We understand that deciding what to do with an unexpected pregnancy can feel overwhelming. Call us to sort out all of your options so that you can be fully informed and empowered to make your best choice.
Informed Decision Checklist
Considering an abortion? See our informed decision checklist.If you are considering an abortion clinic or provider,
be sure to ask yourself these important health and safety questions:
Am I pregnant?
Pregnancy tests are not always accurate. Get your pregnancy confirmed by a medical professional. An ultrasound can tell if the baby has a heartbeat and how far along you are. Please call us for more information.
Do I understand the potential risks?
Every medical procedure, including abortion, carries the risk of complications. You have the legal right to give fully informed consent. You also have the right to: (1) get an explanation of the abortion procedures available, (2) assess their risks and side effects, and (3) learn about other options for your pregnancy. We are able to talk with you about abortion procedures and risks. Give us a call to learn more.
Have I considered alternatives to abortion?
Abortion may seem like the best fit for your current circumstances, but you will not regret learning about what other options you have. Some women who initially consider abortion are ultimately delighted to be parenting their child. Others who are not comfortable choosing abortion but are not ready to raise a child, make an adoption plan.
Do I know what to do if I change my mind?
Abortion is your choice – you can change your mind at any time before the procedure starts. Women have gotten off the exam table and left. Some have changed their minds after taking the first set of pills for a medical abortion. This is a decision that you will live with the rest of your life. Don’t allow anyone to pressure you.
Do I know how the clinic handles complications during the procedure?
Ask if the abortion doctor has admitting privileges to a hospital nearby should you have an emergency. Make sure the clinic has a plan to provide any follow-up or emergency care, should complications arise during or after the procedure.
Will I feel pain?
People have different levels of tolerance for physical pain. One survey of women who had local anesthesia revealed that about half experienced “moderate to severe pain” and the other half, “none to mild pain.” 1 You can gauge your response based on how you have handled pain in the past. Pain relief options available during the abortion usually include local anesthesia, sedation, and sometimes general anesthesia. 2
What feelings can I expect after the abortion?
Many women experience initial relief, but months and even years later, some struggle with their decision. If that is you, find a pregnancy center near you where trained and compassionate people are ready to help.
Do I know my rights as a minor?
No one can legally force you to have an abortion, including your parents. 3 The decision you make must be free, voluntary, independent, and non-coerced. 4 If you are being pressured to get an abortion you don’t want, contact the police, find your local pregnancy center for help, or call this toll-free phone number: 210-614-7157
Have I been tested?
Have you been tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? Any surgical procedure can be complicated by infection. You may be carrying an STI and not know it because they often do not have symptoms. 5 These infections can cause damage to your pelvic organs and lead to problems such as infertility and ectopic pregnancy. 6, 7, 8
Have a question?
NOTE: We offer accurate information about all your pregnancy options; however, we do not offer or refer for abortion services or emergency contraception. The information presented on this website is intended for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.
References
- Nichols, M. , HalvorsonBoyd, G., Goldstein, R. (2009). Pain Management. In Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Comprehensive abortion care (pp.901). Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.
- Nichols, M. , HalvorsonBoyd, G., Goldstein, R. (2009). Pain Management. In Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Comprehensive abortion care (pp.91100). Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.
- National Abortion Federation. (n.d.). Common Questions and Myths about Abortion. Retrieved July 30, 2014, from https://www.prochoice.org/Pregnant/common/.
- The Supreme Court of the United States of America. (1979). Bellotti v. Baird (443 US 622). Retrieved on July 21, 2014 from http://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=13182298442826453955&hl=en&as_sdt=20000006&as_vis=1.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2014, May 22). Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Information for Teens: Staying Healthy and Preventing STDs – CDC Fact Sheet. Retrieved June 17, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/std/lifestagespopulations/STDFactTeens.htm.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2013, October 30). Sexually Transmitted Diseases: STDs & Infertility. Retrieved June 17, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/std/infertility/default.htm.
- Girltalk.gov (2013, October 31). Straight talk about sexually transmitted infections. Retrieved June 17, 2014, from http://www.girlshealth.gov/body/sexuality/sti.html.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Pelvic inflammatory disease: The facts. Retrieved July 31, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/std/PID/thefacts/PIDthefacts2007.pdf.