersoffers free STI testing.
Question: Have you received information about the abortion pill and surgical abortion options?
Answer: Pregnancy centers are committed to ensuring that your decision is an empowered one, rooted in full awareness and understanding. During your initial visit, they will provide detailed information about the various types of abortion procedures and thoroughly discuss all your pregnancy options with you.
Question: Are you aware of the complications related to the abortion procedure and emotional aftereffects?
Answer: Your local pregnancy center offers complimentary medical consultations with one of their nurses during your ultrasound exam. This session gives you the opportunity to discuss your health history, address any concerns about potential complications or side effects, and openly talk about your feelings regarding the abortion process. We encourage you to take the time needed to ensure you are fully informed and supported.
Question: Do you feel any external pressure to proceed with an abortion?
Answer: It is against the law for anyone to force you to have an abortion. Not even a husband or parent can require you to undergo an abortion against your will, even if you are a minor (under 18 years old). Pregnancy centers exist to help you in any circumstance. They can even help you discuss this choice with those closest to you that are influencing your decision.
Colorado Pregnancy Centers
Colorado pregnancy centers are located in all major cities including Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, Westminster, Pueblo, Centennial, and even many smaller cities.
Most Colorado pregnancy centers listed offer free and confidential services including medical grade pregnancy tests and ultrasound exams.
SLV Life Center
3211 Main Street Suite E
Alamosa, CO 81101
719-589-6698
Caring Hands Pregnancy Center
1399 S. Havana St, Suite 201
Aurora, CO 80012
303-363-9700
Alternatives Pregnancy Center
14221 E 4th Avenue, Suite 330
Aurora, CO 80011
303-295-2288
Boulder Pregnancy Resource Center
2334 Broadway, Suite D
Boulder, CO 80304
303-492-8778
A Caring CPC of NE Colorado
308 Clayton Street
Brush, CO 80703
970-842-4324
Buena Vista Pregnancy Center
28350 cr 317 #12
Buena Vista, CO 81211
719-395-6703
East Plains Women's Resource Ctr
228 W. Front Street
Byers, CO 80102
303-822-9368
Canon City Pregnancy Center
614-616 Yale Place
Canon City, CO 81212
719-275-7074
Life Network - Medical Center
3700 Galley Rd
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
719-591-2609
Heart to Heart Pregnancy Center
213 W. North
Cortez, CO 81321
970-565-0979
Hope Pregnancy Center
538 Breeze Street
Craig, CO 81625
970-824-5204
Women's Resource Center of the Rockies
350 Lake Dillon Dr
Dillon, CO 80435
970-262-9274
Durango Pregnancy Center
1315 Main Ave Ste 230
Durango, CO 81301
970-247-5559
Alternatives Pregnancy Center
23 Inverness Way East, Suite 101
Englewood, CO 80122
303-761-7236
Life's Options Pregnancy Center
3421 Evergreen Pkwy, Suite #12
Evergreen, CO 80437
303-674-5811
Alpha Pregnancy Resource Center
1212 S. College Ave
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-221-5121
Pregnancy Resource Center
1130 Grand Avenue
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
970-945-5562
3 Ten Mile Dr
Granby, CO 80446
970-887-3617
The Pregnancy Center
2478 Patterson Road, Suite 1
Grand Junction, CO 81505
970-241-4673
Pregnancy Resource Center
822 14th St
Greeley, CO 80631
970-353-2673
Resource Center
822 14th Street
Greeley, CO 80631
970-353-2673
Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Ctr
144 N. Main Street, Suite D
Gunnison, CO 81230
970-641-0262
Arkansas Valley Pregnancy Center
118 W. 4th Street
La Junta, CO 81050
719-384-5561
Life Choices Pregnancy Center
20 W Mountain View Ave
Longmont, CO 80801
303-651-2050
Life Choices Pregnancy Center
902 Redwood Drive
Loveland, CO 80538
970-461-5050
Life Choices Family Resource Center
155 Merchant Drive
Montrose, CO 81042
970-249-4302
Aspire Medical Services
602 S. 8th Street
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
970-264-5963
A Caring Pregnancy Center
500 Colorado Avenue
Pueblo, CO 81004
719-544-3385
Salida Pregnancy Center
215 E. Third St.
Salida, CO 81201
719-539-7436
Lighthouse Helpline & Pregnancy Ctr
417 Cliff Street
Silver Cliff, CO 81252
719-783-4357
SELAH Pregnancy Center
1560 Pine Grove Road, Suite D
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
970-871-1307
Caring CPC of NE CO
126 N. 2nd Street
Sterling, CO 80751
970.466.4378
Choices Pregnancy Center
228 S Baldwin Street
Woodland Park, CO 80863
719-687-1200
Caring CPC of NE CO
529 N. Albany St #1250
Yuma, CO 80759
970.380.3737
In Colorado, abortion, including the use of the abortion pill, is legal and accessible. Here are the key details about abortion laws in Colorado:
- Medication Abortion Availability: The abortion pill (mifepristone and misoprostol) can be used up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.
- Telehealth Services: Colorado permits telemedicine consultations for medication abortions.
- Parental Notification: For minors, Colorado requires parental notification.
Colorado, is located in the western United States and is known for its stunning Rocky Mountain landscapes, outdoor recreation, and vibrant cities. Colorado's diverse geography includes mountains, plains, deserts, and forests, offering a wide range of climates from alpine in the mountains to semi-arid on the plains. As of 2022, the population of Colorado is projected to be 5.84 million. Universities in Colorado include: The University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado State University, and many other colleges and universities. The capital is Denver, Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Do I need an appointment?
Answer: Walk-ins are welcome. However, it is best to make an appointment to minimize your office wait time.
Question: What is the cost?
Answer: All services are free and confidential.
Question: What should I expect when I come for my visit?
Answer: Upon your arrival, a friendly receptionist will guide you to meet your client advocate. This advocate will offer you a judgment-free space to talk, followed by essential information and a pregnancy test. In the event of a positive test result, a dedicated medical professional will perform a limited ultrasound to verify the pregnancy's viability and estimate the age of the fetus.
Question: How long after sex does it take for a pregnancy test to work and how accurate is the test?
Answer: Pregnancy tests can be performed 7 to 10 days after conception. A client with a negative result may be invited to return within 2 weeks for a repeat test if she has not had her period.
If you have taken a home pregnancy test, you may want to confirm results with a laboratory-quality test at your local pregnancy center. These pregnancy tests detect HCg levels within 7 to 10 after conception.
Question: Will you tell anyone about my visit?
Answer: Pregnancy centers maintain a rigorous privacy and confidentiality policy. Clients' information is safeguarded against unauthorized disclosure, respecting their right to privacy, except in instances mandated by law. This includes situations necessary for public health, preventing harm to the client or others, or in specific circumstances where the use or disclosure of information is justified without prior consent, such as in cases of abuse reporting or suicide/homicide prevention.
Question: When should I schedule an appointment?
Answer: High-quality, medical-grade pregnancy tests are capable of detecting pregnancy from the first day after your initial missed period. We advise scheduling an appointment if you've missed a period, have any queries related to pregnancy, or suspect that you might be pregnant.
Question: How far along do I have to be to get a free ultrasound?
Answer: After an initial consultation with a client advocate, many pregnancy centers offer on-site ultrasound scans. These limited ultrasounds are conducted by a licensed nurse sonographer or a registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS) and are subsequently reviewed by a licensed physician. The purpose of an ultrasound is to confirm the viability of the pregnancy and to establish the gestational age.
Question: I already know I'm pregnant and I want an abortion, what's next?
Answer: It is advisable to have an ultrasound to confirm the viability of your pregnancy and to ensure it is located within the uterus, as 20% to 25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Moreover, the ultrasound helps in determining the stage of your pregnancy, which is essential in making an informed decision about the type of abortion procedure you may consider. Many pregnancy centers offer a limited ultrasound free of charge.
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