Abortion is a serious, life-changing medical decision. You deserve to know how to prepare, what information you need, and the potential risks. Although the media and legislators discuss abortion regularly, you never learn what to expect. We want you to have as much information as possible so you can make an empowered decision about whether abortion is right for you or not.

How Should I Prepare for an Abortion?

Because abortion involves both your physical and mental well-being, meeting with your healthcare provider beforehand is essential. The Mayo Clinic suggests your doctor will likely do the following:

• Evaluate your medical history and overall health
• Confirm your pregnancy with a physical exam
• Do an ultrasound exam to learn how far along you are in your pregnancy and check that it’s not outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy) and not a tumor that developed in the uterus (molar pregnancy)
• Do blood and urine tests
• Explain how abortion procedures work, the side effects, and possible risks and complications

What Information Do I Need Before an Abortion?

The type of abortion you receive is determined by how far along you are in your pregnancy. The best way to determine the gestational age is with ultrasound. Reach Out Pregnancy Center provides onsite, no-cost ultrasound scans.

The FDA approves medical abortion (also known as the abortion pill method) through ten weeks gestation only (70 days or less since the first day of a patient’s last menstrual period). After 10 weeks, it may be necessary for you to have a surgical procedure. 

Ultrasound not only gives you the gestational age of your pregnancy, but you can also determine if the pregnancy is in the correct location and is viable. A viable pregnancy is growing with a detectable heartbeat. 

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. If you have miscarried, you should see your healthcare provider, not an abortion provider.

Who Should Not Use the Abortion Pill Method?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, medical abortion is not a safe option for those who:

• Are too far along in the pregnancy.
• Have a pregnancy outside of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy).
• Have a blood clotting disorder or significant anemia.
• Have chronic adrenal failure.
• Use long-term corticosteroids.
• Have an intrauterine device (IUD).
• Have an allergy to the medications used.
• Do not have access to emergency care.
• Can’t return for a follow-up visit.

How Can Reach Out Pregnancy Center Assist Me?

In addition to providing no-cost ultrasound scans, we offer pregnancy tests, options information, professional referrals, mentoring, and material supplies. We are here for you. All you have to do is reach out to get started. 

For more information or to set up an appointment, fill out our convenient online Inquiry Form. How can we serve you?

Here is an informational video to get you started. 

We do not provide or refer for abortion.