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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 a positive urine HGC test does not necessarily mean that the pregnancy is in the right location, that you are even pregnant, or that you will remain positive if it is confirmed.

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.

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, etc. 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?

Other health-related matters to consider: If you are or think you might be pregnant, you are at risk for an STD/STI. STD/STIs are more serious and can cause greater health problems than you might realize. We offer no-cost, limited STD/STI screening, treatment, and healthy relationship-based prevention at Options for Women East.

Are there risks to an abortion?

Abortion is a permanent procedure. Like any medical procedure, it has various risks. For someone considering this procedure, you have a legal right to be fully informed of the procedure and all options, including “halting the line” if you are unsure or don’t feel confident as a shared-decision maker at any point in the process. 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 I leave or after I take the abortion pill?
    • Do I have any other options?

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.

While it always best to discuss medical procedures with the individual who is doing them first, coming prepared could help prevent undesired outcomes. The following are risks depending on the procedure: 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, 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.

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.