California Abortion Safety Checklist
Abortion Safety
Your health and well-being are paramount. Your local California 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 California 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 California 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.
California Pregnancy Centers
In California there are pregnancy centers in all major cities including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, Anaheim, and even many smaller cities.
Most California pregnancy centers listed offer free and confidential services including medical grade pregnancy tests and ultrasound exams.
San Gabriel Valley Pregnancy Help Center
903 E Main Street
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-309-0788
Tree of Life Pregnancy Support Ctr
7730 Morro Rd Ste 106
Atascadero, CA 93422
805-461-3405
1801 21st Street Ste. 1
Bakersfield, CA 93302
661-326-1915
Barstow Pregnancy Center
521 E. Williams Street
Barstow, CA 92312
760-256-8323
115 W. 2nd Ave
Chino, CA 95926
530-897-6101
Trinity Pregnancy Resource Center
350 Trinity Avenue
Chowchilla, CA 93610
559-665-7700
355 K St Ste G
Chula Vista, CA 91911
619-422-0757
Grace Elliott Center
2817 N. Wilmington Ave
Compton, CA 90222
310-635-0181
623 N. Main Street Suite D11
Corona, CA 92878
951-272-3670
Pregnancy Care Center of the North Coast
721 7th Street, Suite A
Cutten, CA 95534
707-444-0423
Living Help Center
8345 Firestone Blvd, Bldg 300
Downey, CA 90241
562-923-4357
Birthchoice of Imperial Valley
548 W. Main Street, Suite B
El Centro, CA 92243
760-352-2881
257 E Second Ave
Escondido, CA 92025
760-741-9796
362 W. Mission Ave Suite 105
Escondido, CA 92025
760-741-1224
Fallbrook Pregnancy Resource Center
125 E. Hawthorne
Fallbrook, CA 92028
760-728-4105
Pregnancy Care Center of Fresno
2210 E. Illinois Ave, Suite 406
Fresno, CA 93701
559-237-0683
66 First Street, Suite A
Gilroy, CA 95020
408-847-8880
1911 W. Glenoaks Blvd
Glendale, CA 91201
818-843-0424
105 Catherine Lane
Grass Valley, CA 95945
530-272-6800
200 S. 13th Street, Suite 105
Grover Beach, CA 93433
805-481-4987
206 W Lacey Blvd Ste A
Hanford, CA 93230
559-583-1900
954 Koleeta Dr
Harbor City, CA 90710
310-325-8208
15061 Springdale Street, Suite 109
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
714-897-7500
81557 Dr. Carreon Blvd Suite B-5
Indio, CA 92201
760-568-2200
1001 Broadway, Suite 102
Jackson, CA 95642
209-223-3813
860 E. LaHabra Blv, Suite 150
La Habra, CA 90631
562-691-9395
Elsinore Valley Pregnancy Resource Center
31735 Riverside Dr. suite A
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
951-245-8884
CareNet Women's resource Center
44733 10th Street West
Lancaster, CA 93534
661-729-4277
Next Step Pregnancy Decision & Support Ctr
1010 Murrieta Blvd
Livermore, CA 94550
925-425-0414
942 E. Pine Street
Lodi, CA 95240
209-368-7190
261 E. Willow Street, Suite C
Long Beach, CA 90806
714-897-7500
350 E Market St
Long Beach, CA 90805
562-984-5034
Los Angeles Pregnancy Services
2524 W. 7th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90057
213-382-5643
Helping Hands Pregnancy Center
5072 Bullion St, Suite B,
Mariposa, CA 95338
209-742-5500
Alpha House Crisis Pregnancy Center
PO Box 2064
Merced, CA 93544
209-383-4700
10211 Sepulveda Blvd
Mission Hills, CA 91345
818-895-2500
2801 Coffee Road Suite A-5
Modesto, CA 95355
209-526-1734
640 Cass Street
Monterey, CA 93940
831-373-8535
Choices Mount Shasta
215 W Alma St
Mt Shasta, CA 96067
530-926-6707
9535 Reseda Blvd, Suite 303
Northridge, CA 91324
818-830-1200
Pregnancy Resource Center of Marin
1320A Grant Ave
Novato, CA 94945
415-892-0558
Helping Hands Pregnancy Center
49346 Road 426, Suite 2,
Oakhurst, CA 93644
559-642-2229
1320 Maricopa Highway Suite C
Ojai, CA 93023
805-646-6830
2010 N Tustin St Ste D
Orange, CA 92865
714-637-9664
Caring For Women Pregnancy Resource Center
2362 Lincoln Street
Oroville, CA 95965
530-532-9362
6586 Clark Road #320
Paradise, CA 95969
530-876-1113
184 E. Leland Road
Pittsburg, CA 94565
925-827-0100
3560 W. Temple Ave. Suite H
Pomona, CA 91768
909-258-9272
Porterville Pregnancy Resource Center
303 W. Henderson Ave
Porterville, CA 93258
559-782-1225
13412 Pomiraro Rd #C
Poway, CA 92064
858-486-1738
1530 Main Street, Suite 6
Ramona, CA 92065
760-789-7059
1008 Madison St
Red Bluff, CA 96080
530-828=0999
Life Light Pregnancy Help Center
3050 Victor Ave #C
Redding, CA 96001
530-222-5200
Ridgecrest Pregnancy Care Center
341 E Ridgecrest Blvd
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
760-384-2273
3727 McCray St
Riverside, CA 92506
909-784-2422
1212 Coloma Way, Suite A
Roseville, CA 95661
916-773-4357
2316 Bell Executive Lane
Sacramento, CA 95825
916-451-2273
780 E Romie Ln Ste C
Salinas, CA 93901
831-757-5500
114 E. Airport Drive Ste 104
San Bernardino, CA 92423
909-825-6656
416 Avenida de la Estrella
San Clemente, CA 92408
949-218-5777
Birthline Pregnancy Resource Center
9915 Businesspark Ave, Suite C
San Diego, CA 92131
858-270-2491
College Area Pregnancy Services
6663 El Cajon Blvd Ste L
San Diego, CA 92115
619-337-8080
7340 Miramar Rd #205
San Diego, CA 92126
858-457-7800
3750 Convoy St., Suite 118
San Diego, CA 92111
760-741-1224
6280 Jackson Drive, Suite 8
San Diego, CA 92119
760-741-1224
5070 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94112
415-584-6800
ALPHA Pregnancy Counseling Center
3480 S. Higuera, Suite 100
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
805-541-3357
2428 N. Grand Avenue, Suite K
Santa Ana, CA 92705
714-835-5433
Network Medical Women's Center
185-C S. Patterson Ave
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
805-967-9096
25174 Rye Canyon Rd
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
661-451-7758
Pregnancy Resource Center of Santa Cruz
1570 Soquel Dr Ste 4
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
831-475-2200
Care Net Pregnancy & Resource Center
201 S. Miller Road, Suite 101
Santa Maria, CA 93454
805-928-9285
Bridges Pregnancy Clinic & Care Center
750 Mendocino Ave Ste 1
Santa Rosa, CA 94501
707-575-9000
East County Pregnancy Care Clinic
10201 Mission Gorge Rd, Suite K1
Santee, CA 92071
619-442-4357
7983 Covert Lane
Sebastopol, CA 95472
707-829-6661
Pregnancy Help Center
829 Rosemarie Lane, Suite B
Stockton, CA 95207
209-933-9131
MAMA - Crisis Pregnancy Center
472 Richmond Rd
Susanville, CA 96130
530-257-6667
103 East D Street
Tehachapi, CA 93561
661-823-8255
1311 Crenshaw Blvd Ste A
Torrance, CA 90501
310-787-4357
Pregnancy Resource Center of Tracy
1039 Central Ave
Tracy, CA 95376
209-836-4415
Turlock Pregnancy & Health Center
134 Regis St
Turlock, CA 95382
209-656-9898
425 S. Orchard Ave Ste. D
Ukiah, CA 95482
707-463-1436
Alpha Pregnancy Resource Center
1005 Alamo Drive
Vacaville, CA 95687
707-449-8991
Life Centers of Ventura County
4601 Telephone Road, Suite 107
Ventura, CA 93003
805-486-2721
1732 Palma Drive #103
Ventura, CA 93003
805-648-3301
14725 7th St Ste 600
Victorville, CA 92392
760-243-5006
916 W. Main Street
Visalia, CA 93291
559-625-5550
1830 Hacienda Dr, Suite 8
Vista, CA 92081
760-334-5955
7743 Painter Ave Ste C
Whittier, CA 90602
562-693-8803
57725 Twentynine Palms Highway Suite 104
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
760-369-8512
California, is located on the West Coast of the United States and is the most populous state and a global cultural and economic powerhouse. Los Angeles is its largest city. Known for its diverse geography, California features coastal beaches, towering redwoods, vast deserts, and the Sierra Nevada mountains. The climate varies widely, from Mediterranean along the coast to arid in the deserts. As of 2022, the population of California is projected to be 39.03 million. Universities in California include: The University of California, Stanford University, California State University, Stanford University, and many other colleges and universities. The capital is Sacramento, California.
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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