Abortion Safety Protocol

So, you have missed a period. You took a home test and you are pretty sure you are pregnant. Maybe you have seen a doctor, and they confirmed your pregnancy. You are pregnant and you have your reasons why you can’t have a baby right now.  So, you’ve decided to get an abortion.

We get it. Not all positive pregnancy tests feel like good news. Sometimes it actually can feel more like your whole world is falling apart. It’s hard, you see no way out or through.  Maybe it is plain scary and overwhelming.  You might feel like you have to make a decision right away before anyone finds out and before things get even more out of control.

First, take a deep breath. In all situations in life we need time to consider the risks or some say the pros and cons of the decision.  Often when we make a rushed decision, we put ourselves in unsafe situations. You deserve to be safe and healthy regardless of your choice for this unplanned pregnancy.  Take a breath.  You don’t have to rush out and do anything right this minute. Here are some questions and answers that will help you be safe and make informed choices.

Have you confirmed your pregnancy? The very first thing you need to know is if you’re really pregnant. At Choices Women’s Clinic, we offer lab-quality urine tests to verify your pregnancy. We can also offer you an ultrasound at no cost to you through licensed medical professionals.  An ultrasound is the best way to know if you have a viable pregnancy, since a high percentage of pregnancies will miscarry. The ultrasound also shows how far along you are, which is important in determining which abortion procedure you would have.  Even if you’ve taken a pregnancy test, it’s important to confirm with a medical professional that you’re still pregnant.

In your decision-making process for your health and safety consider the following:

Are there risks involved with an abortion procedure?  Like any medical procedure, an abortion  involves the possibility of some risk.  It’s important that you know your family medical history and your own medical history, and that you research potential risks before making your decision.  Get information from reliable, trusted medical sources or ask a medical professional who has nothing to gain from your decision.

Do you know the qualifications of the abortion provider?  Not all surgeons or doctors have the same experience and expertise.  Equally, not all abortion providers are the same.  As consumers today, we have availability today to research the products we buy and the services we seek.  You would want to know if the doctor performing the procedure is a board-certified OB/GYN.  You might want to check with the FL medical board to see if the physician is involved in any malpractice suits or has judgments against them.

Do you know how the provider handles complications?  When having a medical procedure in a clinic, we need ask how that medical provider handles complications.  A few considerations would be: Does the doctor have privileges at a nearby hospital?  Does the clinic have an emergency plan in place to address complications?  If you have complications once you have been discharged will they see you again and treat you?

Do you know that you can change your mind?  This is your choice.  You can change your mind at any time regardless of where you are in the procedure.  Abortion is a big decision.  You should be absolutely certain this is what you want to do. If you feel pushed or hesitant, you have the right to take the time you need to take a step back and take more time to think it through.

Choices Women’s Clinic cares about you and your safety and well-being. This might be a difficult, overwhelming time, but you don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to listen and give you any information you need to make safe, healthy decisions.