South Carolina Abortion Safety Checklist
Abortion Safety
Your health and well-being are paramount. Your local South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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.
South Carolina Pregnancy Centers
In South Carolina, there are pregnancy centers in all major cities including Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Rock Hill, Greenville, Summerville, Goose Creek, Greer, Sumter, and even many smaller cities.
Most South Carolina pregnancy centers listed offer free and confidential services including medical grade pregnancy tests and ultrasound exams.
Life Choices Pregnancy Care Center
130 E. Pine Log Road
Aiken, SC 29803
803-649-9890
Anderson Crisis Pregnancy Ctr
1303 N. Murray Ave
Anderson, SC 29623
864-231-0077
Radiance Women's Center
21 Marshellen Drive
Beaufort, SC 29901
843-525-0300
Dazz Pregnancy & Sexual Health Center
1106 B St. Andrews Blvd, Suite B
Charleston, SC 29407
843-225-3010
Lowcountry Crisis Pregnancy Ctr
7481 Northside Drive
Charleston, SC 29420
843-553-3505
Foothills Crisis Pregnancy Center
518 College Ave Suite 170
Clemson, SC 29631
864-654-6200
Daybreak LifeCare Center
1601 St. Julian Place
Columbia, SC 29204
803-771-6634
Daybreak Crisis Pregnancy Center
207 Main Street
Columbia, SC 29204
803-771-6634
Hope Women' s Center
879 Gentry Memorial Hwy
Easley, SC 29641
864-855-8500
A Choice to Make PRC
516 S. Coit Street
Florence, SC 29502
843-669-4673
Cherokee Pregnancy Center
1719 Old Georgia Highway
Gaffney, SC 29342
864-489-9939
Crossroads Pregnancy Center
428 Grace Street
Greenwood, SC 29649
864-223-1147
Piedmont Women's Center
100 Collins Drive
Greer, SC 29651
864-271-0100
Pregnancy Center and Clinic
1 Cardinal Rd. Suite 1 & 2
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
843-689-2222
Pregnancy Care Center
19 Moss Creek Village
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
843-689-2222
Women's Enrichment Center
720 S. Main Street
Lancaster, SC 29721
843-689-2222
LaVie Pregnancy Care Center
1271 Calks Ferry Road
Lexington, SC 29072
803-996-4673
Coastline Women's Center
3926 Wesley St Suite 204
Myrtle Beach, SC 29529
843-877-5653
LifeBridge of SC
1510 Main Street
Newberry, SC 29108
803-276-4788
Dazz Pregnancy & Sexual Health Center
923 Chestnut Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
803-937-3010
Piedmont Women's Center
108 Commons Blvd
Piedmont, SC 29673
843-689-2222
Piedmont Women's Center
11332 N. Jacob Smart Blvd
Ridgeland, SC 29936
843-689-2222
Foothills Crisis Pregnancy Center
207 Main Street
Seneca, SC 29679
864-882-8796
Carolina Pregnancy Center
7425 Westlake Dr
Spartanburg, SC 29304
864-582-4673
Sumter Pregnancy Center
21 Barnette Dr
Sumter, SC 29151
803-773-8858
The Advocacy Center
190 S. Lafayette Dr.
Sumter, SC 29150
803-774-5600
South Carolina, located in the southeastern United States, is known for its historic charm, beautiful coastal regions, and diverse cultural heritage. Charleston is its largest city and a major cultural and historical center. South Carolina features a varied geography, including sandy beaches along the Atlantic coastline, rolling hills in the Piedmont region, and lush forests. The climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. As of 2022, the population of South Carolina is projected to be 5.283 million. Universities in South Carolina include: University of South Carolina, Clemson University, and many other colleges and universities. The capital is Columbia, South Carolina
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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