You may be facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering abortion. You may be considering an in-clinic abortion or the at-home abortion pill. And you may wonder, “What steps do I need to take before an abortion?”
Knowing more about abortion, what to do first, how to find resources, understanding your situation, and more, can help you make the best decision. Let’s examine things you should consider before scheduling an abortion.
Have I confirmed pregnancy?
After seeing a positive at-home pregnancy test, you would be advised to receive professional confirmation before proceeding with scheduling an abortion or ordering the abortion pill. A lab-quality test administered by a medical professional can give you peace of mind. Here at Waterleaf, we can provide you with a medical-grade pregnancy test at no cost.
Have I had an ultrasound before an abortion?
An ultrasound is a crucial step for any pregnant woman, for any decision she is considering. The ultrasound reveals information about:
- 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 that may require surgery other than abortion. If you are considering the abortion pill, the FDA specifically says the abortion pill “will not be effective to terminate an ectopic pregnancy.”
- The gestational age of your pregnancy is determined by measuring the dimensions of the pregnancy. Different types of abortion procedures vary based on the gestational age of your 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.
Knowing this information from the ultrasound is very important for your health and situation, whether or not you are considering abortion. Waterleaf can provide you with free medical-grade pregnancy testing and an ultrasound.
Do I know the health impact of abortion?
If abortion is an option you’re exploring, it’s critical to understand the physical and mental health risks. The two methods of abortion are surgical and the abortion pill (also known as medication abortion), each with potential complications.
- Physical Risks: Surgical abortion risks include infection, heavy bleeding, uterine damage and more. Medication abortion risks include severe cramping, bleeding, infections, or incomplete abortion. Taking abortion pills at home may seem like a private and safe matter, but a procedure done outside the presence of a doctor has risks. You may require immediate medical care for excess bleeding or surgery due to an incomplete abortion. The FDA also warns against buying abortion pills online, because unregulated sources may send unsafe or ineffective drugs.
- Mental Health Risks: Some women experience emotional challenges after having an abortion, such as sadness, guilt, anxiety, or even PTSD. You may find it helpful to discuss your situation and feelings with a professional before making a serious decision like abortion. Waterleaf Women’s Center can offer you a free pregnancy consultation with no insurance required to walk you through your feelings and what is involved in the abortion process.
Am I being pressured to abort?
It’s important to make an informed decision without being coerced. Sadly, it is not uncommon for a woman to feel pressured into having an abortion. One study reported up to 64% of American women who had abortions described being pressured to have an abortion.
A woman may feel pressure to abort from various directions, including from their partners, their family, or their peers. One study asked men to self-report coercing their partner into abortion. Up to 7.3% of men admitted to pressuring their partners into abortion, which accounts for tens of thousands of abortions per year.
If you are in a situation where you feel threatened or in danger, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE for help.
What do I know about the abortion provider?
Whether you are considering an abortion in-clinic or at-home abortion pills, it’s important to know about your provider.
Has your provider advised you on what to do if you have complications? Do you know the provider’s safety record? Does your provider have hospital admitting privileges at a hospital near you? Have you ordered the abortion pill from a reliable source? Has your provider screened your blood’s Rh factor or performed an ultrasound to look for possible ectopic pregnancy?
If you are not sure what to ask, you may consider this article: What questions should I ask the abortion pill provider?
Take the first step
It’s important before making a serious decision like abortion to know the health impact, that your decision isn’t made under pressure, and that you’ve explored all your options and resources. You deserve to know the truth to make an informed decision with confidence.
Schedule a free and confidential pregnancy test and ultrasound appointment today. It’s okay to come in unsure. The Waterleaf medical staff and team are here to talk with you about all your options and give you the clarity you need. Call or text us confidentially today at 630-360-2256.
