Abortion

Considering Abortion?

Unexpected pregnancy can bring a lot of fear, worry, and concerns along with it. If you recently found out you’re pregnant, or think you might be, you may be thinking about abortion. As you consider this option, there are three important questions to ask yourself about your health:

Am I really pregnant?

While this may seem like an odd question, it’s an important one to ask. Just because you have missed your period, does not necessarily mean that you are pregnant. Similarly, just because you have a positive urine HGC test does not necessarily mean that the pregnancy is in the right location, that there are no other concerns or that you will remain positive.

There can be other anomalies for having a positive test, such as user error, a recent miscarriage, a recent medical abortion, molar pregnancy, other medical conditions, such as ectopic pregnancy. You could also be experiencing, or may soon experience, early pregnancy loss (e.g., a chemical pregnancy). Varying studies have shown as many as 1 in 4 to 1 in 7 known pregnancies end naturally in miscarriage by the first trimester (13.6 wks), and lately, these odds are increasing. All of these factors point to the need to seek confirmation through ultrasound.

How far along am I?

Abortion procedures vary based on how far along you are in your pregnancy and other factors. Determining which procedures would be appropriate is easily done through a limited ultrasound after a positive urine HGC test and other criteria. Please call or text us to schedule an appointment for this type of ultrasound at no cost, or to speak to a nurse if you have more questions.

Do I have an STD/STI?

Are there risks to an abortion?

Like any medical procedure or with any medication, it has various risks. Whether it be the pill (see the side column to the left) or the procedure itself, you have a legal right to be fully informed of the what to expect and all options, including not continuing on if you are unsure or don’t feel confident as a shared-decision maker at any point in the process. Take the risk assessment in the link to determine your risk for negative psychological reactions such as depression, prolonged grief disorder, alcohol abuse, or suicidal behaviors. If you score is 5 or less, you are considered low risk or compared to other women; if 6-20, you are considered moderately high-risk; and a score of 20 means that you are high risk at negative psychological outcomes that may be triggered or worsened by exposure to an abortion.

Outside of psychological risks, other good questions to think about are:

• Do I understand the different methods?
• How will I know which one I need?
• Will it hurt?
• Are there any physical risks?
• How will I feel when it’s over?
• Can I be forced to abort or can I stop if I change my mind?
• What should I watch out for after the procedure is over?
• If obtaining the pill online or from a clinic:
  • When should I seek emergency care?
  • What type of follow-up is needed?
  • What can I expect to happen, or what will I see?
• Do I have any other options?
• Should I take the abortion pill if it is given to me by someone else other than a medical professional?

No one should ever feel rushed to make a decision out of fear. Talk through it. Get all of the facts and make an informed and empowered decision. We can help answer your questions.

While it is always best to discuss medical decisions with the individual who is doing them first, coming prepared could help prevent undesired outcomes. The following are risks depending on the course of action chosen: hemorrhage, pain, post-anesthesia effects, sepsis, uterine atony or perforation, injuries to adjacent organs, DIC, alloimmunization, mental health challenges, incomplete abortion, PID from untreated STI’s prior to the procedure, scarring if procedures are repeated, cervical damage. If there are complications or repeat surgical procedures, indirect risks include pre-term labor from prior damage, miscarriage, and infertility. 40% of patients following abortions also seek emergency care, so ensure that you are aware of what constitutes the need to seek further care for your health and safety (see sources below for details).

If you’ve had a previous history of abortions, have taken the abortion pill in the past, or have a repeated history of STI’s, or other risk factors, you can be more at risk for ectopic pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancies carry extremely high morbidity and morality.

No one should ever feel rushed to make an appointment for a medical procedure out of fear. Talk through it. Get all of the facts and make an informed and empowered decision. We can help answer your questions.

Your feelings, questions, and other matters are extremely important and are best discussed in-person. Options East has compassionate staff and other women as licensed medical professionals who have been confronted with similar circumstances, and they care about you beyond your current situation with no financial interest. We always look forward to these appointments for relationship-building and community support for women who need a voice and your story shared, no matter where you are in your journey.

I feel like abortion might be my only option

The best way to make a decision about your unexpected pregnancy is to know that there are options and be fully informed. If you’re concerned about finances, your support system, or anything else, the understanding staff at Options for Women East can help you find solutions so you don’t make a choice you feel cornered into.

See A Women’s Right to Know as a result of and required by Session Law 2011-405.

Schedule an appointment with us today to discuss abortion and your other options.

If you’ve already had an abortion, and need to talk about the experience or how you felt or are still feeling, please see our Limited Post-Abortive Care or our Perinatal Bereavement.

*Because of the scope of our services and affiliations, Options for Women East does not refer or perform abortion, nor provide or refer for the abortion pill.