Missouri Abortion Safety Checklist
Abortion Safety
Your health and well-being are paramount. Your local Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri 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.
Missouri Pregnancy Centers
Missouri pregnancy centers are located in all major cities including Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, Independence, Lee’s Summit, O’Fallon, St. Charles, St. Joseph, Blue Springs, and even many smaller cities.
Most Missouri pregnancy centers listed offer free and confidential services including medical grade pregnancy tests and ultrasound exams.
315 S. Madison Ave
Aurora, MO 65605
417-678-0090
Options Pregnancy Center of Ava
131 E. Lincoln Ave
Ava, MO 65608
417-683-2315
Hand 'n Hand Pregnancy Help Center
7024 Hwy 61-67
Barnhart, MO 63012
636-464-8400
Alpha House Pregnancy Resource Ctr
419 W. Broadway St
Bolivar, MO 65613
417-777-2273
Options for Women
1420 US Business 61 Suite B
Bowling Green, MO 63334
573-213-5115
Options Pregnancy Clinic
192 Expressway Lane, Suite A
Branson, MO 65616
417-336-5483
Pregnancy Life Line
19621 State Hwy 413
Branson West, MO 65737
417-272-5211
Pregnancy Help Center
948 E. Hwy 54
Camdenton, MO 65020
573-346-3337
Birthright
2633 Hopper Road
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
573 335-0750
Options for Women
2436 Myra Drive
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
573-339-2032
Willowbrook Women's Center
210 N. Main St
Cemeron, MO 64429
816-244-7824
My Life Clinic
802 N. Providence Rd, Ste. 2
Columbia, MO 65203
573-874-3561
Lifeline Pregnancy Care Center
201 Lucia Ave
Cuba, MO 65453
573-885-3040
Monarch Family Resource Center
1565 Ste. Geneieve Ave
Farmington, MO 63640
573-431-6001
Options Pregnancy Clinic
10726 State Hwy 76, Suite F
Forsyth, MO 65653
417 546-3200
Options Pregnancy Center
418 Third Street
Gainesville, MO 65655
417-543-8527
Options for Women
7A Northport Plaza
Hannibal, MO 63401
573-600-9375
Shiloh Center
208 Oriole Street
Harrisonville, MO 64701
816-925-4596
MyLife Medical & Resource Centers (Jefferson County PCC)
2608 Gravois, High Ridge. MO
House Springs, MO 63051
636.495.6566
Pregnancy Resource Center
107 E. Pine Street
Houston, MO 65483
417.967.1100
Resource Health
815 N. Noland Road
Independence, MO 64050
816-921-5050
Monarch Family Resource Center
109 N. Main St
Ironton, MO 63650
573-546-2166
Life Choices Health Network
531 E 7th St
Joplin, MO 64801
417-624-8030
Parkville Women's Clinic
6326 Lucerne Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64151
816-746-4855
Resource Health
4110 NE Vivion Rd
Kansas City, MO 64119
816-921-5050
Resource Health
4403 E. Blue Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64130
816-921-5050
The Woman's Clinic
11904 Blue Ridge Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64134
816-836-9000
Lifeline Pregnancy Help Clinic
1515 N. New Street
Kirksville, MO 63501
660-665-5688
525 S. Washington Ave
Lebanon, MO 65536
417-532-8555
Resource Health
1240 NE Windsor Dr.
Lee's Summit, MO 64086
816 921-5050
Liberty Women's Clinic
1532 NE 96th Street, Suite B
Liberty, MO 64068
816-415-9415
Ray of Hope Pregnancy Care Ministries
309 N. Missouri Street, Suite B
Macon, MO 63552
660 395-8099
First Choice MO Pregnancy Resource Center
419 S. Kansas Ave
Marceline, MO 64658
660-376-2222
The Source Medical Clinic
2613 South Main Street
Maryville, MO 64468
660-215-3024
Pregnancy Resource Center of Mt. Grove
600 E. State Street Annex Bldg
Mountain Grove, MO 65711
417-926-3310
Care Net PRC of Neosho
1245 Southland Dr.
Neosho, MO 64850
417-445-0100
Options for Women
1019 N. Kingshighway
Perryville, MO 53775
573-547-3800
Caring Hearts Pregnancy Resource Center
107 N. Missouri
Potosi, MO 63664
573.436.2000
Republic Pregnancy Resource Center
291 US Hwy 60 West
Republic, MO 64738
417-732-5993
Bridge of Hope
111 W. Main
Richmond, MO 64085
816-520-7828
Pregnancy Resource Center of Rolla65401
1210 Missouri 72
Rolla, MO
573-368-5700
Riverways Pregnancy Resource Center
1600 Doss Road
Salem, MO 65560
573-739-3673
Ray of Hope Pregnancy Care Ministries
136 Shelby Plaza Road
Shelbina, MO 63468
660-395-8099
Aspire Women's Center
916 S. Kingshighway
Sikeston, MO 63801
573-475-9230
Willowbrook Women's Center
1502 N 36th St, Suite D
St Joseph, MO 64506
816-244-7824
ThriVe St. Louis -
4331 Lindell Blvd
St Louis, MO 63108
314 773-4626
Pregnancy Help Center South County
4150 Crescent Drive
St Louis, MO 63129
314-894-9800
ThriVe St. Louis - St. Charles Center
305A Mid Rivers Mall Dr
St Peters, MO 63376
636 663-4626
Options for Women
615 Keifer St.
Ste Genevieve, MO 63670
573-883-1088
Life Options Pregnancy Center
1433 Lulu St
Trenton, MO 64683
660-358-1378
Pregnancy Help Center
203 Westview
Versailles, MO 65084
573-569-4198
New Beginnings Womens' Center
208 E. Gay St
Warrensburg, MO 64093
660-429-3800
Crossroads Family Ministries
1220 Commercial
Warsaw, MO 65355
660-438-9140
Pregnancy Assistance Center
310 International Ave.
Washington, MO 63090
636 239-1840
Free Women's Center of Pulaski County
2009 Historic Route 66 West
Waynesville, MO 65583
573-774-4992
Missouri, located in the central United States, is known for its diverse geography, historical significance, and cultural contributions. Its largest city is St. Louis. Missouri features a mix of landscapes, including rolling plains, river valleys, and the Ozark Mountains, with a climate that includes hot, humid summers and cold winters. As of 2022, the population of Missouri is projected to be 6.178 million. Universities in Missouri include: University of Missouri, Missouri State University, and many other colleges and universities. The capital is Jefferson City, Missouri
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.