Maine At Home Abortion Information
At Home Abortion
Opting for an abortion at home is a deeply personal decision. It gives a woman the flexibility to choose her support system, whether she prefers the company of loved ones for emotional backing or desires privacy. However, some are apprehensive about at-home abortions, viewing them as potentially more prolonged and riskier compared to surgical procedures in clinical settings due to the possibility of complications occurring away from medical facilities.
When deciding on an at-home abortion, there are primarily two pathways: arranging a telehealth consultation followed by receiving the necessary medication by mail or visiting a local abortion provider.
Many opt for a telehealth consultation to assess their suitability for a medication-induced abortion (known as the abortion pill or Plan C). Nonetheless, telehealth practitioners are unable to conduct physical exams, including ultrasounds, which are crucial for determining the appropriate abortion method. Such consultations can’t verify an ongoing viable pregnancy, nor can they exclude the possibilities of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, a preliminary screening before deciding on a pregnancy termination is crucial.
Why consider an Maine pregnancy center?
Maine pregnancy centers offer a complimentary pre-abortion screening, confirming several vital factors:
- Assessing fetal age (a positive pregnancy test alone doesn’t confirm a viable pregnancy)
- Checking for signs of miscarriage (as many as 1 in 4 known pregnancies may end in miscarriage)
- Excluding an ectopic pregnancy (which can be life-threatening in some instances)
Their qualified medical team conducts these screenings. Their staff is also available to discuss all available options with you. Understanding all facts and risks associated with abortion is an essential step prior to commencing any procedure.
Stay Safe
The FDA advises against the abortion pill for individuals who:
- Have an ectopic pregnancy
- Suffer from adrenal gland disorders
- Are undergoing long-term corticosteroid therapy
- Have previously had allergic reactions to mifepristone, misoprostol, or similar medications
- Have bleeding disorders or are on anticoagulant medication
- Suffer from inherited porphyria
- Have an IUD in place (which must be removed before taking Mifeprex) Additional safety measures include:
- Arranging a follow-up appointment
- Ensuring immediate access to emergency medical care
- Undergoing blood tests for RH factor Before finalizing your decision about an abortion, consider scheduling a no-cost pre-abortion screening at our clinic.
At Maine pregnancy centers your health and well-being are their top priority. Before you make a decision about abortion, we encourage you to take advantage of their free pre-abortion screening services. Schedule an appointment at your local Maine pregnancy center today and take the first step towards making an informed and safe choice for your future.
Maine Pregnancy Centers
Most Maine pregnancy centers listed offer free and confidential services including medical grade pregnancy tests and ultrasound exams.
99 Bangor Street
August, ME 04330
207-620-1600
First Step Pregnancy Resource Center
336 Mt. Hope Ave #11
Bangor, ME 04401
207-464-8032
7 Cumberland Street
Brunswick, ME 04011
207-725-5433
Pregnancy Care Center of Aroostook
272 W. Main Street
FT. Kent, ME 04743
207-834-5800
37 North Street
Houlton, ME 04730
207-532-6380
ABBA - A Women's Resource Center
1250 Forest Avenue
Portland, ME 04103
207-253-5555
830 Main Street, A-2
Presque Isle, ME 04769
207-764-0022
ALPHA Pregnancy Resource Center
6B Washington Street Ste. 100
Sanford, ME 04073
207-324-5752
257 Main Street
Waterville, ME 04901
207-466-8777
Maine, located in the northeastern corner of the United States, is known for its rugged coastline, picturesque landscapes, and maritime heritage. The state capital is Augusta, and its largest city is Portland. Maine features a varied geography with a dramatic coastline, dense forests, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains. The climate is characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. As of 2022, the population of Maine is projected to be 1.385 million. Universities in Maine include: University of Maine, University of Southern Maine, and many other colleges and universities. The capital is Augusta, Maine
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.