Kentucky Abortion Safety Checklist
Abortion Safety
Your health and well-being are paramount. Your local Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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.
Kentucky Pregnancy Centers
Kentucky pregnancy centers are located in all major cities including Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Covington, Richmond, Georgetown, Florence, Hopkinsville, Nicholasville, and even many smaller cities.
Most Kentucky pregnancy centers listed offer free and confidential services including medical grade pregnancy tests and ultrasound exams.
2200 29th Street
Ashland, KY 41101
606 325-7654
The New Life Center
202 E. Stephen Foster Ave
Bardstown, KY 40004
502 233-8003
Hope Clinic
1100 Olive St
Benton, KY 42025
270-527-4111
Pregnancy Support Center
1873 Christian Care Way
Bowling Green, KY 42104
270 282-0255
Hope Pregnancy Center of Taylor County
319 E. Maple Street
Campbellsville, KY 42719
270 465-4330
Haven of Hope Pregnancy Services
1209 Highland Ave Suite K
Carrollton, KY 41008
502 525-3216
CareNet Pregnancy Services of Northern Kentucky
3700 Alexandria Pike #A
Cold Springs, KY 41076
859-781-9878
Agape House Pregnancy Resource Center
114 Office park Dr
Columbia, KY 42728
270-380-1699
AA Women's Services
301 US Hwy. 25
Corbin, KY 40702
606 523-1113
New Hope Pregnancy Center
2501 Madison Ave
Covington, KY 41014
859 341-0766
New Hope Pregnancy Center
228 Thomas More Pkway
Crestview Hills, KY 41017
859 341-0766
H.O.P.E. Clinic
260 E. Commerce Street
Eddyville, KY 42038
270 601-5075
Clarity Solutions for Women
105 Memorial Dr
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
270-449-0438
New Hope Pregnancy Center
707 W. Shelby St
Falmouth, KY 41040
859 341-0766
CareNet Pregnancy Services of Northern Kentucky
7129 Price Pike
Florence, KY 41042
958-659-6467
Avenues for Women
73 C. Michael Davenport Blvd Ste. 5
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-695-0500
Not Alone Pregnancy Center
102 E. Main Street, Suite 101
Georgetown, KY 40324
502-370-4377
Crossroads Pregnancy Center
123 E. Washington St
Glasgow, KY 42142
270 651-2299
Pathway of Hope
210 S. Boggess Avenue
Greenville, KY 42345
270-377-0045
Marsha's Place Pregnancy Resource Center
235 N. Elm Street
Henderson, KY 42420
270-826-9674
Alpha Alternatives PCC
500 N. Main Street
Hopkinsville, KY 42240
270 885-3820
Crossroads Pregnancy Center
120 E. Adams St
LaGrange, KY 40031
502-222-7700
830 S. Main Street, Suite 4
London, KY 40741
606 877-1717
Beside U Pregnancy Center
701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd
Louisville, KY 40203
502-589-9400
Little Way Pregnancy Resource Center
515 W. Oak Street
Louisville, KY 40203
502-532-2858
Door of Hope
1805 S. Main Street
Madisonville, KY 42431
270-821-9825
Hope Center
1216 Paris Road
Mayfield, KY 42066
339 224-4636
Help Pregnancy Care Center
200 N. Main Street
Monticello, KY 42633
606 348-1981
Hope Pregnancy Care Center
167 East Main Street
Morehead, KY 40351
606-784-2488
Crossroads Pregnancy Center
1226 Main St
Munfordville, KY 42765
270-524-1994
LifeHouse Care Center For Women
602 Poplar Street
Murray, KY 42071
270 753-0700
CareNet Pregnancy Center
425 E. 18th St
Owensboro, KY 42303
270-372-2352
Hope Unlimited Family Care Center
1101 Jefferson Street
Paducah, KY 42001
270-442-1166
Women's Care Center
1505 Lexington Road
Richmond, KY 40475
859-985-5076
Pregnancy Help Center
227 W. Irvine St
Richmond, KY 40475
859 624-3942
Life Choice
210 S. Bethel Street
Russelville, KY 42276
270-479-8308
ALC Pregnancy Resource Center
711 Henry Clay St
Shelbyville, KY 40065
502-647-0300
ALC Pregnancy Resource Center
368 N. Buckman St
Shepherdsville, KY 40066
502-212-2535
First Choice Clinic of Somerset
111 S. Church St
Somerset, KY 42502
606 678-0335
House of Hope
226 W. Main Street
Springfield, KY 40069
859 336-0140
Pregnancy Center
100 Lacy St
Stanford, KY 40484
606-661-0000
CareNet Pregnancy Services of Northern Kentucky
103 Barnes Rd, Suite E
Williamstown, KY 41097
859-824-0123
New Beginnings of Winchester
139 Jefferson Street
Winchester, KY 40391
859-744-5688
Kentucky is located in the eastern United States and is known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and significant contributions to American history. The largest city is Louisville. Kentucky features a varied geography that includes rolling hills, fertile farmlands, and the Appalachian Mountains. The climate is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. As of 2022, the population of Kentucky is projected to be 4.512 million. Universities in Kentucky include: University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, Western Kentucky University, and many other colleges and universities. The capital is Frankfort, Kentucky
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.