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MAKING YOUR DECISION

Understanding the medical facts about any procedure before you choose is essential for your health and peace of mind.  Knowledge gives you the power to make the decision that’s truly right for you.

  • Take time to gather all the information before you decide
  • Consider your personal circumstances and values
  • No matter what you choose, seek support from trusted people in your life
  • Consult with healthcare providers who can give you complete medical information

At We Care Pregnancy Clinic, a registered nurses is ready to provide you with accurate, detailed information about all your options in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.

You deserve care that respects your situation and helps you feel confident in whatever decision you make.

What Our Clients Say After Visiting We Care:

YOUR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IS IMPORTANT TO US

 

Ready to talk through your pregnancy options?

 

Contact us to schedule a free, private appointment with one of our nurses.  Get  your questions answered and find the information and the support you need to make the decision that is best for you..

Considering an Abortion?

What You Need to Know When Considering Abortion

Making an informed decision about abortion during your pregnancy is one of the most important things you can do for your health and wellbeing.

If you’re thinking about abortion, you’re not alone in wanting to understand all your options.  At We Care Pregnancy Clinic, our medical team believes that having complete information helps you make the best decision for your unique situation.

Let’s walk through what you need to know:​

Start with Pregnancy Confirmation

Before making any decisions about your pregnancy, it’s important to confirm a few key things. At We Care, we offer free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds with a registered nurse to help you understand:

  • Whether you’re actually pregnant
  • How far along you might be
  • Whether your pregnancy is viable (baby has a heartbeat)

This information is essential for understanding what options are available to you and making the choice that’s right for your circumstances.

Learn About Abortion Methods

If you’re considering abortion, there are two main approaches, and each works differently depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy.

1.  THE ABORTION PILL (Medical Abortion)

Despite being called “the pill,” this method actually involves two different medications taken over a few days:

Mifepristone is taken first and blocks progesterone, a hormone your body needs to maintain pregnancy.  Without it, the pregnancy stops developing.

Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later and causes your uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue.

2.  SURGICAL ABORTION

In this procedure, a suction device removes the pregnancy tissue from your uterus through your vagina. It’s performed at a clinic, and you typically go home the same day.  However, if complications occur, you may need emergency medical care.

Learn About Important Abortion Health Considerations

Like any medical procedure, abortion comes with potential risks that you should understand before making your decision:

Incomplete Abortion

Sometimes not all pregnancy tissue is removed, which is more common with the abortion pill. You might need additional treatment to prevent infection or bleeding.

Failed Abortion

Occasionally, the abortion pill doesn’t end the pregnancy, meaning you’d still be pregnant with a viable pregnancy. Some women choose to continue their pregnancy in this situation, while others may opt for a surgical procedure.

Infection Risk

Any time instruments are used or tissue remains in your body, there’s a risk of infection. In rare cases, this can become serious enough to cause sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Pelvic infections can also lead to scarring that might affect future fertility or increase your risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Impact on Future Pregnancies

Research has shown connections between surgical abortion and increased risks of premature birth and low birth weight in later pregnancies.

Bleeding Complications

About 1 in 100 women using the abortion pill need additional surgical treatment to stop excessive bleeding.

Organ Damage

Though uncommon, surgical instruments can sometimes damage the cervix, uterus, or other organs, potentially requiring surgical repair.

Don’t Forget STI Testing

Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections is crucial, especially if you’re considering abortion. Many STIs don’t have obvious symptoms, but they can increase your risk of developing infections after any abortion procedure.

HOW WE CAN HELP

At We Care Pregnancy Clinic, our team of registered nurses provide free, confidential pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds.  We can help you confirm your pregnancy and understand how far along you are – information that’s important regardless of what you decide.

Unlike many other facilities, our nurses take as much time as you need to ask questions and get information.  You won’t be rushed through your appointment. We offer a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you can take your time to understand your situation and explore your options.  While we don’t provide or refer for abortion services, we respect your right to make informed decisions about your healthcare.

Sources

  1. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020, December 2). Abortion – Surgical. MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm 
  2. American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. (2020). Medication abortion up to 70 days of gestation. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 136(4), 855-858. doi:10.1097/ aog.0000000000004083. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/10/medication-abortion-up-to-70-days-of-gestation#
  3. Stevenson MM, Radcliffe KW. Preventing pelvic infection after abortion. Int J STD AIDS. 1995 Sep-Oct;6(5):305-12. doi: 10.1177/095646249500600501. PMID: 8547409. 
  4. Bridwell RE, Long B, Montrief T, Gottlieb M. Post-abortion Complications: A Narrative Review for Emergency Clinicians. West J Emerg Med. 2022 Oct 23;23(6):919-925. doi: 10.5811/ westjem.2022.8.57929. PMID: 36409940; PMCID: PMC9683756.    
  5. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
  6. American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. (2019). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Retrieved June 14, 2023. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/pelvic-inflammatory-disease 
  7. Swingle, H. M., Colaizy, T. T., Zimmerman, M. B., Morriss, F. H. (2009). Abortion and the risk of subsequent preterm birth: A systematic review with meta-analyses. The Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 54(2), 95–108. 
  8. Shah, P. S., Zao, J. (2009). Induced termination of pregnancy and low birthweight and preterm birth: A systematic review and meta-analyses. British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 116(11), 1425–42. doi: 10.1111/j.1471- 0528.2009.02278.x.
  9. Moreau, C., Kaminski, M., Ancel, P.Y., Bouyer, J., et al (2005). Previous induced abortions and the risk of very preterm delivery: Results of the EPIPAGE study. Br J Obstet Gynaecol,5,112(4):430–37. 
  10. Ancel, P.Y., Lelong, N., Papiernik, E., Saurel-Cubizolles, M.J., Kaminski, M (2004). History of induced abortion as a risk factor for preterm birth in European countries: Results 
  11. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, (2016). Mifeprex TM medication guide. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/media/72923/download 
  12. Paul, E. S. Lichtenberg, L. Borgatta, D. A. Grimes, P. G. Stubblefield, & M. D. Creinin (Eds.), 2009. Medical abortion in early pregnancy in Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Comprehensive abortion care (pp.122-29). Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. 

Carlsson, I., Breding, K., & Larsson, P.-G. (2018, September 25). Complications related to induced abortion: a combined retrospective and longitudinal follow-up study. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6156848/