Alabama Abortion Safety Checklist
Abortion Safety
Your health and well-being are paramount. Your local Alabama 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 Alabama 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 Alabama 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.
Alabama Pregnancy Centers
Alabama pregnancy centers are located in all major cities including Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Dothan, Auburn, Decatur, Madison, and even many smaller cities.
Most Alabama pregnancy centers listed offer free and confidential services including medical grade pregnancy tests and ultrasound exams.
104 W. Alabama Ave Suite F
Albertville, Al 35950
256-878-1300
Sav-A-Life of Tallapoosa County
5 Lee Street
Alexander City, AL 35010
256-329-2273
Family Hope Center
116 Crescent St
Andalusia, AL 36420
334-222-0644
Hope Womens Services
1412 Leighton Avenue
Anniston, AL 36207
256-237-9999
The Women's Resource Center of Athens
727-D W Market St
Athens, AL 35611
256-233-5775
Sav-A-Life of Escambia County
204 S. Pensacola Ave
Atmore, AL 36502
251 368-4949
Women's Health Services
Mobile Medical Clinic
Auburn, AL 36831
334 221-2211
Women's Hope Medical Clinic
832 Stage Road
Auburn, AL 36831
334-502-7000
Women's Care
1800 Hand Ave Bay
Bay Minette, AL 36507
251-220-0174
Her Choice
2120 7th Ave S
Birmingham, AL 35233
205-252-0706
Positive Choices
700 Huffman Road, Suite 310A
Birmingham, AL 35235
205-836-0564
Alabama Pregnancy Test Center - Vestavia
1480 McGuire Road
Birmingham, AL 35216
205-979-0302
Pregnancy Resource Center
48 University Way
Brent, AL 35034
205-926-3170
Women First Pregnancy Center
15582 US-280
Chelsea, AL 35043
205-664-1668
Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center
5 Village Square
Clanton, AL 35045
205-755-6767
Ann's New Life Center for Women
3440 Martin Street South Suite 1
Cropwell, AL 35054
205-338-4580
First Source
704 2nd Avenue SW
Cullman, AL 35055
256-352-5683
Sav-A-Life Pregnancy Center
801 Bradley St SW
Decatur, AL 35601
256-355-3828
The Lighthouse Women's Center
549 US Hwy 80 W, Suite 2
Demopolis, AL 36732
334-289-2273
Wiregrass Hope Group
171 Westgate Parkway 36303
Dothan, AL 36303
334-463-9436
Wiregrass Emergency Pregnancy Service
442 Glover Ave
Enterprise, AL 36330
334-417-0270
Pregnancy Resource Center of Barbour County
604 S. Eufala Ave
Eufaula, AL 36072
334-687-0715
Hope's Choice
314 1st Avenue NE
Fayette, AL 35555
205-932-5380
Shoals Women's Clinic
2201 Cloyd Blvd
Florence, AL 35630
256-330-6677
Women's Care Center
107 4th St SW
Fort Payne, AL 35967
256-845-0838
North Jefferson Women's Center
1209 Decatur Hwy
Fultondale, AL 35068
205-808-9001
Women's Hope Medical Clinic
3737 Gulf Shores Pkway
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-319-3584
Real Life Pregnancy Center
1939 Patterson Street, Suite 101
Guntersville, AL 35976
256-486-2090
203 Commercial Street NE
Hanceville, AL 35077
256-352-5683
Pregnancy Resource Center
2719 19th St. North
Hueytown, AL 35023
205-565-4554
Huntsville Pregnancy Resource Center
220 Rands Avenue
Huntsville, AL 35801
256-533-3526
Alpha Women's Resource Center
6479 Hwy 43N
Jackson, AL 36545
251-246-7750
Hope Womens Services
721 Mountain Street NW
Jacksonville, AL 36265
256-237-9999
Sav-A-Life Lanett Valley
711 N. 4th Ave
Lanett, AL 36863
334-642-8832
Ann's New Life Center for Women
7404 Roosevelt Dr
Leeds, Al 35095
205-702-6500
Women's Resource Center
718 Downtowner Loop West
Mobile, AL 36609
251-551-3380
Cope Pregnancy Center
2158 Madison Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36107
334-264-9143
Life on Wheels
8527 Ryan Road
Montgomery, AL 36117
334-202-4994
First Choice Women’s Medical Center
380 Mendel Pkway E
Montgomery, AL 36124
334-260-8010
Blount County Sav-A-Life
311 First Avenue East
Oneonta, AL 35121
205-625-5416
Dale County Pregnancy Center
1892 Andrews Ave
Ozark, AL 36361
334-774-4419
Women First Pregnancy Center
3156 Pelham Pkway
Pelham, AL 35124
205-664-1668
River Region Pregnancy Center
150 First Street
Prattville, AL 36067
334-365-8266
Etowah Pregnancy Testing Center
119 Church Street
Rainbow City, AL 35906
256-442-6101
Women's Resource Center
611 Norton Ave
Saraland, AL 36571
251-662-9933
Turning Point Pregnancy Center
510 Harley St
Scottsboro, AL 35768
256-259-8772
Women's Resource Center
4276 McCrary Road
Seemes, AL 36575
251.675.0911
Safe Harbor Women's Medical Center
408 Dallas Ave
Selma, AL 36702
334-875-8900
Women's Resource Center
4276 McCrary Road
Semmes, AL 36575
251.675.0911
Women's Care Medical Center
3757 Gulf Shores Pkway
Shores, AL 36542
251-319-3584
Women's Health Center
30505 Spanish Lane
Spanish Forts, AL 36527
251-929-9640
Pregnancy Care Center
5389 US Hwy 11
Springville, AL 35146
205-467-7322
Coosa Valley Resource for Women
201 West Fort Williams St
Sylacauga, AL 35150
256-208-8888
Life Choice Pregnancy Center
403 James Street
Tallassee, AL 36078
334-252-0894
Women's Life Center
523 S. 3 Notch St
Troy, AL 36081
334-566-2880
First Choice Women's Medical Center
104 Company Street
Wetumpka, AL 36092
334-567-1955
In Alabama, abortion, including the use of the abortion pill, is effectively banned except in cases where the mother’s life is at serious risk. Here are the key points about Alabama’s abortion laws:
- Total Ban on Abortion: Alabama has a near-total abortion ban that applies to both surgical and medication abortions (abortion pills). This ban includes all stages of pregnancy and only permits abortion if the mother’s life is at significant risk or in cases of serious medical emergencies.
- No Exceptions for Rape or Incest: The law does not allow exceptions for cases of rape or incest.
- Telemedicine and Abortion Pills: Telemedicine for abortion services, including the abortion pill, is not permitted. Additionally, no providers in Alabama can legally prescribe or dispense the abortion pill for terminating a pregnancy.
- Penalties for Providers: Healthcare providers who perform abortions in violation of the law face severe penalties, including felony charges, but the law does not impose penalties on individuals seeking an abortion.
Alabama is a southeastern U.S. state and is known for its rich history, particularly its role in the Civil Rights Movement. With a humid subtropical climate, the state has a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and aerospace, alongside a deep cultural heritage in music and cuisine. As of 2024, the population of Alabama is projected to be 5.074 million. Universities in Alabama include: The University of Alabama, Alabama State University, Auburn University, and many other colleges and universities. The capital is Montgomery, Alabama.
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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