If you’re researching the difference between abortion clinics and pregnancy centers, this article outlines some general differences between the two. Remember, specifics—like services or policies—depend on the individual facility. For accurate details, it’s best to contact a particular abortion clinic or pregnancy resource center (PRC) directly.
Abortion Clinics
Abortion clinics, such as Planned Parenthood, are facilities that provide abortion as a primary service. Depending on the gestational age of the pregnancy and local regulations, abortion clinics offer different types of abortion procedures, including:
- Abortion Pill Regimen: Approved by the FDA for pregnancies up to 10 weeks gestation, this involves taking two medications—mifepristone and misoprostol—to terminate the pregnancy. The process typically occurs over 24-72 hours. The patient will often administer the pills herself and expel the pregnancy in her home.
- Suction or Vacuum Aspiration: This procedure is performed on pregnancies that are approximately 5-12 weeks along. The pregnancy and placenta are removed using a suction tube.
- Dilation and Curettage (D&C): This is a surgical procedure often used for pregnancies in the late-first or early-second trimester (around 10 to 16 weeks). It involves dilation of the cervix and removal of pregnancy tissue from the uterus by scraping it away from the uterine wall. Suction may also be used to remove tissue.
- Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): This surgery is typically performed in the second trimester of pregnancy. This surgical method may involve general or a spinal anesthesia injection. The cervix is dilated, and the pregnancy is removed with forceps, a scraping tool, and/or vacuum suction.
Abortion clinics typically will bill you for their services, which requires payment or insurance. Some abortion clinics are for-profit businesses, meaning they have a financial incentive to provide abortion.
Beyond abortion, some clinics provide additional services like STD testing, contraceptive procedures, or hormonal regimens.
Pregnancy Resource Centers
A main difference between abortion clinics and pregnancy centers is PRCs do not offer abortions nor abortion pills. These centers are typically non-profit organizations who offer services at no-cost with no insurance required.
Approximately 87% of PRCs are “licensed medical centers.” PRCs specialize in professional pregnancy testing and ultrasounds. Clients are also typically offered education and resources for their specific situation, and services are free with no insurance required.
A typical appointment at a PRC involves a medical-grade pregnancy test and ultrasound. No matter what decision a woman is considering regarding her pregnancy, an ultrasound plays a critical role. The ultrasound helps reveal three key pieces of information:
- The location of the pregnancy. If it is suspected that 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. An ectopic pregnancy can be especially dangerous to women taking the abortion pill. 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. Knowing how far along you are is important to your health no matter what decision you are considering.
- 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.
Some PRCs offer STD testing and treatment, abortion pill reversal, and other education resources and services. Contact a local PRC to see what specific services they offer.
The difference between abortion clinics and pregnancy centers is key in your health journey
Navigating pregnancy options can feel overwhelming, but understanding the general differences between abortion clinics and PRCs can help bring clarity.
You are not alone in this process, and your health matters. Being informed empowers you to make decisions that align with your needs and circumstances. If you have questions about your reproductive health, contact one of Waterleaf’s medical professionals confidentially and judgement-free. All our services are no cost and do not require insurance. Call or text us today at 630-360-2256.
