5 Things you need to know
before you have an abortion
Your health is important. Here are 5 must-ask questions to consider before moving forward with an abortion.
Receiving a positive pregnancy test is the first step to making a pregnancy decision. There are many questions you should ask yourself prior to making a decision. There are many steps to the process. A positive pregnancy test may not lead to a viable pregnancy. Without a viable pregnancy, there is no decision to be made. Consider these important questions:
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DO YOU HAVE CONFIRMATION OF YOUR PREGNANCY?
It’s important to be sure that you are pregnant; it is possible to receive a false indication of pregnancy. For your health and safety, confirmation of a viable inter-uterine pregnancy should be determined, as this could impact your options. For example, if someone were to have a suspected or confirmed ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside of the endometrial cavity of the uterus), they would not be a candidate for the Abortion Pill.
DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE RISKS INVOLVED IN AN ABORTION PROCEDURE?
Abortion is a medical procedure and does involve the risk of physical harm. By law, you have the right to be informed about the type of abortion procedure you will undergo, as well as any potential risks for complications. Knowledge is power! The more information you have, the more empowered you will be to make a fully informed decision. So, ask as many questions as you need, to ensure you understand what all is involved, physically, and emotionally.
DID YOU INVESTIGATE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE ABORTION PROVIDER?
Find out the name of the medical professional who will perform your abortion procedure and confirm that he or she is licensed. In Virginia, other medical professionals besides doctors are allowed to perform abortions. Also, call and ask if the provider has appropriate privileges to admit you to a hospital in the event that there is an emergency. Lastly, many states maintain public records about past medical malpractice judgments and settlements. You can call your state agency (medical licensing board) to see if the provider has been involved in any medical malpractice suits. It’s better to know all of this up front.
DID YOU ASK THE ABORTION PROVIDER HOW COMPLICATIONS ARE HANDLED?
Abortion providers may not provide any follow-up or emergency care, should complications arise. Ask the abortion clinic if the abortion clinician has admitting privileges to a hospital nearby should you require emergency care. The provider may or may not offer a follow up appointment either, which is extremely important after undergoing an abortion. Ask the abortion clinic if the provider has admitting privileges to a nearby hospital should you require emergency care. Your health is important, and it is important for you to know how your situation will be handled if you develop any complications.
DO YOU UNDERSTAND THAT IT’S OK TO CHANGE YOUR MIND?
Abortion is your choice—meaning you can change your mind at any time. It’s OK to say, “I need more time to consider my decision,” if you are in the waiting room or even on the table prepped for your procedure. Don’t feel pressured to proceed just because you feel like you have to. It’s your body; you have the right to listen to your instincts. You have time to work through your decision.
Other things to note:
What is emergency contraception and is it right for me?
Emergency contraception can be taken after intercourse to help prevent pregnancy. It is not intended to be a primary form of birth control and is not 100% effective. It generally works by delaying or stopping ovulation. If conception has already occurred, emergency contraception will not stop a pregnancy.
If you are feeling alone and unsure about the possibility of being pregnant, The Keim Centers is here for YOU. We are your BEST FIRST STEP in deciding what options are right for you. Call to schedule your appointment at The Keim Centers. We can answer your questions regarding emergency contraception and discuss the side effects, ramifications, etc.
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering taking plan b or any other form of emergency contraception:
If you take emergency contraception, you can still become pregnant. Depending on the study, it’s only about 75%-89% effective.
The morning-after pill is a drug with possible side effects. Common side effects may include: headache, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, breast tenderness, changes in menstrual bleeding, and abdominal pain.
Emergency contraception may cause irregularity in your next menstrual cycle, making it more difficult to predict your next period or ovulation.
The effectiveness of emergency contraception depends on your body weight. For certain women, emergency contraception may not be effective.