
“I never thought I would be in this situation. Pregnant, scared, alone. I think I want to have an abortion, but I don’t know what to do. What’s my first step? Where do I go? I have so many questions and no one to talk to.”
Feeling confused and unsure of where to turn is common when faced with an unplanned pregnancy. Your brain is working in overdrive. You have a thousand questions. You’re overwhelmed with uncertainty, so the thought of navigating your next steps seems like a daunting task. For your own personal reasons, abortion might feel like the only way out. It might seem like a simple solution to all of the worry and stress surrounding you—but it’s more complicated than that.
Before you jump into a decision, it’s important to remember that abortion is a medical procedure. As with any treatment, there are potential risks. Taking these five steps will help you make an informed decision and reduce risks.
5 Things To Do Before Choosing Abortion
-
Breathe
Slow down. Take a deep breath.
Abortion is a big decision, one that should not be made quickly or out of fear. Rushing into a decision without fully considering all of your options can lead to feelings of regret, grief, and confusion. Give yourself permission to take time to experience all of your emotions without judgment. Everything you are feeling is valid.
The decision to have an abortion is deeply personal. Only you can make it, and you deserve to be fully prepared, both physically and emotionally. If you’re comfortable, voice your concerns to a trusted family member or friend. You can contact A Woman’s Place Medical Clinic and speak to a trained professional in a confidential, loving, and safe environment. We can help you work through everything you’re feeling and provide medically accurate information to help you make your decision.
-
Confirm Your Pregnancy
Most women who have missed a period choose to take a home pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests work by measuring the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy. These tests can only indicate hormone levels and cannot confirm that you have a viable pregnancy, meaning the embryo is implanted in the uterus and has a heartbeat(3).
A Woman’s Place Medical Clinic offers free medical grade pregnancy tests and limited obstetrical ultrasounds to confirm pregnancy viability. Visit our website to schedule an appointment to verify your pregnancy.
-
Determine Viability & Gestational Age
A positive pregnancy test does not mean that the pregnancy will continue. Studies reveal that anywhere from 10-25% of all clinically recognized pregnancies will end in miscarriage(1). Our trained staff provides free limited obstetrical ultrasounds to check for a viable pregnancy and accurately determine gestational age.
Because there are different types of abortions depending on your pregnancy stage, it’s necessary to have an ultrasound to find out how far along you are. This information will determine which abortion procedure is available to you and how much it will cost. Remember, Florida law requires an ultrasound exam before having an abortion procedure(4).
-
Get Your STI Test
Thinking about a sexually transmitted infection (STI) right now is probably the last thing on your mind. But the truth is that having an active STI while undergoing an abortion may negatively impact your health.
If not properly treated before an abortion, an STI can develop into Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID can cause abdominal or pelvic pain, bleeding between periods, pain during sex, vaginal discharge, and urinary problems. If left untreated, PID can even lead to fertility issues(2). Be sure to contact us for free STI testing and treatment.
-
Educate Yourself
The most empowering thing you can do right now is equip yourself with medically accurate information. Getting answers to your questions will offer you clarity as you make your decision.
At A Woman’s Place Medical Clinic, you will meet with trained professionals who understand the dynamics that accompany an unplanned pregnancy. We are a safe, supportive, confidential place to get the information you need. Although we do not perform abortions, our staff will provide care that supports your specific needs.
While it might feel like you’re alone in this decision, you’re not. We’re here for you without judgment, only support. Don’t let fear stop you from getting the information you need. Take a deep breath and make your appointment at one of our four Tampa Bay locations.
-
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-complications/signs-of-miscarriage-916/
-
https://www.132healthwise.com/understanding-the-risk-of-infection-after-an-abortion.php
-
https://womenscaremedicalcenter.org/things-to-consider-before-scheduling-an-abortion/
-
https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/state-facts-about-abortion-florida?gclid=Cj0KCQjwyZmEBhCpARIsALIzmnLpbAXH2z6x-SreORA44Po2XDejSK_d0yk2uBeiEWot4RXJslY3qUwaAgopEALw_wcB
-
https://www.whattoexpect.com/due-date-calculator/#last-period