Louisiana Abortion Safety Checklist
Abortion Safety
Your health and well-being are paramount. Your local Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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.
Louisiana Pregnancy Centers
In Louisiana there are pregnancy centers in all major cities including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Kenner, Bossier City, Monroe, Alexandria, Houma, and even many smaller cities.
Most Louisiana pregnancy centers listed offer free and confidential services including medical grade pregnancy tests and ultrasound exams.
3746 Government Street
Alexandria, LA 71302
318-442-4504
Cenla Pregnancy Center
1254 MacArthur Dr
Alexandria, LA 71315
318-314-3061
Women’s Life Ministries
109 E Mulberry St
Amite, LA 70422
905-747-0602
Louisiana Pregnancy Problem Center
3005 Florida Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
225-924-1400
Woman’s New Life Center
761 Colonial Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225-663-6470
Louisiana Women’s Help Center
7515 Scenic Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70874
225-359-9001
Care Pregnancy Clinic
3813 N Flannery Rd
Baton Rouge, LA 70814
225-275-0100
Northlake CPC
19348 N. 4th Street
Covington, LA 70433
985-893-4281
Pregnancy Care Center
422 McMahon Street
Deridder, LA 70634
337-463-9500
The Unexpected Pregnancy Center
1101 Northwest Blvd
Franklin, LA 70538
337-321-6298
Westbank Pregnancy & Family Care Center
539 Lafayette St
Gretna, LA 70053
800-712-2357
Hope Restored for Life
1181 W. Tunnel Blvd, Suite E
Houma, LA 70360
985-872-4994
Heart of Hope
10420 Heart of Hope Way
Keithville, LA 71047
318.925.4663
Women’s Center of Lafayette
1331 Jefferson Street
Lafayette, LA 70501
337-289-9366
A Pregnancy Center and Clinic
913 S. College Rd. Ste. 206
Lafayette, LA 70503
337-232-5509
Louisiana Pregnancy Services
631 E. School Street
Lake Charles, LA 70607
337-474-7003
510 W. 18th St
Lake Charles, LA 70601
337-433-2797
New Life Crisis Pregnancy Center
302 W. Courthouse Street
Leesville, LA 71446
337-239-9863
Avoyelles Pregnancy Center
115 Ferdinand St. Suite 3
Marksville, LA 71351
318.545.2330
Access Pregnancy Center
921 Aris Ave Suite B
Metairie, LA 70005
504-832-1503
Seeds Women's Center
402 Broadway St.
Minden, LA 71058
318-639-0907
The Vine of NE Louisiana
2904 Evangeline Street
Monroe, LA 71201
318-512-4174
Women's Resource Center
107 North Street
Natchitoches, LA 71457
318-357-8888
The Unexpected Pregnancy Center
117 E. Pershing Street
New Iberia, LA 70560
337-321-6298
Women's New Life Center
4612 S. Claiborne Ave
New Orleans, LA 70125
504-831-3117
Life Choices Pregnancy Center
606 Belue Lane
Ruston, LA 71270
318-202-2021
Mary’s House Pregnancy Care Center
906 Margaret Place
Shreveport, LA 71101
318-220-8009
Care Pregnancy Center
921 Shreveport-Barksdale Hwy
Shreveport, LA 71135
318-861-4600
Crisis Pregnancy Help Center
550 Gause Boulevard – Suite 2
Slidell, LA 70458
504-233-2832
Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Ctr
105 St Louis St
Thibodaux, LA 70301
985-492-6604
Avoyelles Pregnancy Center
4951 Hwy 84 West
Vidalia, LA 71373
318-248-8889
Louisiana is located in the southern United States and is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene, and unique cuisine. New Orleans is its largest city and a major cultural hub. Louisiana's geography includes a mix of coastal wetlands, river deltas, and rolling plains, with a humid subtropical climate that features hot, humid summers and mild winters. As of 2022, the population of Louisiana is projected to be 4.59 million. Universities in Louisiana include: Louisiana State University, University of Louisiana, University of New Orleans, and many other colleges and universities. The capital is Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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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