3 Things Needed Before an Abortion

If you are considering an abortion as the outcome of your pregnancy, you should start with pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and information about your options.

Pregnancy testing

The most obvious thing you need before an abortion is a pregnancy test. While symptoms like a missed period or nausea may indicate pregnancy, they can also be caused by other conditions. Receive free, quality pregnancy testing at Positive Options.

Ultrasound

It may seem unnecessary, but this simple test is crucial to preparing for an abortion. Ultrasounds provide essential information about your pregnancy for you and your provider.

• Viability: Since around 20% of pregnancies end in natural miscarriage, ultrasound determines viability (if your pregnancy is growing with a detectable heartbeat). This step can prevent women from having an unnecessary abortion if they have already miscarried.

• Date: How long you have been pregnant determines which procedures are available to you. For example, medical abortion, sometimes known as “the abortion pill,” is only FDA-approved for the first ten weeks of pregnancy.

• Location: When an embryo attaches to a woman’s body in an area other than her uterus, it results in an ectopic pregnancy, a life-threatening condition for the woman. Early diagnosis through ultrasound ensures the woman can receive appropriate treatment and avoid dangerous complications. Neither medical nor surgical abortion effectively treats ectopic pregnancy.

Information About Your Options

Many panicked women experiencing an unexpected pregnancy choose abortion because they think they do not have other options. Some women fear the response from their family or friends, while others worry that they will not be able to care for their children. You have options; resources are available to help you while carrying your baby to term and support caring for your baby.

When considering parenting, ask yourself:

• Do I have a support system of family and friends to help me take care of my child?

• Do I understand the resources available to teach me the skills I need to parent?

• What financial programs can help me provide for my child?

When considering adoption, ask:

• Do I want to know that my baby is alive, safe, and loved though I cannot parent?

• Do I want to have a relationship with my child and their family?

• Do I need information on assistance I can receive while carrying my pregnancy to term?

When considering abortion, ask:

• Do I understand abortion procedures and my eligibility?

• What are the risks associated with abortion?

• What are the costs of abortion?

We’re Here to Help

If you are unexpectedly pregnant, let Positive Options provide you with pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and options counseling. Contact us to learn more about how we can help.