Maryland Abortion Safety Checklist
Abortion Safety
Your health and well-being are paramount. Your local Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland 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.
Maryland Pregnancy Centers
Maryland pregnancy centers listed offer free and confidential services including medical grade pregnancy tests and ultrasound exams.
Serving Bethesda, Maryland
and Surrounding Areas
301-956-5567
Alphas Glory Pregnancy Center
219 West Bel Air Avenue
Aberdeen, MD 31001
410-272-4711
Pregnancy Clinic
934 West St
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-295-3839
Center for Pregnancy Concern
328 N. Howard Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
443-884-9209
Agape House
1501 N. Dukeland St
Baltimore, MD 21228
410-788-4433
Women's Care Center
7619 Belair Road
Baltimore, MD 21236
667-401-0700
Shirley Grace Pregnancy Center
10226 Old Ocean City Blvd
Berlin, MD 21014
443-513-4124
Pregnancy Clinic
4341 Northview Dr
Bowie, MD 20716
301-956-5567
Women's Center West
5 Ingleside Ave
Cantonsville, MD 21212
410-377-2871
Pregnancy Aid Center
4700 Erie Street
College Park, MD 20740
301-345-2050
Columbia Pregnancy Center
8945 Guilford Rd Suite 130
Columbia, MD 20746
410-730-3223
Choices Pregnancy Center
505 Dutchmans Lane, B1
Easton, MD 21222
410-822-3311
Cecil County Pregnancy Center
126 East High Street
Elkton, MD 21601
410-398-7888
Catoctin Pregnancy Center
130 S. Seton Ave #3 Rear
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
301-447-3391
Care Net Pregnancy Center of Frederick
707 N Market Street
Frederick, MD 21221
301-662-5300
16220 Frederick Road Suite 118
Gaithersburg, MD 21701
301-963-6223
Women's Care Mary Center
898 Airport Road #109
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
410-761-8082
Hagerstown Area Pregnancy Center
152 W Washington St
Hagerstown, MD 20877
301-963-6223
Laurel Pregnancy Center
415 Main Street
Laural, MD 21742
301-776-9996
Care Net Pregnancy Center of S. Maryland
21562 Thames Avenue
Lexington Park, MD 20650
301-737-4604
The James Isaac House
314 S. 2nd Street
Oakland, MD 20653
301-334-1058
Care Net Pregnancy Center of S. Maryland
2196 Solomons Island Road, Suite 3
Prince Frederick, MD 21061
410-326-6866
Heritage Pregnancy & Family Health Center
303 E. Main Street
Rising Sun, MD 21921
410-214-2073
Rockville Pregnancy Center
12530 Parklawn Dr. Suite 170
Rockville, MD 21136
240-779-1585
Eastern Shore Pregnancy Center
1300 S. Division Street Suite C
Salisbury, MD 20852
410-546-5433
Pregnancy Clinic
650 Ritchie Hwy, Suite 307
Severna Park, MD 21804
410-431-5000
Centro Tepeyac Women's Center
12247 Georgia Ave
Silver Spring, MD 31146
301-487-9516
Forrestville Pregnancy Center
3611 Branch Ave Suite 102
Temple Hills, MD 20748
301-423-0063
Towson Women's Care
7402 York Road, Suite 100
Towson, MD 21204
410-377-2871
Maryland,located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, is known for its diverse geography, historical significance, and proximity to major metropolitan areas. Baltimore is its largest city. Maryland's landscape includes coastal plains, rolling hills, and parts of the Appalachian Mountains, with a climate that features four distinct seasons, including hot, humid summers and cold winters. As of 2022, the population of Maryland is projected to be 6.165 million. Universities in Maryland include: The University of Maryland, Towson University, and many other colleges and universities. The capital is Annapolis, Maryland
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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