Abortion Safety Checklist: 5 Questions to Get Answered Before an Abortion
If you’ve started looking into your abortion options, what you’ve found might feel overwhelming: What kind of abortion am I eligible for? What would it feel like? Would it be safe for me?
It’s okay to ask these questions—in fact, it’s a good thing! Like any medical procedure, it’s important to prepare for an abortion by answering a few key questions. Having this info can help you feel more informed, prepared, and in control of what happens next.
Below are 5 important questions to ask if you’re considering abortion—and even if you’re feeling rushed in your decision, we promise they’re worth your time. Your health matters!
1. Is my pregnancy ectopic, and how far along is it?
A confirmation ultrasound is an important first step when you become pregnant, no matter what pregnancy options you’re considering. An ultrasound will tell you:
If the pregnancy is viable, or if there are signs of early miscarriage
If the pregnancy is ectopic, which is life-threatening and not treatable by abortion
How far along you are, which affects which abortion options you’re eligible for
An ultrasound helps you know what’s going on inside your body and, if you’re considering abortion, how abortion might affect you. Sometimes, an abortion decision comes with a feeling of urgency—but a confirmation ultrasound is a step that’s worth the time to get done, because your health matters!
You can schedule a no-cost, confidential confirmation ultrasound in Traverse City, Michigan at Thrive Medical Clinic—a safe place to navigate unplanned pregnancy, without pressure or judgment.
2. Do I have any STIs which an abortion could complicate?
If you’re sexually active, it’s a good idea to get tested for STIs, but it especially becomes important if you’re considering abortion. Harmful microbes from STIs can travel upwards into your upper genital tract (uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries) whenever there’s access to those areas, such as during a medical or surgical abortion. This can potentially lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), other infections with long-term health effects, and even infertility.
Check with your doctor to see what STI testing and treatment options are available to you, and learn more about tests that are a good idea to have done before an abortion.
3. How will the abortion procedure affect me?
Just as you would with any other medical procedure, get familiar with the abortion procedure you’re considering (surgical or medical) along with the risks, side effects, follow-up care plan, and what the process will look like for you and your body.
Ask questions like:
How much pain is normal
Warning signs to look out for if something’s going wrong
How the procedure can affect your body long-term
What the process will look like for you physically and emotionally
Getting these questions answered can help you to have a safer experience, where you know what’s happening and when to get extra medical help. Read some frequently asked questions and answers about abortion here.
If you need a safe place to ask questions without judgment, learn more about abortion, and talk through the pregnancy options you’re considering, schedule a no-cost, confidential options consultation at Thrive Medical Clinic. We’re a team of women in Traverse City, Michigan who are passionate about making sure no one has to navigate their pregnancy options alone!
4. What are my abortion provider’s credentials?
With abortion becoming more and more accessible, it’s more important than ever to make sure your care is coming from a qualified source—not one that’s going to sell you something harmful, or pressure you in order to profit from your decision.
If you’re considering the abortion pill (medical abortion), check whether the pills are coming from an FDA-approved provider. The FDA does not recommend purchasing abortion pills online due to the risks of receiving ineffective or potentially dangerous pills. When considering an abortion pill provider, ask questions like: Are they approved by the FDA? What kind of care do they offer during the process? Do they have real, verified customer reviews I can read?
If you’re thinking about surgical abortion, find out who will be doing the procedure and look into their medical credentials. When you’re at the clinic, do a safety gut check: Is it clean? Are the staff friendly and responsive? Are they happy to let you ask all your questions and do they give you time to process, without you feeling rushed or pressured?
And remember: you’re in charge of your own medical care. If you ever feel uncomfortable or want to seek alternate medical care, you have the right to leave at any time. Learn more about your pregnancy decision rights here.
It can be tempting to skip the vetting process, and choose pills or a provider that feel most accessible in the moment. But your health matters, and you matter. You deserve to know that you’ll be safe and well cared for.
5. How can I make sure I’m not alone?
Think about whether there’s someone who can be with you during and immediately following the procedure, whether you choose surgical abortion or the pill. Everyone’s body reacts differently to an abortion, and having someone you trust with you to make sure you’re not alone—whether that’s your partner, a friend, or a trusted family member—can be hugely beneficial to your physical and emotional health.
Abortion can often feel like something that needs to be kept private. It can be hard to open up to someone about it, but choosing a safe person that you can talk to about your decision can be deeply supportive and helpful for your long-term mental health. Ask: Would I feel like I have to keep this decision a secret, or is there someone I trust that I can share it with?
If you’re facing complex relational dynamics, or you know you don’t want to go through this alone but aren’t sure how, Thrive Medical Clinic is a safe place to start. You can confirm your pregnancy for free, ask all your abortion and pregnancy related questions, and talk through your options and what support could look like for you.
Bonus question: Is my decision my own?
Abortion is a deeply personal choice. It’s important to make sure your decision is your own—that you’re not being pressured or coerced (abortion coercion is illegal in all 50 states). Learn more about your rights in your pregnancy decision and what to do if you’re feeling pressured.
Your health matters
With this checklist, you can feel informed and prepared in your decision. You deserve to have the answers you need, and you deserve to feel safe and well cared for.
If you need a safe place to confirm your pregnancy or talk through your options, schedule a free appointment at Thrive Medical Clinic. We’re here for you!