Abortion information
What Should I Do Before Scheduling an Abortion?
Before scheduling an abortion: get an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy is growing inside the uterus, take time to consider all of your options, and make sure any clinic you use has board-certified providers who can give you follow-up care.
If you have just found out that you are pregnant and are considering abortion, there are a few things you should do before scheduling one.
Why get an ultrasound first?
One of the most important things to know in early pregnancy is whether the baby is growing in the right place—the uterus. Ectopic pregnancy happens when the baby is developing outside the uterus, usually in one of the Fallopian tubes, but it can also happen around the ovaries or other places in the abdomen. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs in about 2% of pregnancies. See ACOG’s practice bulletin on tubal ectopic pregnancy.
If you take medication or have a D&C for abortion, but the pregnancy is not in the uterus, you could still be at life-threatening risk from an ectopic pregnancy. The way that you can find out where the baby is growing is with a pelvic ultrasound to make sure your pregnancy is inside the uterus. Many pregnancy resource centers offer early ultrasounds free of charge.
Have you considered all of your options?
You should also consider all of your options for the pregnancy before you move forward with abortion. These would include deciding to have the baby and parent, to have the baby and choose an adoption, or to have an abortion. Consider talking with a pastor, counselor, or trusted family member or friend. First Coast Women’s Services is an organization available to help you talk about these different options.
Who will care for you if there are complications?
Check out the credentials of any clinics where you receive medical care, whether you choose to carry the pregnancy, or whether you have an abortion. Your providers should be board certified or board eligible, and they should be able to give you follow-up care during your pregnancy, delivery, and post-partum period, or after an abortion. If complications arise during a pregnancy or after an abortion, you need to have a provider who can offer you continued care.
Where can you find support?
Know that you are not alone. Take time to consider your options. Try to imagine what you will wish you had done when you look back 5 years from now. There are many resources like First Coast Women’s Services who would be happy to help you navigate this difficult decision.
First Coast offers free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasound services subject to eligibility and scheduling, and confidential information about all of your options. Find a center near you, or book a free information visit.
Sources
Website information is educational and does not replace individual medical care.
