Wisconsin Abortion Safety Checklist
Abortion Safety
Your health and well-being are paramount. Your local Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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.
Wisconsin Pregnancy Centers
In Wisconsin, there are pregnancy centers in all major cities including Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine, Appleton, Waukesha City, Eau Claire, Oshkosh, Janesville, and even many smaller cities.
Most Wisconsin pregnancy centers listed offer free and confidential services including medical grade pregnancy tests and ultrasound exams.
Assurance Women's Center PRC
507 W. Wisconsin Ave
Appleton, WI 54911
920-882-0097
VIDA Medical Clinic
720 W. Association Dr
Appleton, WI 54914
920-731-4354
Chequamegon Pregnancy Center
200 Chapple Avenue
Ashland, WI 54806
715-682-1125
Life Choices
324 N. Pine Street
Burlington, WI 53105
262-763-4871
Apple Pregnancy Care Center
2600 Stein Blvd
Eau Claire, WI 54701
715-834-5254
First Care Clinic
2924 Fish Hatchery Rd
Fitchburg, WI 53713
608-259-1605
VIDA Medical Clinic
207 N. Main Street, Suite 1
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
920-731-4354
Bay Area Life Center
743 S. Monroe Ave
Green Bay, WI 54301
920-433-9955
New Life Resource Center
10045 State Rd 27
Hayward, WI 54843
715-634-2681
Pregnancy Helpline & Resource Center
21 S. Jackson Street
Janesville, WI 53548
608-755-9739
First Care Clinic
514 Sutherland Ave
Janesville, WI 53545
608-259-1605
Agape Pregnancy Resource Center
744 Moore Street
LaCrosse, WI 54603
608-784-4966
Alliance Women's Clinic
600 3rd Street N #201
LaCrosse, WI 53601
608-782-2410
Choices Health Network
1108 Port Arthur Rd
Ladysmith, WI 54848
715-532-7600
Access Women's Center
2701 E. Washington Ave
Madison, WI 53704
608-241-8153
First Care Clinic
1350 MacArthur Rd
Madison, WI 53714
608-259-1605
The Crossings
501 N. 10th Street
Manitowoc, WI 54220
920-973-4357
Bay Area Pregnancy Services
2042 Maple Ave, Suite A
Marinette, WI 54143
715-732-4305
Abiding Care Center
220 N. Main St
Medford, WI 54451
715-748-1235
Options for Women
544 Broadway Street S.
Menomonie, WI 54751
715-222-0777
Alpha Women's Center
4820 W. Lisbon Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53210
414-445-2273
Associated Pregnancy Services
1214 S. 8th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53204
414-465-2246
Women's Support Center
2051 W. Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414-934-8888
Women's Care Center
1441 N. Farwell Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-223-2610
Care Net Pregnancy Center
1118 17th Ave
Monroe, WI 53566
608-325-5051
Bella Medical Clinic
1484 W. South Park Ave
Oshkosh, WI 54902
920-231-6006
Pregnancy Resource Center
306 W. Cook Street
Portage, WI 53901
800-705-4710
Alliance Women's Clinic
1515 S. Green Bay Road, Suite 2
Racine, WI 53406
262-355-8020
New Dawn Pregnancy Center
1860 N. Stevens Street
Rhinelander, WI 54501
715-420-0233
Pregnancy Help Center
1800 Macauley Ave
Rice Lake, WI 54868
715-736-4357
Anchor of Hope
1018 S Taylor Dr
Sheboygan, WI 53081
920-452-4673
First Choice Pregnancy Resource Center
101 Division Street North
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-345-0280
First Choice Pregnancy Resource Center
101 Division Street North
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-345-0280
Alpha Resource Center
313 E. Main Street
Watertown, WI 53094
920-261-9207
Hope Pregnancy Center
605 S. 24th Ave, Suite 20
Wausau, WI 54401
715-843-4673
Associated Pregnancy Services
8501 W. Lincoln Ave
West Allis, WI 53277
414-465-2246
Seeds of Hope Center
206 N. 6th Ave
West Bend, WI 53095
262-476-7347
First Care Clinic
50 Wisconsin Dells Pkway
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
608-259-1605
First Choice Pregnancy Resource Center
4011 8th Street South
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
715-345-0280
New Dawn Pregnancy Center
8778 Earls Ct
Woodruff, WI 54568
715-358-6700
Wisconsin, located in the north-central United States, is known for its diverse landscapes, strong agricultural industry, and vibrant cultural scene. Milwaukee is its largest city and a major economic and cultural hub. Wisconsin features varied geography, including rolling hills, fertile plains, and a significant portion of the Great Lakes shoreline, with a climate characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. As of 2022, the population of Wisconsin is projected to be 5.893 million. Universities in Wisconsin include: Universities of Wisconsin, and many other colleges and universities. The capital is Madison, Wisconsin.
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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