What to Consider Before Having an Abortion
Q. Is everyone’s situation the same when it comes to considering an abortion?
A. There are many reasons why someone might consider ending a pregnancy. If your pregnancy was unintended, you might be focused on starting your career right now, or you just don’t feel ready to be a parent at this point in your life. Each situation is unique. Don’t give in to pressure to decide what to do, as you need a bit of time to gather information to prepare yourself. Your safety and health should be your number one priority.
Q. I took a home pregnancy test. Is it reliable?
A. Reliability of home pregnancy tests have improved some over the past few years, but they are still not always considered an accurate indicator of pregnancy. Sometimes they’re not done correctly, and sometimes they just don’t work. Various factors can also lead to inaccurate results. We can offer you a free medical-grade pharmaceutical urine pregnancy test which is comparable to what is used in a doctor’s office.
Q. If I want an abortion, isn’t it best to have it as early in the pregnancy as possible?
A. It may seem that resolving your unwanted pregnancy as soon as possible would be the best way to go. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, it’s likely that more than 20% of early pregnancies end in miscarriage on their own, thereby eliminating the need for an abortion. Most miscarriages occur before the 12th week of pregnancy.
Q. Why is STD/STI testing important before I have an abortion?
A. There are a couple of reasons you would want to have this test before an abortion. It’s not uncommon to have an STD/STI and not know it. Many STDs don’t have obvious symptoms, therefore making it impossible to know you have one. Chlamydia is one of the most common STD/STI infections around yet has no outward symptoms. Having an abortion with an untreated infection could increase the risk of developing a pelvic infection, such as PID. We offer free testing here at the PCC for chlamydia and gonorrhea and will provide treatment if you have a positive result.
Q Why is an ultrasound exam before an abortion recommended?
A. There are different types of abortion procedures offered, and which type you choose may depend on how far along in your pregnancy you are. An ultrasound will confirm how long you’ve been pregnant. Depending on how far along you are, you may be eligible for the abortion pill, or you may need to have a surgical abortion.
Some pregnancies implant outside the uterus, most likely in a fallopian tube, which can lead to serious and life-threatening danger. An ultrasound can also confirm that the pregnancy is indeed in the uterus and that there is a heartbeat. Anyone having an ectopic pregnancy is advised by the FDA not to take the abortion pill.
We can provide you with a free ultrasound exam here at the PCC. We know that you have a lot to think about. We want to help you navigate your health choices and we’re dedicated to offering our services to you, free of charge, and in a calm, non-judgmental environment. Contact us today to set up a time to come in and discuss your journey. We offer same-day appointments and walk-ins.