Virginia Abortion Safety Checklist
Abortion Safety
Your health and well-being are paramount. Your local Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia 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.
Virginia Pregnancy Centers
In Virginia, there are pregnancy centers in all major cities including Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Arlington, Richmond, Norfolk, Newport News, Alexandria, Hampton, Suffolk, Roanoke, and even many smaller cities.
Most Virginia pregnancy centers listed offer free and confidential services including medical grade pregnancy tests and ultrasound exams.
MARIH
3230B Duke St
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-370-4774
Nova Pregnancy Help Centers
8800E Pear Tree Village
Alexandria, VA 22309
703-780-4700
Pregnancy Support Center
15396 Patrick Henry Hwy
Amelia, VA 23002
804-638-9266
Assist Pregnancy Center
5101-D Backlick Rd
Annandale, VA 22003
703-354-7272
Pregnancy Support Center
1977 Church Street
Appomattox, VA 24522
434-391-1011
Bedford Pregnancy Center
813 E. Main Street
Bedford, VA 24523
540-587-5900
Valley Women's Clinic
708 N. Main Street Ste. 200
Blacksburg, VA 24060
800-249-3311
Life Springs Pregnancy Center
1416 Greenbrier Place
Charlottesville, VA 22901
434-220-3777
Life Springs Pregnancy Center
618 Forest St, Unit C
Charlottesville, VA 22903
434-979-8888
CPC of Tidewater
1100 Madison Plaza, Suite 104A
Chesapeake, VA 23320
757-499-4444
Pregnancy Help Center of Chesterfield
2675 Osborne Road
Chester, VA 23831
804-777-9063
Transition Pregnancy Solutions
2960 N Main St
Danville, VA 24540
434-836-5433
Pregnancy Support Center
245 Camden St
Dilwyn, VA 23936
434-391-1011
Shenandoah City Pregnancy Center
28 Cedar Wood Lane
Edinburg, VA 22824
540-984-4673
Nova Pregnancy Help Centers
3919 Blenheim Blvd, Suite 81-B
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-278-5433
A Womans Choice Pregnancy Center
6201 Leesburg Pike Suite 220
Falls Church, VA 22044
703-538-4305
Hope in Northern Virginia
7297 Lee Highway, Suite L
Falls Church, VA 22042
703-536-2020
Options Care Center
1101 E. 3rd Street
Farmville, VA 23901
434-392-8483
Choices Women's Center
10008 Southpoint Pkwy Suite 105
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
540-370-1800
Front Royal Pregnancy Center
11 S. Royal
Front Royal, VA 22630
540-635-6181
AVA Care of Harrisonburg
847 MLK Jr. Way
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-434-7528
A Womans Choice Pregnancy Center
102 Elden St, Suite 14
Herndon, VA 20170
571-599-2002
Pregnancy Support Center
142 King Street
Keyville, VA 23947
434-391-1011
Mosaic
19415 Deerfield Avenue Ste. 109
Lansdowne, VA 20176
571-562-7239
ComfortCare Women's Center
631 Waddell St
Lexington, VA 24450
540-885-6261
The Life Center of Page Valley
21 N Deford Ave
Luray, VA 22835
540-743-1464
Blue Ridge Pregnancy Center
3701 Old Forest Rd
Lynchburg, VA 24501
434-528-4321
First Care Womens Center
9254 Center Street, Suite 100
Manassas, VA 20108
703-952-0403
AbbaCare
1789 Delmar Orchard Rd
Martinsburg, VA 25401
540-665-9660
Pregnancy Care Center of MHC
314 Fairy Street Ste. E
Martinsville, VA 24112
276-634-5433
CareNet Peninsula
11101 Warwick Blvd
Newport News, VA 23606
757-591-0303
The Keim Center of Norfolk
2121 Colonial Ave
Norfolk, VA 23517
757-709-6099
ANPC Pregnancy Center
26064 Onley Road
Onley, VA 23418
757-787-1119
The Keim Center
4224 Portsmouth Blvd
Portsmouth, VA 23701
757-488-7907
Pregnancy Resource Center
1016 Fairfax St
Radford, VA 24060
540-402-4306
BLOOM by PRC Richmond
1603 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 200
Richmond, VA 23229
804-673-2020
East End Pregnancy Center
4823 S. Laburnum Ave, Suite A
Richmond, VA 23231
804-564-5852
BLOOM by PRC Richmond
5501 Midlothian Turnpike
Richmond, VA 23229
804-673-2020
Blue Ridge Women's Center
5034 Williamson Rd NW
Roanoke, VA 24012
540-362-4357
Comfort Care Women's Health
12 Hedgerow Dr
Staunton, VA 24402
540-885-6261
The Keim Center of Suffolk
302 N. Main Street Ste. A
Suffolk, VA 23434
757-709-6099
The Keim Center of Virginia Beach
4356 Bonney Road Bldg 1 Ste. 103
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
757-709-6099
Warrenton Pregnancy Center
400 Holiday Court Suite 101
Warrenton, VA 20188
540-779-0001
Hope Women's Center
10 Harrison Avenue
Williamsburg, VA 23185
757-229-3700
First Care Womens Center
13189 Centerpoint Way
Woodbridge, VA 22193
703-962-1328
Pregnancy Resource Center
285 S. 6th Street, Suite B
Wytheville, VA 24382
540-402-4306
Virginia, located in the southeastern United States, is known for its historical significance, diverse landscapes, and cultural heritage. Virginia Beach is its largest city. Virginia features a varied geography that includes the Appalachian Mountains, rolling hills, fertile valleys, and a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, with a climate characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. As of 2022, the population of Virginia is projected to be 8.684 million. Universities in Virginia include: The University of Virginia, Virginia State University, George Mason University, Liberty University, and many other colleges and universities. The capital is Richmond, Virginia
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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