Abortion Information
Considering Abortion?
If you are considering abortion, we want you to know what this choice could mean to your future. You do have the choice not to have an abortion and we can help. Many women who work at pregnancy centers have chosen abortion. They can understand your situation and can help. You don’t need to make this decision right away. Slow down and allow yourself time to think. Don’t let anyone tell you that you have to have an abortion. Here are some things to know before considering abortion:
Know the Risks of Abortion
From the thousands of women now working in the pregnancy care arena who have had abortions, we know that abortion has physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological risks which are outlined on this link – Abortion Risks
Get a blood or urine pregnancy test to confirm you are really pregnant
If you’ve taken a home pregnancy test, it could be that you are not actually pregnant. Your local pregnancy center provides laboratory quality urine tests free of charge as a service to women. A trained advocate can provide additional information relevant to your situation as well as details about the various abortion procedures. All of these services are free and confidential.
Confirm you pregnancy with a doctor who doesn’t do abortions
For the best medical input on abortion, we recommend you speak with a medical professional who is uninvolved in the abortion industry. In this way, you can be assured that you are receiving unbiased information.
Get a free ultrasound
An ultrasound exam, under the direction of a certified sonographer, will confirm your pregnancy and ensure it is “viable.” It is estimated that as many as 1 in 4 pregnancies will end naturally through miscarriage. If your pregnancy is not viable, you don’t need an abortion. This non-diagnostic ultrasound can tell you how many weeks you are into the pregnancy and may aid you in making this important decision.
Ask for the doctors name who is performing the abortion
Abortion is legal in some 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. If you don’t know the doctor’s name that is doing your abortion, you may not find out. It is important to have his/her name if injury should occur. Be sure to ask for the abortionist’s name and write it down.
Don’t sign anything that releases the abortionist or the clinic from being liable for injuring you
Many post-abortive women report that they were so upset by the emotion of the day that they signed anything put in front of them in order to, “Get out and have it done with.” If the abortion clinic asks you to sign anything, please take your time to read it over. If you don’t understand something, ask questions. If you don’t understand their answers, push them further. Don’t be in a rush because anything you sign could impact you in the future.
Understand you have rights
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). We 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. The law in many states also requires abortion providers to give you information on: 1) possible complications, 2) the development of the baby, and 3) organizations that provide alternatives.
Verify that the abortion clinic is clean and sanitary
Many post-abortive women report that the general area of their abortion clinic was unclean, dusty and even smelled bad. Infections can result from unsanitary conditions. Infections can lead to infertility and even death if untreated. If you find yourself in a clinic, be sure to question their cleaning procedures and look around at the condition of each room to ensure that you are receiving truly hygienic care. If the clinic does not provide sufficient information to determine these conditions, give yourself permission to leave. You can then insist on a refund of your money.
Understand you can change your mind – even at the last minute
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.
Understand that it is not a “Blob of Tissue”
Some abortion facilities tell women that their unborn children are not human but simply a “blob of tissue.” For many it is easier to have an abortion if they believe their child is not yet human. Ultrasound photos show that at early stages of pregnancy the humanness of the embryo is clearly evident. When some women view fetal development photos after their abortion, outlining clearly the arms and legs of the unborn child while early abortion procedures are available, many are overwhelmed and even angry that the information the clinic provided was misleading. An ultrasound will reveal the true development of your child.
Know you are not alone
Women who feel like they have no other choice but to abort often change their minds after visiting a local pregnancy center. The concept of available physical, emotional and physical support services offer women the choice to continue their pregnancies. Pregnancy centers offers free and confidential help at any level of your pregnancy. There is no obstacle too big that can’t be overcome with friendship and support.
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?
Answer: 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. Your local pregnancy center offers free STI testing for the two most common STIs, chlamydia and gonorrhea.
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 our 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. 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). Your local pregnancy center exist to help you in any circumstance. Your local pregnancy center can even help you discuss this choice with those closest to you that are influencing your decision.
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.