Washington DC Abortion Consultation Services
Washington DC Abortion Consultation
What Should I Do First If I’m Considering Abortion?
Confirm The Pregnancy:
- Visit your local Washington DC pregnancy center for a free medical grade pregnancy test and limited ultrasounds by licensed medical professionals.
- Understanding your pregnancy stage is crucial for considering your options.
If you’re considering abortion, the first essential step is to confirm your pregnancy and understand how far along you are so you can consider all of your options. Washington DC pregnancy centers provide pregnancy testing, abortion consultations, and ultrasound exams to help you make an informed decision.
It’s crucial to know that you’re not alone in this journey. While abortion might seem to be the only option for an unplanned pregnancy, it’s essential to weigh all factors before making your decision. Before visiting an abortion clinic it is important to be fully informed about the procedure and being aware of the associated risks will empower you to make a choice that’s right for you.
Your first step is to make an appointment at your local Washington DC pregnancy center to verify pregnancy and discuss your options.
Comprehensive Abortion Consult Services
No-Cost Abortion Consult Includes:
- Pregnancy testing and ultrasound to determine gestational age.
- Factual information on current abortion procedures.
- Risks and details of both medical and surgical abortions.
- STD/STI testing and treatment, along with other community resources.
Why is an Ultrasound Important?
Ultrasound Benefits:
- Determines the gestational age, especially important if you have irregular periods.
- Assesses the viability of the pregnancy, crucial since 20% – 25% of first trimester pregnancies end in miscarriage.
- Identifies ectopic pregnancies, which require immediate medical attention.
The Importance Of Ultrasound
An ultrasound will verify the gestational age of the fetus. This is especially helpful if you have irregular periods, have frequent spotting, or are not sure when you had your last period.
Ultrasound also determines the viability of the pregnancy. This is important since 20% – 25% of first trimester pregnancies end in miscarriage. Should the ultrasound reveal that the fetus is growing outside of the uterus (known as an ectopic pregnancy), you will be given instructions for immediate medical attention, as this condition can be life-threatening.
Addressing STD/STI Concerns
STD/STI Risks and Testing:
- STD/STIs can be present without symptoms.
- Untreated STD/STIs can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, affecting future pregnancies.
- Many pregnancy centers offer free STD/STI testing and treatment.
Are You Considering Abortion?
Understanding Your Options:
- Washington DC pregnancy centers provide factual information regarding pregnancy options.
- They ensure you have the knowledge to make a choice that’s right for you.
Coerced Abortion: Know Your Rights
Your Decision Matters:
- Coerced abortion is illegal. You have the legal right to decide on your pregnancy.
- Whether you are an adult or a minor, no one can force you to have an abortion.
Washington DC Pregnancy Centers
Most Washington DC pregnancy centers listed offer free and confidential services including medical grade pregnancy tests and ultrasound exams.
ABC Women's Health & Ultrasound Center Washington DC
Serving Washington DC
and Surrounding Areas
202-945-7121
Capitol Hill Crisis Pregnancy Center
713 Maryland Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-546-1018
Center for Life
1150 Varnum St NE
Washington, DC 20017
202-269-7075
The Northwest center
2702 Ontario Road NW
Washington, DC 20009-2154
202-483-7008
Washington DC, the capital of the United States, is known for its significant political, historical, and cultural importance. Located on the east coast along the Potomac River, the city is not part of any state and serves as the seat of the federal government. Washington, D.C., features a mix of iconic landmarks, including the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Washington Monument, as well as numerous museums and memorials like the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian Institution. The city has a diverse population and a vibrant cultural scene, with prominent arts, theater, and music venues. Washington, D.C., is also known for its influential role in national and international politics, housing the headquarters of numerous government agencies and foreign embassies. The climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The city’s blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and political power defines its unique character. As of 2022, the population of Washington DC is projected to be 671,803. Universities in Washington DC include: Georgetown University, The George Washington University, Howard University, and many other colleges and universities.
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.