Iowa Abortion Safety Checklist
Abortion Safety
Your health and well-being are paramount. Your local Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Iowa 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.
Iowa Pregnancy Centers
Iowa pregnancy centers are located in all major cities including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City, Waterloo, Council Bluffs, Ames, West Des Moines, Dubuque, and even many smaller cities.
Most Iowa pregnancy centers listed offer free and confidential services including medical grade pregnancy tests and ultrasound exams.
1606 Golden Aspen Dr, Suite 105
Ames, IA 50010
515-620-5892
Alpha Women's Center
114 SW State St
Ankeny, IA 50320
515-965-7885
Women's Choice Center
2740 Happy Joe Drive
Bettendorf, IA 52722
563-332-0475
Informed Choices Medical Clinic
1013 S. Central Avenue
Burlington, IA 52601
319-208-9445
Alternatives Pregnancy Center
2016 Campus Street
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
319-535-2720
Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center
4250 Glass Road NE Suite 100
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-364-8967
The Pregnancy Center
240 N Bluff Blvd Ste 105
Clinton, IA 52732
563-242-6628
Gabriel's Corner Pregnancy Center
131 S. 16th Street
Council Bluffs, IA 51502
712-318-1971
Pregnancy Resources
2706 W Central Park
Davenport, IA 52804
563-386-3737
Agape Pregnancy Clinic
2550 ML King Jr. Pkway
Des Moines, IA 50310
515-255-0243
Alpha Women's Center
3605 Southeast 14th Street
Des Moines, IA 50320
515-285-5700
Alternatives Pregnancy Center
2720 Merie Hay Rd
Des Moines, IA 60310
319-535-2720
InnerVisions Healthcare South
500 Army Post Road, Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50315
515-440-2273
Clarity Clinic
3365 Hillcrest Rd
Dubuque, IA 52002
563-556-5250
Alternatives Pregnancy Center
2006 12th Ave, Lot 57
Eldora, IA 50627
319-535-2720
Cradle of Hope
1700 S. Main Street
Fairfield, IA 52556
319-931-5759
Cradle of Hope
3421 Avenue L
Fort Madison, IA 52627
319-931-5759
1700 W. 2nd Avenue
Indianola, IA 60125
515-255-0243
Informed Choices Medical Clinic
821 S. Gilbert St.
Iowa City, IA 52244
319-358-1000
The Lighthouse Center of Hope
409 Washington Ave
Iowa Falls, IA 50126
641-648-4198
Her Health Women's Center
25 Plymouth Street W
Le Mars, IA 51031
712-224-2000
Caring Pregnancy Center
830 15th St SW Suite 1
Mason City, IA 50401
641-424-2237
Pregnancy Resources
3825 16th Street
Moline, IA 61265
309-797-3636
Cradle of Hope
1400 E. Washington Street
Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641
319-986-5336
Pregnancy Center of Central Iowa
709 1st Ave W Ste 1
Newton, IA 50208
641-792-3050
Heartland Pregnancy Center
101 S Market St Ste 302
Ottumwa, IA 52501
641-683-3030
Pregnancy Care Center of Pella
1402 Washington Street
Pella, IA 50219
641-780-6075
Pregnancy Center of SW Iowa
101 E Reed Street
Red Oak, IA 51566
712-621-2117
Her Health Women's Center
5732 Sunnybrook Drive
Sioux City, IA 51106
712-224-2000
Mary's Choice
4415 Stone Ave
Sioux City, IA 51102
712-274-6279
Cornerstone for Life PRC
800 Oneida St, Suite 4
Storm Lake, IA 50588
712-299-1707
Alternatives Pregnancy Center
1006 Decathlon Dr
Waterloo, IA 50701
319-535-2720
Alternatives Pregnancy Center
215 3rd St NW
Waverly, IA 50677
319-535-2720
Iowa is located in the Midwestern United States and is known for its fertile farmland, picturesque landscapes, and strong agricultural industry. Iowa's geography includes rolling plains, river valleys, and a climate with hot summers and cold winters. As of 2022, the population of Iowa is projected to be 3.201 million. Universities in Iowa include: University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and many other colleges and universities. The capital is Des Moines, Iowa
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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