What are the conditions for legal abortion in Illinois?

The “Reproductive Health Act” (RHA) of 2019 is the primary law related to abortion in Illinois.  The main takeaway is that abortion in Illinois is legal up to the point of “fetal viability.” This must be determined by a doctor.

If the fetus is determined to be able to survive after delivery without extraordinary equipment, an abortion is not permitted unless continuing the pregnancy would put the woman’s life in danger.

The Act states:

• If the health care professional determines that there is fetal viability, the health care professional may provide abortion care only if, in the professional judgment of the health care professional, the abortion is necessary to protect the life or health of the patient.

When is a fetus viable?

The viability of a fetus can vary. Recently, the Guinness record for the earliest fetus surviving delivery was set at 21 weeks after receiving intensive care. 

A 2024 study at the American Academy of Pediatrics studied survival rates on viability from 22-25 weeks. The farther along a fetus is, the less likely a fetus requires intensive care after delivery.

In the state of Illinois, the viability of the fetus is determined by a doctor.

What are recent changes to laws pertaining to abortion law in Illinois?

In 2023, Illinois passed House Bill 4664, which amended the Reproductive Health Act and several other laws related to abortion.  The changes in law included the following:

• Requires any lawsuit filed under to the Reproductive Health Act to start within 2 years after the incident.
• Allows not only doctors, but a “nurse or physician assistant,” to perform certain abortions.
• Makes it easier for abortion practitioners who have had their license “revoked” in another state to practice in Illinois.

I’m considering abortion in Illinois. What’s my next step?

If you are pregnant and considering abortion, your first step is to obtain an ultrasound. The ultrasound is a crucial step and reveals information like:

• The location of your pregnancy. If your pregnancy has implanted anywhere outside the uterus you could have an ectopic pregnancy. In this instance, you would be advised to seek immediate medical attention. If you are considering the abortion pill, it’s important to know the FDA specifically says the abortion pill “will not be effective to terminate an ectopic pregnancy.”
• The gestational age is determined by measuring the dimensions of the pregnancy. If you are considering the abortion pill, it can be dangerous to you if your pregnancy is farther along than you may think. The FDA approves of the abortion pill up to 70 days (10 weeks). Abortion pill risks such as uterine rupture increase the farther along you are in your pregnancy. The ultrasound provides you with an accurate gestational age so you can make the best decision for you.
• The viability of your pregnancy. If a heartbeat cannot be detected, it is possible you may naturally miscarry. In this case, you would be advised to follow up with your physician, and you would avoid an unnecessary abortion procedure.

Schedule an appointment

If you are considering abortion or the abortion pill, obtaining an ultrasound first is an important step. At Waterleaf Women’s Center, our medical professionals can provide you with a free medical and pregnancy consultation, including ultrasound. No insurance is required.  Call or text us today at 630-360-2256.  You deserve compassionate care!

If you are considering the abortion pill, it’s important to understand what will happen before, during and after taking the pills. You deserve the best for your health and safety. You may wonder, “What questions should I ask the abortion pill provider?”

Let’s pause and go through some of the important questions you should consider before undergoing an abortion procedure.

Do you have a doctor who will provide care if there are side effects or complications?

The FDA label for the abortion pill lists multiple serious side effect risks, including infection or sepsis, heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or an incomplete abortion in which pregnancy tissue remains inside the woman.  A recent study of insurance claims showed that up to 11% of women experience serious complications after taking the abortion pill.

Does the doctor who prescribed the abortion pill for you offer medical care if you experience side effects or complications? Or does the doctor suggest you go to the emergency room if you experience complications?

Does the provider suggest that I don’t tell the emergency room that I took the abortion pill?

Some abortion pill providers tell patients to conceal that they took the abortion pill from other doctors, including doctors at the emergency room. They will suggest to patients to say they are having a miscarriage.

However, an induced abortion and a miscarriage are not the same. If you’ve taken the abortion pill, your body will have been altered to block progesterone from reaching your pregnancy. The second abortion pill, misoprostol, causes “uterine contractions” and “bleeding.” In a naturally-occurring miscarriage, your body will not have the effects of the drugs in the abortion pills.

One study showed that concealing the abortion pill from emergency room doctors was “more likely to result” in the woman having to have surgery to remove remaining pregnancy tissue and result in delayed care.

Another scientist warned that there is evidence that the abortion pill may  “suppress the immune system.” This would make a woman more vulnerable to bacterial infection.

For reasons like these, it is advisable to be open with emergency room doctors, and you are not delayed the care you need. If your abortion pill provider suggests you withhold information from doctors, that provider may not be prioritizing your health and safety.

What is the abortion pill provider’s safety record?

Have you examined reviews of the abortion pill provider? Have patients described bad experiences or bad service from the provider? If you identify multiple bad reviews or troubling stories, consider this in your decision-making.

Are there any lawsuits against the abortion pill provider for medical violations? Consider doing a web search or deep AI search about the provider. 

Is the abortion pill provider certified in the “Mifepristone REMS Program”?

The FDA specifically does not recommend buying the abortion pill online. They recommend asking your provider if they are certified in the Mifepristone REMS Program or working under the supervision of someone who is. The FDA cautions against buying the abortion pill online or buying from other countries because they “cannot ensure the safety, effectiveness, or quality of those medications.”

Does your abortion pill provider have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital?

Hospital admitting privileges is a “right granted to a doctor to admit patients to a particular hospital.” That doctor can then submit paperwork, will know your current case situation, and can provide you treatment at that hospital. This can help expedite the process to get you any medical care you may need during or after you’ve taken the abortion pill.

Has the abortion pill provider advised you to be screened for Rh Factor?

Having an abortion without knowing your blood’s “Rh factor” could jeopardize future pregnancies. When the blood of an Rh-positive fetus gets into the blood of an Rh-negative woman, her body will recognize that it does not belong and will create antibodies to fight it. This is called being Rh-sensitized. These antibodies remain in a woman’s body and could obstruct future pregnancies.

To prevent Rh-sensitization, women with an Rh-negative blood type need a special shot, called RHoGAM, any time there is a possibility that the fetus’s blood could mix with the mother’s blood, such as during an abortion. An Rh-negative woman in this situation would be advised to obtain a RHoGAM shot within 72 hours after delivery, including abortion. You may need to obtain a RhoGAM shot with your own provider.

Has your abortion provider conducted an ultrasound to check for ectopic pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy is when the fertilized egg implants somewhere outside the inner lining of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancy occurs in about 2% of pregnancies which is 1 in 50.

The FDA label for the abortion pill specifically says it will not be effective on an ectopic pregnancy. The “current standard for ectopic pregnancy diagnosis” includes getting a clinical assessment with an advanced ultrasound and additional testing like monitoring HCG levels.

If you were to have a suspected ectopic pregnancy, you would be advised to seek immediate medical attention.

You can obtain a free limited ultrasound at Waterleaf Women’s Center. It is confidential, and no insurance is required.

Has your abortion provider screened you for STDs?

STD testing is especially important for women considering abortion. Undiagnosed STD’s, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can increase your long-term risks.  No matter what type of abortion is performed, the cervix must open for the pregnancy to leave the body.  When this happens, bacteria can move up into the uterus, increasing the risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).  PID can result in an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and chronic pain.

You can obtain screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea at Waterleaf Women’s Center. It is confidential, and no insurance is required.

Unsure about what questions to ask the abortion pill provider? What are the next steps?

You may have other questions about the abortion pill. Or maybe you are looking for support and guidance while you consider the abortion pill.  Our medical professionals at Waterleaf Women’s Center are here for you.

We can see you for a free pregnancy consultation, provide you with pregnancy confirmation and ultrasound, STD testing, and more.  All of our services are free and do not require insurance.

You deserve the best care. You deserve to have your questions answered. You deserved to be informed so you can make healthy empowered decisions. Call or text us today confidentially at 630-360-2256.

This article will review the abortion pill, how abortion pill reversal works, and safety considerations, all to help you make informed decisions about your health.

How does the abortion pill work?

The abortion pill regimen is a series of two pills. It is approved by the FDA up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. The first pill, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone, which your pregnancy needs to continue. The second set of pills, misoprostol, are taken 24-48 hours later, which causes “uterine contractions” and “bleeding” to expel the pregnancy.

What is the Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) Process?

The goal of abortion pill reversal is to replenish the progesterone that the first abortion pill blocked. The APR protocol is ideally administered within 24-72 hours after the first abortion pill was taken and before the second set of pills are taken.

APR floods progesterone into a woman’s system to counteract the effects of the abortion pill.

Many women report successful pregnancies after effective abortion pill reversal treatment. A study concluded 64 – 68% of pregnancies proceed to term after women receive the abortion pill reversal protocol. The sooner you start treatment, the higher the possibility of continuing your pregnancy. That’s why it’s critical to contact an APR specialist immediately if you aren’t sure you want to continue with the abortion pill. 

For immediate Abortion Pill Reversal help, contact:

Waterleaf: 630-360-2256. Call or text confidentially.
Call the Abortion Pill Rescue 24/7 hotline: 877-558-0333 for a medical provider in your area.

How Safe is Abortion Pill Reversal?

The hormone progesterone used in the APR protocol has a historic record of maternal and fetal safety. It is a hormone that occurs naturally in the body and can be administered as medicine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved “bioidentical progesterone” in 1998 and it has been used in medical settings since the 1950s. Progesterone is prescribed for a variety of conditions, including for women with menstrual cycle irregularities, IVF, infertility issues, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) said “The most common forms of [progesterone] supplementation during early pregnancy pose no significant risk to mother or fetus.” The ASRM also state they have “not” identified any “long-term adverse consequences” with progesterone treatment. They note that the “oral progesterone is well tolerated” with some side effects of “dizziness or sleepiness.”

Will My Baby Have a Birth Defect?

Studies on abortion pill reversal suggest there is “no increased risk of birth defects in babies born after mifepristone reversal” compared to the number of birth defects in general.

I Want to Reverse the Abortion Pill – What Do I Do Next?

Have you changed your mind?

If you’ve taken the first abortion pill and changed your mind, do not take the second pill. Contact an Abortion Pill Reversal resource immediately:

Waterleaf: 630-360-2256. Call or text confidentially.
Call the Abortion Pill Rescue hotline: 877-558-0333 for a medical provider in your area.

Many women have asked about sepsis infection after reading about recent deaths of Georgia women involving the abortion pill.  This article will review how sepsis can result after taking the abortion pill and what you can do to protect yourself.

What is sepsis?

The Mayo Clinic defines sepsis as a serious condition when the “infection processes turn on the body.” This “can damage the lungs, kidneys, liver, and other organs.” When severe, it can lead to death.

Factors that can lead to sepsis

Several factors can lead to a dangerous septic infection in a woman who has taken the abortion pill.

• First, 3 to 10% of healthy women have in their vagina the bacteria linked to sepsis (clostridium sordellii). In rare cases, these bacteria can be lethal.
• Second, the pills taken in the abortion pill regimen suppress a woman’s immune system. The immune system is what normally fights off bacterial infection.  One study described the abortion pill resulting in “disintegration of the body’s defense system necessary to prevent” infection.
• Third, the abortion pill runs a risk of an incomplete abortion—meaning pregnancy tissue remains in the woman’s uterus. This tissue is prone to growth of bacteria. The FDA says incomplete abortion happens in about 4.7% of abortion pill cases when the gestational age is 49 days or less. Similar studies have identified incomplete abortions in 10% of cases for the same gestational age. 

Signs of sepsis

Identifying signs of sepsis can be challenging because many of the indicators are also common side effects of the abortion pill. These include:

• Chills
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Rapid heart rate
• Pain (can be severe)
• Slurred speech

The Mayo Clinic specifically recommends following up with a doctor when the following symptoms occur: chills, confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, fast heartbeat, fever that lasts for more than 4 hours, lower back or side pain, painful or difficult urination, or rapid, shallow breathing. These may be symptoms of serious infection (eg, sepsis).

I took the abortion pill. What now?

If you took only the first abortion pill and are considering changing your mind, do not take the second pills. Contact Waterleaf or the Abortion Pill Rescue hotline right away. They will help you at no cost, providing information about the abortion pill, the Abortion Pill Reversal process, and your options.

• Waterleaf – call or text 630-360-2256. All correspondence is completely confidential.
• or call the Abortion Pill Rescue hotline at 877-558-0333 for a medical provider in your area.

If you have undergone an abortion and have concerns about a septic infection, consult your doctor immediately to be tested and screened for any remaining dead tissue in your body.

We’re here to help

The medical professionals at Waterleaf Women’s Center are here for you.  If you are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and are not sure where to turn, contact us today to make an appointment. We will provide you with compassionate care without judgment. Your health and safety are of the highest importance. We can also answer your questions and address your concerns. Call or text us confidentially today at 630-360-2256.

Before you buy the abortion pill online

One of the risks to buying the abortion pill online is encountering scam websites who claim to sell the abortion pill, but instead sell lower dosage pills or counterfeits.

The FDA warns: “FDA Does Not Recommend Buying Mifepristone Online” nor “personally transporting it from a foreign country.” The FDA cannot verify the “safety, effectiveness, and quality” of such drugs.

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy reports “nearly 95% of websites offering prescription-only drugs online operate illegally.” They also cite the ASOP Global Foundation survey that 24% of Americans who have used an online pharmacy have been exposed to “harmful, counterfeit, or substandard medication.” Scam Adviser has identified multiple online abortion pill vendors who are selling the drug illegally.

Some abortion pill shipments have taken up to 21 days to reach the buyer. This can be risky to a woman who is further along in her pregnancy than she thought, because the FDA approves the abortion pill only up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. The risk of needing surgery after taking abortion pill increases the further along the pregnancy is.  

Is there a risk of taking the abortion pill without having an ultrasound first?

Some abortion pill vendors will send the pills without the buyer having obtained an in-person medical visit. Obtaining a pregnancy screening and ultrasound is an important step for your health, even if you plan to take the abortion pill. An ultrasound provides important information about your pregnancy:

• The location of the pregnancy. If your pregnancy has implanted anywhere outside the uterus, you could have an ectopic pregnancy. In this instance, you would be advised to seek immediate medical attention. If you are considering taking the abortion pill, it could be especially dangerous if the pregnancy is ectopic. The FDA warns the abortion pill “will not be effective to terminate an ectopic pregnancy.”  Ectopic pregnancies occur in about 2% of pregnancies and have been increasing in recent years, especially among young women.
• The gestational age. This is determined by measuring the dimensions of the pregnancy. The abortion pill is FDA approved only through 10-weeks of pregnancy.
• The viability of the pregnancy. If a heartbeat cannot be detected, it is possible you may naturally miscarry. In this case, you would be advised to follow up with your physician and avoid taking abortion pills.

What is my next step?

You have the right to make an informed decision. Before ingesting an abortion pill from any source, it’s important for your health and safety to obtain a pregnancy screening that includes an ultrasound.  At Waterleaf Women’s Center, we offer pregnancy screening and ultrasound at no cost and insurance is not required.  Our medical professionals will answer your questions and listen to your concerns.  Your health and safety matters!  Call or text us confidentially at 630-360-2256 or contact us online.

Communicate with your girlfriend about abortion

If your girlfriend wants an abortion but you don’t, it’s important to understand each other’s emotions. What brought each of you to your perspective? She may have specific concerns that she believes an abortion will fix. Psychologists speak of the importance of taking the time to listen. She may have underlying worries or concerns you may not have realized.  Knowing her situation better can help you address any challenges she may have.

The importance of getting an ultrasound first

Encourage your girlfriend about the importance of obtaining an ultrasound. The information she will obtain from the ultrasound is important for her health. No matter what a pregnant woman is considering, the ultrasound will show:

• The location of her pregnancy. If her pregnancy has implanted anywhere outside the uterus she could have an ectopic pregnancy. In this instance, she would be advised to seek immediate medical attention. An untreated ectopic pregnancy could cause a rupture. If your girlfriend is considering taking the abortion pill, it could be especially dangerous to her if her pregnancy is ectopic. The FDA warns the abortion pill “will not be effective to terminate an ectopic pregnancy.” 
• The gestational age. This is determined by measuring the dimensions of the pregnancy. Knowing the gestational age of her pregnancy could affect your girlfriend’s decision. Different abortion procedures are only available through certain gestational ages.
• The viability of her pregnancy. If a heartbeat cannot be detected, it is possible she may naturally miscarry. In this case, she would be advised to follow up with her physician, and she would avoid an unnecessary abortion procedure.

Knowing abortion risks and side effects

Abortion is a serious procedure. It is important you and your girlfriend know what is involved, including the risks and side effects. Whether by pill or surgery, abortion side effects can include abdominal pain, fever, vaginal discharge, and bleeding.

Other possible risks with a surgical abortion (including vacuum, D&C/D&E methods), include:

• Perforation of the uterus
• Damage to cervix
• Scar tissue on uterine wall, which can “make it hard to get pregnant” in the future
• Infection
• Tissue remaining in the uterus
• Blood clots

According to the Mayo Clinic and RxList, abortion pill side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Pain in abdomen, chest, breasts, muscles, back and joints
• Anemia
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Uterine rupture, which increases with gestational age

Many studies have identified other long-term risks with abortion, including:

• An analysis of dozens of studies concluded that induced abortion was an “independent risk factor for preterm birth” (PTB).
• Many peer-reviewed and published medical studies have shown a link between induced abortion and an increased risk of breast cancer.
• Studies have concluded that abortion is connected to “increased risk of mental health disorders.”
• A woman getting an abortion without knowing her blood’s Rh factor could jeopardize future pregnancies.

Next steps

You’re not alone in this journey. At Waterleaf Women’s Center, we offer no-cost pregnancy testing and ultrasound, and no insurance is required. At your girlfriend’s appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to speak with licensed medical professionals about your questions and concerns.  Call or text us confidentially today at 630-360-2256 or through our online form. We are here to help you!

What is the abortion pill?

The abortion pill is sometimes called a chemical or medical abortion. It actually involves taking a series of two drugs. The first pill terminates the pregnancy by blocking the hormone progesterone which nourishes the pregnancy. The second set of pills induce cramping to expel the pregnancy from the uterus.

Do any pre-existing conditions prevent me from getting the abortion pill?

Many pre-existing conditions can disqualify a woman from obtaining the abortion pill. These pre-existing conditions are sometimes called “contraindications.” The Mayo Clinic lists over 200 drugs (click to view) that you should especially inform a medical professional you are taking before you obtain the abortion pill.

The Mayo Clinic has also identified a number of physical conditions that may disqualify you from obtaining the abortion pill. Some of these pre-existing conditions include:

• History of abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Adrenal problems
• Ectopic pregnancy (an embryo implanted outside the uterus, often in fallopian tube)
• Endometrial hyperplasia (irregular thickening of the uterine lining)
• Diabetes
• Heart failure
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Severe anemia
• Inability to clot properly
• Autoimmune disorders
• Lower abdominal mass, undiagnosed
• Kidney or liver disease

What abortion pill precautions can I take?

For your safety, it is important to obtain the information that a pregnancy screening will reveal. This includes a reliable pregnancy test. At Waterleaf, we offer no-cost medical-grade pregnancy tests.

Additionally, an ultrasound will reveal the following information that should be considered before determining whether a medical/chemical abortion is an option for you. 

• The location of your pregnancy. If your pregnancy has implanted anywhere outside the uterus you could have an ectopic pregna ncy. In this instance, you would be advised to seek immediate medical attention. The FDA specifically says the abortion pill “will not be effective to terminate an ectopic pregnancy.”
• The gestational age is determined by measuring the dimensions of the pregnancy. The abortion pill can be dangerous to you if your pregnancy is farther along than you may think. The FDA approves of the abortion pill up to 70 days (10 weeks). Abortion pill risks, such as uterine rupture, increase the farther along you are in your pregnancy. The ultrasound provides you with an accurate gestational age so you can make the best decision for you.
• The viability of your pregnancy. If a heartbeat cannot be detected, it is possible you may naturally miscarry. In this case, you would be advised to follow up with your physician, and you would avoid an unnecessary abortion procedure.

Another factor to consider before taking the abortion pill is your blood’s “Rh Factor.” The presence of certain proteins in the blood determines whether a woman’s Rh Factor is positive or negative. If the blood of an Rh-positive fetus gets into the blood of an Rh-negative woman, her body will create antibodies to fight it. This could jeopardize a woman’s future pregnancies. To remedy this in advance, a woman can obtain a special shot called RHoGAM to offset the risk. Learn more about Rh Factor here or contact us to speak with a medical professional in-person or through a telehealth call.

Abortion pill reversal

After taking the first abortion pill, some women have changed their minds and continued their pregnancies through abortion pill reversal. Abortion pill reversal works by replacing the progesterone that was blocked by the first abortion pill. If you’ve taken the first abortion pill and changed your mind, do not take the second pills. Contact Waterleaf or the Abortion Pill Rescue hotline right away. They will help you at no cost, providing information about the abortion pill, the Abortion Pill Reversal process, and your options.

• Waterleaf – call or text 630-360-2256. All correspondence is completely confidential.
• or call the Abortion Pill Rescue hotline at 877-558-0333 for a medical provider in your area.

Next steps

Your health is important and you deserve accurate information about your body and pregnancy. To help you make an informed decision, we are here to help you in a judgement-free, confidential environment. You can speak to a licensed medical professional and have your questions answered. No insurance is required. Schedule a consultation, pregnancy test, or ultrasound today by calling/texting 630-360-2256 or contact us securely online.

This article describes how the abortion pill works, identifies its potential risks and side effects, and lists steps you should take before seeking any abortion procedure.

How Does it Work?

The two medications used as “the abortion pill” each have a particular purpose.

The first drug blocks the hormone progesterone to end the pregnancy. Without the supply of progesterone, the uterus cannot support the pregnancy.

The second drug is then taken to induce uterine contractions to expel the fetal and pregnancy tissue from the woman’s body.

Is Taking the Abortion Pill Painful? 

Some discomfort is expected from a chemical abortion. This includes vaginal bleeding and cramping. The severity of discomfort varies from woman to woman. 

One study of teens and adults who took the abortion pill regimen reported over 50% of subjects “experienced severe pain.” Another study reported 38% experiencing “severe pain.” Preexisting conditions such as anxiety or menstrual pains were factors in each study.

According to the Mayo Clinic, medical abortion drugs may also cause:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Headache

Are There Risks Associated with the Abortion Pill?

Any medical procedure will always pose some type of risk. Here is a list of potential risks listed by the Mayo Clinic: 

• Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
• An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

Additionally, the abortion pill should be avoided if you have any of the following pre-existing conditions which pose an additional risk:

• An intrauterine device (IUD)
• Allergies to the medications used in the abortion pill regimen
• Heart, blood vessel, liver, kidney, or lung diseases
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Use of blood thinners or steroid medications

Next Steps

At Waterleaf Women’s Center, we offer no-cost ultrasounds, which provide crucial information about your pregnancy. 

Ultrasounds are helpful so you know how far along you are and alert you to any possible health complications, such as an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage. Both of these conditions would require medical attention other than an elective abortion.

Did you know it’s possible to reverse the abortion pill process? Learn more about Abortion Pill Reversal here.

We provide a safe, confidential space for you to ask questions, learn about your options and local resources, and feel equipped to make the best decision for you. We are here to help you navigate your pregnancy journey. Call/Text Waterleaf confidentially at 630-360-2256 today or contact us securely online. You are not alone!

What Can Disqualify Me from Getting an Abortion Pill?

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are pre-existing health conditions that could disqualify you from obtaining the abortion pill, such as, if you:

• Are too far along in the pregnancy
• Use an intrauterine device (IUD)
• Have allergies to the drugs used in the abortion pill
• Have a medical condition such as heart, blood vessel, liver, kidney, or lung diseases
• Suspect ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside of your uterus)
• Use blood thinners or steroid medications

Schedule a Pregnancy Test

It’s important to verify that you are actually pregnant instead of relying on common symptoms, such as, tender, swollen breasts or a missed period. Make sure that you are using a quality-controlled, lab-grade pregnancy test.

At Waterleaf Women’s Center, we offer lab-quality pregnancy testing at no cost.

Get an Ultrasound

An ultrasound will reveal the following information that should be considered before determining whether a medical/chemical abortion is an option for you.

• The location of your pregnancy. If your pregnancy has implanted anywhere outside the uterus you could have an ectopic pregnancy. In this instance, you would be advised to seek immediate medical attention.
• The gestational age is determined by measuring the dimensions of the pregnancy. The abortion pill can be dangerous to you if your pregnancy is farther along than you may think. The FDA approves of the abortion pill up to 70 days (10 weeks). Abortion pill risks are higher the farther along you are in your pregnancy. Risks include: need for surgical intervention, increased abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, vaginal bleeding, or more severe complications. The ultrasound provides you with an accurate gestational age so you can make the best decision for you.
• The viability of your pregnancy. If a heartbeat cannot be detected, it is possible you may naturally miscarry. In this case, you would be advised to follow up with your physician, and you would avoid an unnecessary abortion procedure.

At Waterleaf, we offer no-cost ultrasounds so you can confirm the location, age, and viability of your pregnancy.

Schedule an STI Screening

STD testing is especially important for women considering abortion. Undiagnosed STI’s, particularity chlamydia and gonorrhea, can increase your long-term risks.  No matter what type of abortion is performed, the cervix must open for the pregnancy to leave the body.  When this happens, the bacteria can move up into the uterus, increasing the risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, or PID.  PID can result in an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and chronic pain.

At Waterleaf, we offer no-cost, medical-grade STI testing.

Next Steps

At Waterleaf Women’s Center, we offer no-cost services, including pregnancy testing, viability ultrasounds, STI testing and treatment, and option consultations.

If you’ve taken the first abortion pill and changed your mind or aren’t sure about continuing, learn more about Abortion Pill Reversal here.

We are here to make sure you feel supported and have the answers you need to make your decision with confidence. Contact us today by filling out the form on this page or call/text us confidentially at 630-360-2256.

What Can Disqualify Me from Getting an Abortion Pill?

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are pre-existing health conditions that could disqualify you from obtaining the abortion pill, such as, if you:

• Are too far along in the pregnancy
• Use an intrauterine device (IUD)
• Have allergies to the drugs used in the abortion pill
• Have a medical condition such as heart, blood vessel, liver, kidney, or lung diseases
• Suspect ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside of your uterus)
• Use blood thinners or steroid medications

Schedule a Pregnancy Test

It’s important to verify that you are actually pregnant instead of relying on common symptoms, such as, tender, swollen breasts or a missed period. Make sure that you are using a quality-controlled, lab-grade pregnancy test.

At Waterleaf Women’s Center, we offer lab-quality pregnancy testing at no cost.

Get an Ultrasound

An ultrasound will reveal the following information that should be considered before determining whether a medical/chemical abortion is an option for you.

• The location of your pregnancy. If your pregnancy has implanted anywhere outside the uterus you could have an ectopic pregnancy. In this instance, you would be advised to seek immediate medical attention.
• The gestational age is determined by measuring the dimensions of the pregnancy. The abortion pill can be dangerous to you if your pregnancy is farther along than you may think. The FDA approves of the abortion pill up to 70 days (10 weeks). Abortion pill risks are higher the farther along you are in your pregnancy. Risks include: need for surgical intervention, increased abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, vaginal bleeding, or more severe complications. The ultrasound provides you with an accurate gestational age so you can make the best decision for you.
• The viability of your pregnancy. If a heartbeat cannot be detected, it is possible you may naturally miscarry. In this case, you would be advised to follow up with your physician, and you would avoid an unnecessary abortion procedure.

At Waterleaf, we offer no-cost ultrasounds so you can confirm the location, age, and viability of your pregnancy.

Schedule an STI Screening

STD testing is especially important for women considering abortion. Undiagnosed STI’s, particularity chlamydia and gonorrhea, can increase your long-term risks. No matter what type of abortion is performed, the cervix must open for the pregnancy to leave the body. When this happens, the bacteria can move up into the uterus, increasing the risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, or PID. PID can result in an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and chronic pain.

At Waterleaf, we offer no-cost, medical-grade STI testing.

Next Steps

At Waterleaf Women’s Center, we offer no-cost services, including pregnancy testing, viability ultrasounds, STI testing and treatment, and option consultations.

If you’ve taken the first abortion pill and changed your mind or aren’t sure about continuing, learn more about Abortion Pill Reversal here.

We are here to make sure you feel supported and have the answers you need to make your decision with confidence. Contact us today by filling out the form on this page or call/text us confidentially at 630-360-2256.