Oregon Abortion Safety Checklist
Abortion Safety
Your health and well-being are paramount. Your local Oregon 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 Oregon 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 Oregon 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.
Oregon Pregnancy Centers
Oregon pregnancy centers are located in all major cities including Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, Hillsboro, Bend, Beaverton, Medford, Corvallis, Springfield, and even many smaller cities.
Most Oregon pregnancy centers listed offer free and confidential services including medical grade pregnancy tests and ultrasound exams.
Options Pregnancy Resource Center
1800 16th Avenue SE
Albany, OR 97322
541-924-0160
Coast Pregnancy Center
279 6th Street
Astoria, OR 97103
503-325-9111
Rachel Pregnancy Center
2192 Court Avenue
Baker City, OR 97814
541-523-5357
Ava Health Center
369 NE Revere Ave #102
Bend, OR 97708
541-385-5334
Brookings Pregnancy Care Center
344 Pacific Ave
Brookings, OR 97415
541-469-1846
Pregnancy Center of the Illinois Valley
331 Cottage Park Dr Suite 4
Cave Junction, OR 97523
541-479-6264
Pacific Pregnancy Clinic
1250 Thompson Road
Coos Bay, OR 97420
541-267-5204
Brookings Pregnancy Care Center
110 W. Washington Blvd
Crescent City, OR 95531
707-464-3233
Pregnancy Resource Center of Estacada
107 NW 5th Ave
Estacada, OR 97023
503-630-4002
Dove Medical
487 E 11th Ave
Eugene, OR 97401
541-345-3683
Pregnancy & Parenting Center
475 Lauel Street
Florence, OR 97439
541-902-2273
Ava Health Center
104 NW 11th Street
Gresham, OR 97030
971-358-3797
Tru Care Pregnancy Center
1155 W. Linda Avenue, Suite 8
Hermiston, OR 97838
541-567-2393
Hope Medical Clinic
1942 12th Street
Hood River, OR 97031
541-386-1050
Pregnancy Hope Center
2421 Washburn Way Ste. A
Klamath Falls, OR 97603
541-859-3596
Next Step Pregnancy Information Center
902 D. Avenue
La Grande, OR 97850
541-963-6918
Vine Medical Pregnancy Health Clinic
1218 3rd Street
Lafayette, OR 97127
503-714-4148
Obria Medical Clinic
136 W Vine St
Lebanon, OR 97355
541-258-3530
Pregnancy Resource Center of Central Oregon
585 SE 5th Street
Madras, OR 97741
541-475-5338
Vine Medical Center
1218 3rd Street
McMinnville, OR 97128
503-714-4148
The Pregnancy Center
2019 Aero Way #103
Medford, OR 97504
541-772-1921
Hope Pregnancy Center
17 SW 6th Street
Ontario, OR 97914
541-889-4272
Ava Health Center
5117 SE Powell Ste 3
Portland, OR 97206
971-358-3797
Pregnancy Resource Center of Central Oregon
346 NW Deer St
Prineville, OR 97754
541-447-2420
St Helens Pregnancy Center
305 W. 3rd Street, Suite C
Rainier, OR 97048
503-556-4590
Pregnancy Resource Center of Central Oregon
950 SW Veterans Way
Redmond, OR 97756
541-504-8919
Hope Clinic for Women
1425 W. Harvard Ave
Roseburg, OR 97471
541-672-2609
Salem Pregnancy Resource Center
2630 Market St NE
Salem, OR 97301
503-364-2464
Pregnancy Resource Center of Sandy
17270 SE Bluff Rd
Sandy, OR 97055
503-668-8101
1st Way PRC
1162 B St #213
Springfield, OR 97477
541-687-8651
St Helens Pregnancy Center
970 Columbia Blvd
St Helens, OR 97051
503-397-6047
Sweet Home Pregnancy Care Center
1344 Main Street Ste. C
Sweet Home, OR 97386
541-367-2447
Hope Medical Clinic
3206 W. 6th Street, Suite 200
The Dalles, OR 97058
541-296-0650
Oregon, located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, is known for its stunning natural landscapes, progressive culture, and diverse economy. Portland is its largest city and a major cultural and economic hub. Oregon features a variety of geographical features, including rugged coastlines, dense forests, volcanic mountains like Mount Hood, and high desert areas. The climate varies from a temperate maritime climate on the coast to more arid conditions in the eastern part of the state, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers in many areas. As of 2022, the population of Oregon is projected to be 4.24 million. Universities in Oregon include: University of Oregon, Oregon State University, and many other colleges and universities. The capital is Salem, Oregon
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.