Washington Abortion Safety Checklist
Abortion Safety
Your health and well-being are paramount. Your local Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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.
Washington Pregnancy Centers
In Washington, there are pregnancy centers in all major cities including Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Kent, Everett, Spokane Valley, Bellingham, Renton, and even many smaller cities.
Most Washington pregnancy centers listed offer free and confidential services including medical grade pregnancy tests and ultrasound exams.
Pregnancy Aid
517 F Street SE Ste. 1
Auburn, WA 98002
253-939-6676
CareNet of Puget Sound
14200 SE 13th Place
Bellevue, WA 09--8
425-837-3643
Whatcom County Pregnancy Center
1310 North State Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-671-9057
Trillium Women's Center
4060 Wheaton Way
Bremerton, WA 98310
360-749-0243
Possibilities Women's Center
1017 W. Main Street
Centralia, WA 98531
360-330-2229
N.E.W. Family Life Services Crisis Pregnancy Center
144 W. 5th Avenue
Colville, WA 99114
509-684-9895
Pregnancy Resource Center
730 S. 225th St
Des Moines, WA 98198
206-878-3770
Crossroads Resource Center
111 E. 4th Ave
Ellensburg, WA 98926
509-925-2273
Pregnancy Support Service of Ephrata
153 4th Avenue NW
Ephrata, WA 98823
509-754-4357
Two Hearts SWA
3202 Hoyt Ave
Everett, WA 98201
425-252-6444
CareNet of Puget Sound
1414 S. 324th Street Ste. B105
Federal Way, WA 98003
253-946-2664
CareNet of Puget Sound
2727 Hollycroft Street - Suite 130
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
253-858-5585
Goldendale Pregnancy Resource Center
122 W Main Street
Goldendale, WA 98620
509-773-5501
Life Options
301 Division Street
Grandview, WA 98930
509-882-1899
Heart & Hands Pregnancy Care Center
2638 Simpson Ave
Hoquiam, WA 98550
360-532-1104
CareNet of Puget Sound
6524 NE 181st Street Ste. 9
Kenmore, WA 98028
425-398-5820
You Medical
5040 W. Clearwater Ave
Kennewick, WA 99336
509-491-1101
Pregnancy Aid
1209 Central Avenue South Ste. 204
Kent, WA 98032
253-852-1201
CareNet of Puget Sound
10812 Gravelly Lake Dr SW Ste 101
Lakewood, WA 98498
253-984-6222
Premier Choice for Women
2145 Tibbetts Dr
Longview, WA 98632
360-636-3333
Next Step Pregnancy Svs
19526 64th Ave West
Lynnwood, WA 98036
425-329-4569
Crossroads Resource Center
1555 S. Pilgram St
Moses Lake, WA 98837
509-765-4425
Whidbey Island Women's Clinic
670 SE Midway Blvd
Oak Harbor, WA 98277
360-675-2096
Options Pregnancy Clinic
135 Lilly Road NE
Olympia, WA 98506
360-753-0061
Pregnancy Aid of Thurston City
1021 Boundary St SE
Olympia, WA 98507
360-956-7413
CareNet NCW
4 S. Main Street
Omak, WA 98841
509-422-5506
Obria
824 A East 8th Street
Port Angeles, WA 98362
360-452-3300
CareNet of Puget Sound
10215 125th Street Ct E
Puyallup, WA 98374
253-770-8697
Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center of Mason Cty
2233 Jefferson Street
Shelton, WA 98584
360-427-9171
Path of Life
103 E. Indiana, Suite B
Spokane, WA 99207
509-444-9035
My Choice Pregnancy Center
2659 N Ash St
Spokane, WA 99205
509-327-0701
Life Options
1616 E. Gregory Ave. Ext.
Sunnyside, WA 98944
509-839-2000
Pregnancy Aid of Tacoma
902 S Market
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-383-4100
Pathways Clinic
2926 E Street
Washougal, WA 98671
360-834-2829
Mountain View Women's Health
351 Orondo Ave
Wenatchee, WA 98801
509-662-0652
Life Choices
305 S 11th Ave Ste 1
Yakima, WA 98902
509-426-4779
Washington, located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, is known for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and economic significance. Seattle is its largest city and a major economic and cultural hub. Washington features diverse geography, including rugged coastlines, dense forests, mountain ranges such as the Cascades and the Olympic Mountains, and the Columbia Plateau, with a climate that ranges from temperate maritime on the coast to more arid conditions in the eastern part of the state. As of 2022, the population of Washington is projected to be 7.786 million. Universities in Washington include: University of Washington, Washington State University, and many other colleges and universities. The capital is Olympia, Washington.
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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