Questions About Abortion
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You’re unexpectedly pregnant. The two little blue lines confirm your fears. Your hands are shaking, and the tears are running down your face. You may be considering an abortion as your only way out. It’s completely understandable. The inevitable questions race through your mind—Is abortion right for me? Can I keep this a secret? How do I decide? What questions should I ask about abortion?
This is a difficult decision to make, and you are the only one who can make it. Not your doctor. Not your family. Not your friends. Only you. And that means you will need to do research, ask questions, and evaluate the answers as they relate to your situation, your values and your goals.
It doesn’t mean you can’t reach out for some help in finding out those answers, or look for a shoulder to lean on, to have someone listen to you. That is why we are here.
The bottom line is, this decision is very personal, and only you will know what’s best for you.
Is It Right for You: What Questions Should I Ask About Abortion?
As you begin to explore whether abortion is the right path for you to take, writing down all the questions you have is the best way to start, even if they seem silly to you. Remember your teachers telling you that no question was stupid? It’s true, especially now.
Can’t think of any? Here are some to get you started. You will certainly come up with more, as no two situations—or women—are the same.
- Can you tell me about the different abortion procedures (medical or surgical)?
- When can they or can’t they be done?
- What happens during the procedure?
- How long will it take?
- What are the risks?
- Are there any possible complications?
- Can someone come with you?
- What is the recovery period?
- Are there risks involved?
- What does it cost?
- What kind of pain relief will you provide?
- Is there follow-up care?
- Should I be tested for STDs?
If you are under 18:
- Do I need my parent’s permission to get an abortion?
- Can I get a judge’s permission so I don’t have to tell my parents? The answer to this will vary by state.
Don’t Forget the Ultrasound
An important part of making your decision is to have an ultrasound to confirm the viability of the pregnancy and determine the gestational age. You may have a miscarriage in process, and not need an abortion. In the United States it is estimated that 10 percent of known pregnancies end in a miscarriage . Close to 80 percent of miscarriages happen in the first trimester.
It is also critical to know how far along you are. An ultrasound performed in the first trimester accurately determines the gestational age, and will determine the type of abortion options that are available to you. Special care should be taken to ensure the gestational age falls within approved timetables for the abortion procedure you might choose. If you wait too long, an abortion may no longer be an option for you.
At Pregnancy Care Clinic , we offer not only these tests, but we are a safe place to come and get unbiased information and clear answers to all your questions as you decide if an abortion is right for you.
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[1] Https://www.acog.org/-/media/Practice-Bulletins/Committee-on-Practice-Bulletins—-Gynecology/Public/pb150.pdf. (2015). American College of Gynecologist Practice Bulletin, (150), may, 1-10. Retrieved October 22, 2018, from https://www.acog.org/-/media/Practice-Bulletins/Committee-on-Practice-Bulletins—-Gynecology/Public/pb150.pdf.
