Compassionate & Confidential Care
Pregnant?
Considering Abortion?
Get The Info You Need.
Waterleaf Women’s Center Does Not Perform Nor Refer For Abortions, Nor Administers The Abortion Pill.
Get info on the abortion & abortion pill you need from people who care.
Unexpectedly Pregnant?
Start With A Chat.
No Cost Services
No Insurance Necessary
No Age Requirements
Clinic Hours
Mon. & Tues: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Wed. & Thurs: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Fri: 8:00am – 3:00pm
Sat: 7:00am – noon
You're Never Alone
An unintended pregnancy does not mean the end of your story. Waterleaf Women’s Center is here to help you make a confident and empowered decision.
Our no-cost, confidential services are here to help you through this time. Please browse our offerings to learn more about how you can move forward with the tools and resources you need.
Ultrasound
Ultrasounds provide key information about your pregnancy. They identify details you will need going forward and can inform you of your options.
Free Pregnancy Tests
Pregnancy screening services give you the information you need to start weighing your options.
STD Testing & Treatment
Regular STD testing is a necessary component of maintaining sexual health.
Abortion Pill Reversal
If you act quickly, abortion pill reversal may be able to save your pregnancy.
Medical & Pregnancy Consultation
We are here to provide the pregnancy confirmation services and education you need.
FAQs
Can I bring someone else to my appointment?
Yes! We welcome support persons, including friends and family. Your partner is also welcome to attend the appointment.
I am pregnant. Do you offer ultrasounds?
We offer ultrasounds to women with a positive pregnancy test who are not under a doctor’s care. This service confirms your pregnancy’s gestational age and viability.
Do I need to bring any forms of payment?
At Waterleaf Women’s Center, all services are confidential and provided at no cost to you. You never need to worry about money here.
Is abortion legal in Illinois?
Abortion is legal until the point of viability in the state of Illinois.
What do I need to bring with me to an appointment?
You should bring a photo ID (such as a driver’s license or student ID) to your appointment for verification purposes.
What is the STD testing process like?
Getting STD testing done at Waterleaf Women’s Center is fast and easy. Testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea is completed through a urine test. We also offer referrals for full-panel STD screenings.
Do you offer the abortion pill?
No, we do not provide or refer for any abortion services. We do provide accurate and fact-based information on all abortion procedures and will inform you of your pregnancy options. If you’ve taken the abortion pill and are unsure you want to continue, please immediately contact 877-558-0333 for a medical provider in your area.
What is the abortion pill?
The abortion pill, commonly referred to as a medical abortion, involves a combination of medications designed to end an early pregnancy. The two-drug process is available within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. When a woman decides she wants a medication abortion, she can get an abortion consultation and her provider will prescribe her pills to be taken approximately 24-48 hours apart.
How does the abortion pill work?
Side Effects and Risks
The abortion pill protocol can cause bleeding, cramping, nausea, diarrhea, and a fever. Many women report it feels like the worst period they have ever had. These symptoms can last hours or a couple of days. These symptoms become more complicated and severe further along in the pregnancy.
About a week following the abortion pill protocol, a woman needs to follow up with her provider to check if the pregnancy has ended. Although this is technically the “end” of the abortion process, there is so much that happens after this week. A woman’s body still thinks she’s pregnant, and the hormones that had been keeping the fetus alive will continue to be present for about a month after the abortion. Women report being tired, emotional, anxious, and depressed after a medical abortion. It may take 4-6 weeks for her period to return as her body is still adjusting to the pregnancy hormones.
Abortion Pill Alternatives
While at first glance the abortion pill can look attractive, it’s important to understand the deeper complexity of the decision to go through the process. Everyone must be educated on the risks and side effects of the abortion pill. Everyone should also be aware of precautionary actions that are necessary before ingesting abortion pills. These include having an ultrasound, being tested and treated for STDs, and knowing your blood type.
If you have recently taken the abortion pill and are looking for options to reverse your decision, call the 24/7 Abortion Pill Rescue Hotline immediately at 877-558-0333! It might not be too late to save your pregnancy.
Consider your health and safety before making any pregnancy decision. Schedule a no-cost pregnancy screening that includes an ultrasound and STD testing and treatment. And you’ll have the opportunity to speak with our medical professionals.
Pregnancy options + next steps
If you’ve taken a positive home pregnancy test, your first step is to obtain a medical-grade pregnancy confirmation and ultrasound appointment.
All of our services are free, confidential, and don’t require insurance. Once you have confirmed your pregnancy, the following steps can help ensure you have the support and information you need.
1. Take the time you need to process this news.
You may find that you need some time to think about your pregnancy. It might have come as a shock, and you do not need to rush into making a decision.
Engage in self-care activities and try to do the things you enjoy. Think about what this means for you and your life. When you feel ready, you can start to think about pregnancy options.
2. Tell your partner (if you feel comfortable doing so).
If you are in a safe, supportive relationship, consider sharing the pregnancy news with your partner. Though they may react with shock or fear, remember that this is also a major change for them. Listen to their thoughts and provide the necessary space to process the news.
Some partners may want to be helpful during this time. Consider whether having your partner at ultrasound appointments and options consultations would be beneficial. Though the pregnancy decision is yours, you may find their guidance useful.
3. Share your news with support persons.
Speaking about the pregnancy with a loved one may give you peace of mind. Having someone in your corner who can attend appointments if your partner cannot do so could give you the reassurance you need.
4. Have an options consultation.
Once you have processed your news, you will want to learn about all your pregnancy options:
abortion, adoption, and parenting. This is a big decision and should not be made lightly.
Your local pregnancy resource center can provide a no-cost and confidential options consultation so that you can receive the information you need in a stress-free environment. Remember, you are in control.
What is an STD?
Why Get Tested?
There are over 65,000 cases of chlamydia in Illinois every year. There are over 17,000 estimated cases of gonorrhea every year. You may have an STD without showing symptoms. Frequent testing helps with prevention, education, and fast treatment. You could develop serious health complications without treatment, including the following:
- Infertility
- Heart disease
- Certain cancers
- Pelvic pain
- Eye inflammation
- Pregnancy complications
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Do not delay in seeking the help you need. STD testing can save your life. Engaging in certain practices, such as only having one sexual partner at a time and getting vaccinated, can reduce your risk of developing an STD. Talking to your partner about their health history is also crucial. Protecting yourself and others is both necessary and wise.
Waterleaf Women’s Center provides no-cost, confidential STD testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea. This service is offered to both men and women. If your test is positive, we also provide treatment. Your health matters.
Confirm with an Ultrasound
Ultrasounds provide critical information about your pregnancy. They identify details you will need to inform you of your options. They can also reveal conditions that may require additional medical treatment. Schedule a no-cost, confidential pregnancy confirmation and ultrasound at Waterleaf. No insurance is required.
How Does an Ultrasound Work?
During an ultrasound, a certified sonographer applies gel to your abdomen. They then use a small wand called a transducer, which emits high-frequency sound waves. These sound waves create an image that is displayed on a screen. This is called an abdominal ultrasound, but you may receive another form of ultrasound called a transvaginal ultrasound.
What Do Ultrasounds Reveal?
Ultrasounds examine vital details about your pregnancy, including:
- LOCATION – If your pregnancy cannot be detected in the uterus you could have an ectopic pregnancy. 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.”
- GESTATIONAL AGE – This is determined by measuring the dimensions of the pregnancy. This information is important no matter what you are considering. For example, the abortion pill can be dangerous to you if your pregnancy is farther along than you may think. The FDA approves 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.
- VIABILITY – Up to 30% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. In this case, you would be advised to follow up with your physician, and you would avoid an unnecessary abortion procedure.
Types of Abortion
There are two main types of abortion procedures: the abortion pill (sometimes called medical or chemical abortion) and surgical.
Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill)
The abortion pill is a series of two drugs to end an early viable pregnancy. The first pill blocks the hormone progesterone to terminate the pregnancy. Typically taken 24-48 hours later, the second drug causes uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy from the uterus.
It’s important to research pre-existing conditions or medicines that could make taking the abortion pill especially dangerous for you.
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion is usually performed later in pregnancy. Earlier-term procedures (around 6-12 weeks) are often done with suction or vacuum aspiration. Later procedures (after 12 weeks) involve additional scraping instruments using Dilation and Curettage or Dilation and Evacuation methods.
Typically, women will also have bleeding and cramping following a surgical abortion. But the risks of a surgical abortion can be pretty serious (though your chances of developing them are low)
Women Caring for Women
I love coming here. The staff is super helpful and non-judgmental. They always have what I need for my baby. The classes they provide are very helpful for new parents.”
Amber
Google Review
I love coming here. The staff is super helpful and non-judgmental. They always have what I need for my baby. The classes they provide are very helpful for new parents.”
Amber
Google Review
I love coming here. The staff is super helpful and non-judgmental. They always have what I need for my baby. The classes they provide are very helpful for new parents.”
Amber
Google Review
Compassionate & Confidential Care
Waterleaf Women's Center
At Waterleaf Women’s Center, you’ll receive compassionate, confidential care without judgment. We’re your first step for an unplanned pregnancy, so you can be confident and equipped with the medical information you need to make the best decision for yourself. We can also provide limited STD treatment and connect you with a variety of resources and helpful counseling. All of our services are free and do not require insurance. Call or text us anytime or make an appointment today.
How to Know if You’re Pregnant
If you suspect you might be pregnant, you’re likely eager to know for sure. While the only definitive way to confirm pregnancy is through a medical test, there are several early signs and symptoms that may indicate you’re expecting. Let’s explore common pregnancy indicators and what steps you should take next.
Common early signs that you’re pregnant:
- Missed period.
- Tender or Swollen Breasts
- Fatigue
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Frequent Urination
- Heartburn/Constipation
Other Less Common Signs You’re Pregnant:
- Spotting
- Food Cravings
- Metallic taste in mouth
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Cramping
- Mood Swings
- Congestion
- Bloating
- Acne or Skin Changes.
If you’re experiencing pregnancy symptoms pleasee text or call us to set up a free & confidential pregnancy confirmation appointment.
Your Health & Safety Checklist
Start by booking a no-cost consultation.
Start by booking a no-cost consultation.
Confirm Viability & How Far Along You Are
Confirm viability and how far along you are.
Get tested for STDs, and if positive, get treatment.
Get tested for STDs, and if positive, get treatment.
Schedule a Free and Confidential Appointment Today
to confirm if you are pregnant and to receive information on next steps available.