3 Things You Need Before an Abortion

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and thinking about abortion, three steps can protect your health: get an ultrasound, review your medical history, and understand the potential risks.

Want to talk it through with someone in person? Contact The Well Clinic to speak with one of our caring team members. They’re here to give you information and listen to your questions.

1. Get an ultrasound

An ultrasound gives you important information before you make any decision about abortion, and we offer it free. This harmless scan provides key information about your health, such as:

• Age of pregnancy—since a medical abortion is only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is under 10 weeks, you’ll need to know how old your pregnancy is before seeking an abortion.
• Location of your pregnancy—this rules out a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy (opens in a new tab), which requires emergency medical treatment and not an abortion.
• Viability of your pregnancy—roughly 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage (opens in a new tab), and sometimes you can have a miscarriage without obvious, immediate symptoms. An ultrasound can reveal whether you’ve had a miscarriage. If so, an abortion isn’t an option.

At The Well Clinic, we offer free ultrasounds. Schedule your confidential appointment any time.

2. Review your medical history

According to Mayo Clinic (opens in a new tab), medical abortion isn’t an option in certain situations, including:

• If you’re too far along in your pregnancy—you shouldn’t attempt a medical abortion if your pregnancy is more than 10 weeks (70 days) along, counting from the start of your last period.
• If you have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place
• If you have a suspected ectopic pregnancy
• If you have certain medical conditions, including bleeding disorders, certain heart or blood vessel diseases, severe liver, kidney, or lung disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder
• If you’re taking certain medications, like a blood thinner or steroid medicines
• If you can’t make follow-up visits to your provider or don’t have access to emergency care
• If you have an allergy to the drugs involved

This list isn’t comprehensive, so it’s important to review your medical history and situation with a medical provider before seeking an abortion.

3. Understand the potential risks

Abortion is a permanent decision that is associated with potential physical risks. But did you know that there are possible mental health risks as well?

A recent study (opens in a new tab) found that 81% of women who had an abortion after facing an unplanned pregnancy were at an increased risk of mental health problems, including but not limited to substance abuse, depression, and anxiety.

These mental health risks are even more significant if you feel pressured to have an abortion. Another recent study by the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons (opens in a new tab), which surveyed women who reported emotional difficulty after abortion, found that almost 75% of those who felt pressured experienced symptoms of:

• Depression
• Guilt
• Shame
• Regret
• Self-hatred
• Feelings of worthlessness or being unworthy of love
• Low self-esteem
• Anxiety
• Thoughts or attempts of suicide

Before seeking an abortion, understanding the potential physical and mental health effects can help you make an informed and confident decision.

You’re not alone

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel scary. We’re here for you with free pregnancy resources, such as ultrasound and information about your options. The Well Clinic does not perform or refer for abortions. We provide accurate information about every option so you can make an informed decision.