Tennessee Abortion Safety Checklist
Abortion Safety
Your health and well-being are paramount. Your local Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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.
Tennessee Pregnancy Centers
Tennessee pregnancy centers are located in all major cities including Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Johnson City, Jackson, Hendersonville, and even many smaller cities.
Most Tennessee pregnancy centers listed offer free and confidential services including medical grade pregnancy tests and ultrasound exams.
Full Circle Medical Center for Women
510 Old Riceville Road
Athens, TN 37371
423-744-3005
Abortion Alternatives Crisis Pregnancy Center
17 24th Street
Bristol, TN 37620
423-968-4673
FYI Crisis Pregnancy Clinic
153 Washington Ave
Camden, TN 38320
731-584-1717
Pregnancy Help Center
108 College Avenue West
Carthage, TN 37030
615-281-8054
Choices Pregnancy Resource Center
951 Eastgate Loop Suite 1000
Chattanooga, TN 37411
423-892-0803
Hope Pregnancy Center
325 N 2nd St
Clarksville, TN 37040
931-645-2273
New Hope Pregnancy Care Center
353 Worth Street NW
Cleveland, TN 37331
423-479-6683
Life Choices Pregnancy Support Center
38 S. Industrial Park Rd
Coalmont, TN 37313
931-692-8822
Pregnancy Center of Columbia
704 Dunnington St
Columbia, TN 38401
931-381-4024
Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic
714 N. Dixie Ave
Cookeville, TN 38501
931-593-5106
Confidential Care for Women
126 W. Liberty Ave
Covington, TN 38019
901-476-6520
The Care Center
285 Main Street
Dayton, TN 37321
423-775-0019
Care Net Pregnancy Services
305 S Main Street
Dickson, TN 37056
615-446-0701
Women's Care Center
1817 Old York Hwy E
Dunlap, TN 37327
423-949-9190
Life Choices Pregnancy Support Center
640 Hwy 51 Bypass E Ste F
Dyersburg, TN 38025
731-286-4673
Cumberland Crisis Pregnancy Center
2229 Nashville Pike
Gallatin, TN 37066
615-451-1717
Crossroads Pregnancy Clinic
1237 Huntsville Hwy, Suite E
Fayetteville, TN 37334
931-207-2424
The Hope Center
314 Tusculum Blvd.
Greeneville, TN 37745
423 638-5433
Life Choices Pregnancy Support Center
1102 S. Roane St
Harriman, TN 37748
865-234-8900
Community Pregnancy Center
755 E. McMurry Blvd
Hartsville, TN 37074
615-680-8026
Birth Choice
391 Wallace Road
Jackson, TN 38305
731-664-8443
Life Outreach Center
1179 N. Hwy 92
Jefferson City, TN 37760
865-471-0510
Hope Resource Center
2700 Painter Ave
Knoxville, TN 37919
865-525-4673
Pregnancy Help Center
2221 Jackson Pike Suite 106
LaFollette, TN 37766
423-437-3416
Beating Hearts Help Center
Plaza 22 Center, 21203 Hwy 22 TN-22
McKenzie, TN 38201
731-207-1400
Life Choices Pregnancy Support Center
300 W. Fort Street
Manchester, TN 37349
931- 954-5381
Pregnancy Resource Center
103 Station Road
Maryville, TN 37804
865-344-6594
Life Choices Pregnancy Support Center
5575 Raleigh Legrange Road
Memphis, TN 38134
901-388-1172
Life Choices Pregnancy Support Center
2400 Poplar Ave, Suite 550
Memphis, TN 38122
901-388-1172
Pregnancy Crisis Center
304 Calvary Drive
Morristown, TN 37815
423-587-2273
Pregnancy Support Center of Johnson
917 Crossroads Dr
Mountain City, TN 37683
423-727-8600
Portico Pregnancy Center
726 S. Church St.
Murfreesboro, TN 37133
615-893-0228
Mulier Care
2319 Castleman Dr
Nashville, TN 37222
615-898-9845
Hope Clinic for Women
1810 Hayes St
Nashville, TN 37203
615-321-0005
Choices Resource Center
170 Raleigh Road
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
865-424-8077
Pregnancy Care Center
4989 Lebanon Pike
Old Hickory, TN 37138
615-773-4673
Tomorrow's Hope Pregnancy Help Center
211 N. Brewer Street
Paris, TN 38242
731-642-0600
Life Choice Pregnancy Resource Center
412 S. 2nd Street
Pulaski, TN 38478
931-363-4133
First Choice Pregnancy Counseling Center
1102 Madison Street
Shelbyville, TN 37160
931-680-0066
Pregnancy Resource Center
800 Park Road
Seiverville, TN 37862
865-344-6593
The Care Center
250 Neal St
Spring City, TN 37381
423--775-0019
Open Door Pregnancy Center
1109 S. Main Street
Springfield, TN 37172
615-384-4673
Pregnancy Centers of Middle TN
220 Town Center Pkway, Suite 125
Springhill, TN 37174
615-302-2200
Lifebeat Center
120 Church Street
Tiptonville, TN 38079
731-253-7222
Life Choices Pregnancy Support Center
66 Sunrise Park Dr
Winchester, TN 37398
931-962-8822
Tennessee, located in the southeastern United States, is known for its rich musical heritage, diverse landscapes, and significant historical landmarks. Nashville, is renowned as a major center for country music, while Memphis is famous for its contributions to blues and rock 'n' roll. Tennessee features a varied geography, including the Appalachian Mountains in the east, rolling hills in the central region, and fertile plains in the west, with a climate that includes hot, humid summers and mild winters. As of 2022, the population of Tennessee is projected to be 7.051 million. Universities in Tennessee include: University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, Vanderbilt University, and many other colleges and universities. The capital is Nashville, Tennessee
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.