What Questions Should I Ask When Considering an Abortion?

If you’re considering abortion, you probably have a lot on your mind. Getting clear facts about your pregnancy and talking through your concerns can help you see all of your options, including some you may not have considered yet. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

North Care Women’s Clinic offers free, confidential pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and abortion information. Schedule an appointment to get answers and discuss your situation in a caring environment.

Here are a few questions worth asking as you think about your next step.

Have I Confirmed My Pregnancy?

Pregnancy tests work by detecting human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG[1], a hormone your body produces after a fertilized egg implants. If you get a positive result at home, confirming it at our clinic gives you a reliable starting point.

Still, a positive test can only tell you so much. It won’t show how far along you are, where the pregnancy is located, or whether the pregnancy appears to be developing. An ultrasound can help answer all three.

How Far Along Am I?

Counting from the first day of your last period gives you a rough estimate of how far along you are. But cycles and ovulation don’t always follow a predictable schedule, so that estimate can be off. An ultrasound can give you a clearer picture, especially if your periods are irregular or you’re not sure when your last one started.

This matters if you’re researching abortion, because timing affects which options are available. For example, the FDA has approved the abortion pill only through 10 weeks[2] of pregnancy.

Where Is the Pregnancy Located?

An ultrasound can also show whether the pregnancy is inside the uterus. That’s important to know, because an ectopic pregnancy[4] develops outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube, and needs different medical care.

Depending on how far along you are, an ultrasound may also detect cardiac activity and show whether the pregnancy appears to be progressing.

Is Anyone Pressuring Me?

The people in your life, whether a partner, parent, or friend, may have strong opinions about what you should do. Their feelings may shape how you see your situation, but this is your decision, and pressure from someone else shouldn’t make it for you.

It can help to ask yourself: Do I feel free to speak honestly, ask questions, and take time to think? If someone is threatening you, forcing you, or rushing you toward a decision, reach out to someone you trust.

You can also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline[5] 24/7 for free, confidential support by calling 1-800-799-7233, texting START to 88788, or chatting online. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

What Support Could Help Me If I Choose to Continue My Pregnancy?

Concerns about finances, housing, school, work, childcare, or relationships can make parenting seem out of reach. Before assuming that abortion is your only practical path, find out what resources and help may be available.

You could also consider finding out more about parenting and adoption. If you collect information on all the available options, this might help you to see some possibilities that weren’t obvious at the beginning.

North Care Women’s Clinic provides a confidential place to discuss your pregnancy and the support you may need. Contact our clinic to schedule your no-cost appointment today.

North Care Women’s Clinic does not provide or refer for abortions.