Abortion Safety Checklist

10 Questions to get answered before scheduling an abortion:

If you’re considering an abortion there are 10 important questions you need answered to ensure this is the best option for you, and to make sure you’re safe and cared for.

 
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1. Am I really pregnant?

Taking a pregnancy test is a great place to start, but they are not always accurate and cannot medically confirm a pregnancy. It is important to get your pregnancy confirmed by a medical professional through a confirmation ultrasound so that you know what your options actually are before taking your next steps.

An ultrasound can tell you:

    • If you are really pregnant
    • If the pregnancy appears viable (10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage naturally [1] )
    • Rule out an ectopic/tubal pregnancy (this can be life-threatening, and is not eliminated by a medication abortion)
    • Discover how far along you are (your abortion options and costs may change drastically depending on how far along you are)

To get a free and confidential confirmation ultrasound, call us at (231) 929-3488, and our Patient Care Team will help you set up an appointment. Click the button below to learn more about confirmation ultrasounds:

 

2. What are the potential risks and side effects for abortion?

Every medical procedure, including abortion, carries the risk of complications. It’s important to educate yourself on all potential abortion risks and side effects so that you can make an informed decision with confidence.

There are many different types of abortion procedures, used in different stages of pregnancy. We wrote a full blog that explains pretty much everything you might want to know about abortion procedures, the risks and possible side effects associated with each procedure, and what to expect during and after an abortion. Click here to visit the Abortion Procedures + Risks blog.

 

3. Have I considered alternatives to abortion?

Abortion may seem like the best fit for your current circumstances, but you won’t regret learning about what other options you have. Information is power, so we recommend that you take advantage of all the information available, to ensure you’re making an empowered, educated decision, not a rushed or panicked one. Whatever choice you make will be permanent, so its invaluable to take the necessary steps to ensure you choose the best option for you short term AND long term.

At Thrive Medical Clinic, it’s our desire to equip you with ALL of the facts so that you can make your pregnancy decision with courage and confidence, rather than out of fear or desperation. If you’re not sure what option is the best fit for you, or you have questions about your options, call us to start a conversation or set up a no-cost and confidential consultation that’s free of any pressure or judgement. We truly care and we’re here for you as you navigate this difficult decision. Call us 231-929-3488 or schedule an appointment online using the button below.

 

4. Do I know my rights?

Great news ladies - you have rights! It’s so valuable and important to know what they are. As either an adult or a minor, you have the right to:

  • Take the time you need to assess the procedure’s risks and side effects - make sure that you fully understand and are comfortable with these potentials.

  • Learn about all of your pregnancy options - ask whoever you consult with to explain your complete range of options. This will help you weigh the pros and cons of each, to help you identify which is the best for you.

  • Change your mind - even after you’ve arrived at an appointment or consultation at an abortion clinic, it is YOUR CHOICE whether or not you’d like to continue. It’s absolutely your right to change your mind at any point. If this happens, don’t be afraid to be bold and communicate your wishes.

No one can legally force you to have an abortion, including your parents [2]. The decision you make must be free, voluntary, independent, and non-coerced [3].

If you are being pressured to get an abortion that you don’t want, contact the police, reach out to us at (231)929-3488 for help or schedule a free and confidential consult to talk with someone who will listen and help educate you on all of your options, or call toll free: (210)614-7157.

 

5. Have I been tested for an STI/STD?

You may be carrying an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) and not know it because they often do not have symptoms [4]. Any surgical procedure can be complicated by infections, and these infections can cause damage to your pelvic organs and lead to problems such as infertility and ectopic pregnancy [5]. So before you schedule an abortion, make sure you go get tested! This can often be done at your local Health Department, or your college/university health clinic.

 

6. Have I gotten information about the abortion provider?

If you call to schedule an abortion, ask for the name of the doctor/doctors performing abortion procedures. It is wise to find out if the doctor is licensed and board-certified. Also find out if there are malpractice cases or disciplinary actions against the doctor. You can check online at: https://www.healthgrades.com/

 

7. Do I know how the clinic handles complications during the procedure?

Be sure to ask if the abortion doctor has admitting privileges to a hospital nearby in case you have an emergency. It is important to know if the clinic has a plan to provide any follow-up or emergency care, should complications arise during or after the procedure.

 

8. Will I feel pain?

People have different levels of tolerance for physical pain, and women’s personal experiences with pain during an abortion have ranged widely. One survey of women who had local anesthesia revealed that about half experienced “moderate to severe pain” and the other half, “none to mild pain”[6]. It may be helpful to gauge your response based on how you have handled pain in the past. Pain relief options available during the abortion usually include local anesthesia, sedation, and sometimes general anesthesia [7].

 

9. Do I know what to do if I change my mind?

Abortion is your choice – you can change your mind at any time. Women have gotten off the exam table and left the procedure before it started. Some have changed their minds after taking the first set of pills for a medical abortion.

If you are having doubts about your abortion decision, call the 24/7 HELPLINE: (877)558-0333, visit: abortionpillreversal.com/.

This is a decision that you will live with the rest of your life. Don’t allow anyone to pressure you.

 

10. What feelings can I expect after the abortion?

Many women experience initial relief, but months and even years later, some struggle with their decision [8]. It is important to understand the potential emotional and psychological risks involved, especially if you are experiencing any of the following:

    • Being pressured or coerced to abort
    • Have or previously have had mental health problems before abortion
    • Feeling uncertain or having difficulty making the decision
    • Past childhood sexual abuse or unresolved traumatic experiences Lack of emotional/social support
    • Want the pregnancy
    • Abortion doesn’t line up with your values
    • Feel the need to keep the abortion a secret
    • Feel attached to the pregnancy

If you can relate to any of the above, evidence suggests that you are at an increased risk of experiencing mental health complications, including:

    • Clinical depression and anxiety [9]
    • Drug and alcohol abuse [10]
    • Symptoms consistent with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) [11]
    • Suicidal thoughts and behavior [12]

If you are someone struggling with a past abortion experience, please reach out by calling us at (231)929-3488 or scheduling an appointment online HERE, or visiting: www.supportafterabortion.com.

 

You don’t have to make this decision alone!

Often, it can be healthy to have someone trustworthy to confide in - someone who can help you process everything as you make this decision.

If you have any questions that weren’t covered above, or if you’d just like to talk with a fellow woman about what you’re going through, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You are not alone! We’re here to serve and support you without any pressure or judgement.

 

References:

A bit more info about section:

[1] Mayo Clinic (2020). Miscarriage, Overview. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298

[2] Legal Match. (2020). Common my parents force me to get an Abortion? Retrieved from https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/abortion-rights-of-minors.html#:~:text=Minor%20females%20have%20a%20constitutional%20right%20to%20make,can%20force%20a%20teen%20to%20have%20an%20abortion.

[3] The Supreme Court of the United States of America. (1979). Bellotti v. Baird (443 US 622). Retrieved from https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=13182298442826453955&hl=en&as_sdt=20000006&as_vis=1

[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2017, December). Sexually Transmitted Diseases:Information for Teens: Staying Healthy and Preventing STDs – CDC Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/std/life-stages-populations/YouthandSTDs-Dec-2017.pdf

[5.1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2013, October 30). Sexually Transmitted Diseases: STDs & Infertility. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/std/infertility/default.htm

[5.2] Girltalk.gov (2015, June 5). Straight talk about sexually transmitted infections. Retrieved from http://www.girlshealth.gov/body/sexuality/sti.html

[5.3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Pelvic inflammatory disease: The facts. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/std/PID/the-facts/PID-the-facts-2007.pdf

[6] Nichols, M. , Halvorson-Boyd, G., Goldstein, R. (2009).Pain Management. In Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Comprehensive abortion care (pp.90-91). Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.

[7] Ibid.

[8.1] Silent No More Awareness. (n.d.). Welcome to our Testimony Directory. Retrieved from http://silentnomoreawareness.org/testimonies/testimony.aspx?ID=3128 

[8.2] Roberts, J. (2003, June 20). ‘Roe’ Wants Abortion Case Reversed. AP. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/news/roe-wants-abortion- case-reversed/ http://www.cbsnews.com/news/roe-wants-abortion- case-reversed/

[9A.1] Coleman, P.K. (2011). Abortion and mental health: Quantitative synthesis and analysis of research published 1995–2009. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 199, 180–86. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.110.077230.

[9A.2]Thorp, J.M., Hartmann, K.E., Shadigian, E. (2003). Long-term physical and psychological health consequences of induced abortion: Review of the evidence. Obstet Gynecol Surv.58(1):67–79.

[9A.3]Fergusson, D. M., Horwood, L. J., & Boden, J. M. (2008). Abortion and mental health disorders: evidence from a 30-year longitudinal study. British Journal of Psychiatry,193, 444-51. doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.108.056499.http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/193/6/444.full

[9B.1]9B.1. Cougle J., Reardon, D.C, & Coleman, P. K. (2003). Depression associated with abortion and childbirth: A long-term analysis of the NLSY cohort. Medical Science Monitor, 9 (4), CR105-112.

[9B.2] Fergusson, D. M., Horwood, J., Ridder, E. M. (2006). Abortion in young women and subsequent mental health. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 47, 16-24.

[9B.3] Pedersen W. (2008). Abortion and depression: A population-based longitudinal study of young women. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 36 (4):424-8.

[9B.4] Rees,D.I. & Sabia,J.J. (2007) The relationship between abortion and depression: New evidence from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. Medical Science Monitor, 13 (10), 430-436.

[9B.5] Cougle, J., Reardon, D.C., Coleman, P. K. (2005). Generalized anxiety associated with unintended pregnancy: A cohort study of the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 19 (10), 137-142.

[9B.6] Mota, N. P., Burnett, M., & Sareen, J. (2010). Associations Between Abortion, Mental Disorders, and Suicidal Behaviour in a Nationally Representative Sample. Can J Psychiatry, 55(4), 239-47.

[10.1] Fergusson, D. M., Horwood, J., Ridder, E. M. (2006). Abortion in young women and subsequent mental health. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 47, 16-24.

[10.2] Coleman,P.K.(2006).Resolution of unwanted pregnancy during adolescence through abortion versus childbirth: Individual and family predictors and psychological consequences. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 35, 903-911.

[10.3] Pedersen, W. (2007). Childbirth, abortion and subsequent substance use in young women: a population-based longitudinal study. Addiction, 102 (12), 1971-78.

[10.4] Coleman, P.K. (2005) Induced abortion and increased risk of substance abuse: a review of the evidence. Current Women’s Health Reviews, 1(21), 21-34.

[10.5]10.5. Reardon, D. C., Coleman, P. K., & Cougle, J. (2004) Substance use associated with prior history of abortion and unintended birth: A national cross sectional cohort study. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 26, 369-383.

[10.6] Coleman, P.K., Reardon, D.C., & Cougle, J. (2005b). Substance use among pregnant women in the context of previous reproductive loss and desire for current pregnancy. British Journal of Health Psychology, 10(2), 255-268.

[10.7] Reardon, D.C., & Ney, P. (2000). Abortion and subsequent substance abuse. American Journal of Drug & Alcohol Abuse, 26, 61-75.

[11.1] Curley, M., Johnston, C. (2013). The characteristics and severity of psychological distress after abortion among university students. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, doi: 10.1007/s11414-013-9328-0.

[11.2] Coleman, P.K., Coyle, C., Rue, V. (2010). Late-term elective abortion and susceptibility to posttraumatic stress symptoms. Journal of Pregnancy, Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2010/130519

[11.3] Coyle, C.T., Coleman, P.K. & Rue, V.M. (2010). Inadequate preabortion counseling and decision conflict as predictors of subsequent relationship difficulties and psychological stress in men and women. Traumatology, 16 (1), 16-30. DOI: 10.1177/1534765609347550.

[11.4] Suliman S, Ericksen T, Labuschgne T, de Wit R, Stein D, Seedat S. (2007). Comparison of pain, cortisol levels, and psychological distress in women undergoing surgical termination of pregnancy under local anaesthesia versus intravenous sedation. BMC Psychiatry,, 7:24 doi:10.1186/1471-244X-7-24.

[11.5] Rue, V.M., et al. Induced abortion and traumatic stress: A preliminary comparison of American and Russian women. Med Sci Monit. 2004;10:5–16.

[12.1] Mota, N. P., Burnett, M., & Sareen, J. (2010). Associations Between Abortion, Mental Disorders, and Suicidal Behaviour in a Nationally Representative Sample. Can J Psychiatry, 55(4), 239-47.

[12.2] Fergusson, D. M., Horwood, J., Ridder, E. M. (2006). Abortion in young women and subsequent mental health. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 47, 16-24.

[12.3] Gissler, M., et al. (2005). Injury deaths, suicides and homicides associated with pregnancy, Finland 1987-2000. European Journal of Public Health, 15, 459-463.

[12.4] Shadigian, E.M., et al. (2005). Pregnancy-associated death: A qualitative systematic review of homicide and suicide. Obstet Gynecol Surv.60(3),183.

[12.5] Reardon, D.C., Shuping, M.W., et al. (2004). Deaths associated with abortion compared to childbirth: A review of old and new data and the medical and legal implications. J Contemp Health Law Policy, 20(2), 279–327.

[12.6] Reardon, D.C., Ney, P.G., Scheuren, F.J., Cougle, J.R., Coleman, P.K., & Strahan, T. (2002). Deaths associated with pregnancy outcome: a record linkage study of low income women. Southern Medical Journal.95(8), 834-841.

[12.7] Gissler, M. et al. (1996). Suicides after pregnancy in Finland, 1987-94: Register linkage study. British Medical Journal, 313, 1431-4.

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