Categories
Abortion

Which Type of Abortion is Safest? 

This girl is wondering which type of abortion is safest.

In the face of an unplanned pregnancy, you may be overwhelmed by the many options and choices ahead of you. As you decide what’s best, it’s important to take the time you need to understand your various options and the pros and cons of each. You may be to a point where you are already wondering which type of abortion is safest.

Your friends at Pregnancy Clinic are here to help you navigate this season and the decisions you might be facing.

For women considering abortion, we’re here to inform you about the risks and side effects of the various abortion options so you can be empowered to make the best decision for you and your future.

What are my abortion options?

There are two main types of abortions — medical and surgical — and your eligibility for abortion depends on the stage of your pregnancy.

A medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill, is a two-pill process that chemically ends and expels the pregnancy from the uterus. This option is available to women who are less than 11 weeks along and is started at a doctor’s office and completed at home.

Surgical abortions use surgical means to end the pregnancy and extract it from the uterus. All legal surgical abortions are performed in a medical setting and the method of surgical abortion used depends on the stage of the pregnancy. Regardless of the level of development your pregnancy is in, the abortion procedure will involve some form of dilation, followed by an extraction using forceps or a suction device.

Is abortion safe?

Like any serious medical procedure, it’s necessary to be informed regarding the risks and side effects you might encounter during and after an abortion.

With the abortion pill, women should expect to experience symptoms like intense physical pain, cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and heavy bleeding. In some cases, medical abortions can cause clotted blood, infections, and excessive bleeding.

Surgical abortions might also be accompanied by abdominal cramping, pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In addition to these more mild side effects, surgical abortions can come with serious risks like heavy bleeding, infection, and damage to the cervix, uterine lining, and other internal organs. The most severe risk of surgical abortions is death due to untreated complications.

For many women, the side effects related to abortion go beyond physical consequences. A side effect women should take into consideration involves an increased risk of long-term mental health issues as many women report their abortion caused or triggered mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.1

Similarly, some women report experiencing relationship issues following the abortion procedure with a 40-70 percent increase in breakups and divorces in post-abortive couples. In addition to romantic relationship issues, women also report difficulties bonding with their future children.2

What are my other pregnancy options?

For women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, abortion can seem like the only valid option. As you make your pregnancy decision, know that parenting and adoption are both empowering options that women just like you choose every day!

Pregnancy Clinic is here to help you walk through each option — abortion, adoption, and parenting — and provide you with the resources you need to make a decision you can feel confident in.

1. Reardon DC. The abortion and mental health controversy: A comprehensive literature review of common ground agreements, disagreements, actionable recommendations, and research opportunities. SAGE open medicine. 2018;6: 1–38. 10.1177/2050312118807624 . [PMC free article] [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]

2. Women’s Health After Abortion: The Medical and Psychological Evidence Paperback – April 1, 2002. Elizabeth Ring-Cassidy (Author), Ian Gentles (Author)

Categories
Clinic Relationships

Attentive vs. Non-consensual

My partner listens to me and respects me.

or

My partner forces me to do things I don’t want to do (sex or other things).

How loved and respected do you feel in your relationship?  Does your voice matter?  Are you heard?  If you are not comfortable going to a certain place, being with certain people, or doing certain things, does your partner respect that?  In some relationships, that respect is never there.  In others, it deteriorates over time.  You might feel pressure to do things that make you uncomfortable.  Maybe it’s drugs.  Maybe it’s something else you know is not legal…or just not right.  It might be watching porn.  Or having sex.  If you feel you are not being heard or respected, it’s a sign that you might not be in a healthy relationship.

If you think long term about your relationship, where is it going?  It might be that you have lost sight of what you want in a relationship for the long haul.  Most people want a relationship they can trust with a person who will listen, support, respect, and encourage them to be the best they can be.

Check out our free Life Sense classes.  We have one on relationships:  Relationship Status: It’s Complicated.  You can register at www.lifesenseclasses.org/classes/life-skills-classes/.

All of our services are free. Text us if you need a pregnancy test, information on abortion procedures and risks, or STD testing: 443.333.8856.

 

Read other posts in this series

 

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Categories
Clinic Pregnancy Uncategorized

Can I get the Abortion Pill over the Internet?

The real question is: Should you get the Abortion Pill over the Internet?  There are many reasons that you should NOT based on the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)’s warnings:

  • It is illegal.  The FDA has said that the Abortion Pill is not available in retail pharmacies and not legally available over the Internet.  The FDA warns consumers they should not buy it over the Internet because they will bypass important safeguards designed to protect their health.
  • It is important to accurately date your pregnancy.  Your last menstrual period provides initial dating but may not be completely accurate.  An ultrasound can accurately date your pregnancy (find out about obtaining a free ultrasound).
  • It is important to check for and be able to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy.  An ectopic pregnancy is where the embryo has attached outside of the uterus.  This can cause a serious medical emergency.  An ultrasound can also check for this.
  • In some cases, very heavy vaginal bleeding will need to be stopped by a surgical procedure.  It is important to have accurate information on signs and symptoms and where to get care.
  • It is important that whoever provides the abortion pill should investigate the possibility of sepsis in those women who have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea and weakness with or without abdominal pain after taking the abortion pill. These symptoms, even without a fever, may indicate a serious infection.
  • There are many women who medically should not take the abortion pill. 
  • As of December 31, 2018, there were reports of 24 deaths of women associated with Mifeprex since the product was approved in September 2000, including two cases of ectopic pregnancy resulting in death; and several cases of severe systemic infection (also called sepsis), including some that were fatal.

If you have looked at purchasing the abortion pill over the Internet, you are probably feeling very desperate about your possible pregnancy.  Our clinic can help.  All of our services are free of charge.  Call or text us: 443.333.8856.

Learn more at the FDA Website: Questions and Answers on Mifeprex.

Categories
Pregnancy Uncategorized

Can COVID-19 be passed from a pregnant woman to the fetus or newborn?

According to the CDC:  “We still do not know if a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can pass the virus that causes COVID-19 to her fetus or baby during pregnancy or delivery. No infants born to mothers with COVID-19 have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. In these cases, which are a small number, the virus was not found in samples of amniotic fluid or breastmilk.”

For women that are pregnant or breastfeeding, the CDC says that much is unknown and that pregnant women should do the same things as the general public to avoid infection: 

  • Cover your cough (using your elbow is a good technique)
  • Avoid people who are sick
  • Clean your hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

For additional protective measures: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html.

If you are concerned about a possible pregnancy and thinking about an abortion, call or text us: 443.333.8856.

Categories
Pregnancy Relationships

Approachable vs. Controlling

I can easily tell my partner when I’m feeling upset or hurt.

or

My partner is possessive and controlling.

 

Here is a good question to ask yourself:  do you feel you need to hide things from your partner?  In a healthy relationship, there might be disagreements.  However, each partner should feel that they can still talk about their own feelings and opinions without fear.  We’ve talked a little in past blogs about some aspects of control (stalking; keeping track of your phone; managing your friendships with others, etc.).  But, a partner’s possessiveness and control can even intimidate what you are willing to share and express about how you feel.

It might be about sex.  You may not even want to be in a sexual relationship.  You may have tried to communicate this, but your partner isn’t listening.

It could be about a pregnancy or abortion.  While some women are initially upset about being pregnant, it is sometimes due to lack of support they feel from their partner.  A partner may even be pressuring an abortion.

If you are concerned that you may be facing pressure – whether about sex or abortion, we have free services that may help.

We offer free pregnancy tests, free STD testing, and free information on abortion procedures and risks.  Call or text us: 443.333.8856.

 

Read other posts in this series

 

#UnhealthyRelationships

Categories
Pregnancy Pregnant

Is the Abortion Pill as easy as it sounds?

When we think of taking medicine, we often picture something pretty simple:

  • Have a headache.
  • Take medicine.
  • Headache vanishes.

This is not how the Abortion Pill works. 

Many women are often surprised by the process and regret their choice of abortion procedure.  Here’s what you should know about the Abortion Pill process:

  • Two medications are taken 24-48 hours apart.  When and where they are taken depend on state laws.  Many abortion clinic web sites caution “not being alone” and knowing where to get “medical help in case of an emergency”.
  • The first drug, mifepristone, cuts off the progesterone and causes the death of the embryo (baby).  The second drug, misoprostol (taken a day or two later), causes contractions which expel the embryo, blood, and tissue from the body.
  • An office visit determines if the abortion succeeded or if a surgical abortion is needed.
  • Risks and side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, chills, fever, back pain, pelvic pain, rashes, headache, fatigue, abdominal pain, bleeding/hemorrhage, immune system suppression/infection/death, and undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy.
  • Women sometimes have second thoughts after they take the first pill.  Although not a guarantee, we can sometimes help reverse the effects of the first pill.  Call this number if you are experiencing second thoughts: 1.877.558.0333.

If you are considering the abortion pill, we can provide a FREE pregnancy test confirmation and a FREE ultrasounds to determine if the pregnancy is viable (living) and how far along the pregnancy is (which affects if the Abortion Pill is an option). 

Call or text us: 443.333.8856.

Categories
Clinic Pregnancy Pregnant

Do I need an ultrasound before an abortion?

An abortion clinic may or may not offer an ultrasound before an abortion, though sometimes they do.  The real question is how could an ultrasound benefit you?  Let’s take a look at the pro’s and con’s.

Pro’s:

  • Viability Check: An ultrasound helps determine if your positive pregnancy test is really a living, growing pregnancy or just a response of hormones from a miscarriage.  If there is not a living, growing pregnancy, an abortion is not needed to end it.  The benefit here is clear: no emotional burden from having an abortion, no physical risk from having an abortion, no cost from having an abortion.   
  • Ruling out Ectopic Pregnancy: If an abortion is performed (whether by pills or surgery), it will not end a pregnancy growing outside of the uterus, known as an ectopic pregnancy (and sometimes known as a tubal pregnancy, if growing specifically in the fallopian tube).  If undetected (and especially if not suspected, thinking the abortion ended the pregnancy), an ectopic pregnancy can be a dangerous medical situation.  An ultrasound looks for where the pregnancy is located.
  • Determination of Size/Age of Pregnancy:  Abortion procedures vary depending on how far along the pregnancy is.  While the date of the last menstrual period provides an initial estimate, it is often corrected by the date/age discovered in the ultrasound.

Con’s:

  • At many abortion facilities, there is a fee for an ultrasound or insurance is needed. 

HOWEVER, at the Pregnancy Clinic, all of our services are FREE of charge.  We are able to provide a free, viability ultrasound if you have a positive pregnancy test and are considering abortion.

Text us today for your appointment: 443.333.8856.

Categories
Uncategorized

Inclusive vs. Isolating

My partner is fine with me having other friends.

or

My partner wants me all to himself.

What might start out feeling like you are the center of someone’s universe can actually be your own world shrinking.  A partner might want you all to his self—it might seem romantic, flattering, and sweet at the beginning.  However, when those feelings are pushed into action, it can actually make you feel devalued and controlled.  Your world is made up of more than your partner, and other types of relationships are important to who you are as a whole.  These relationships might be family, friends, classmates, or coworkers.  When another person can’t see them as an important part of your world, it is a sign that their “love” for you might be unhealthy.  Look for these signs of isolating behavior:

  • Your partner wants to know where you are and who is with you.
  • Your partner wants you to check in with him.
  • Your partner insists you leave certain places where other people are.
  • Your partner wants you to spend time only with him.
  • Your partner doesn’t want you to have other friendships.
  • Your partner doesn’t like you talking with others.
  • Your partner is suspicious of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen.
  • Your partner does this in the name of “love” and “protection”.

If you are concerned about your relationship, we offer a free class, Relationship Status: It’s Complicated.  Check it out at www.lifesenseclasses.org/classes/life-skills-classes/.

All of our services are free as well. Text us if you need a pregnancy test, information on abortion procedures and risks, or STD testing: 443.333.8856.

 

Read other posts in this series

 

#UnhealthyRelationships

Categories
Pregnant Uncategorized

How much does an abortion cost in Maryland?

In Maryland, the cost of an abortion ranges from $390 to $1300.  The cost varies based on the stage of development of the baby and the type of pain medication or anesthesia used during the abortion.  Costs also increase if other medications are needed, such as if your blood type is Rh negative.

If you are concerned about the cost of abortion, The Pregnancy Clinic might be able to help. 

While we do not provide or refer for abortion, our services are all free of charge and are a good first step if you are facing a surprise pregnancy.  Our trained counselors can run a free pregnancy test for you—even if you’ve taken one at home.  If you are considering abortion, our sonographers can provide a free viability ultrasound to determine if your positive test is actually a pregnancy heading towards survival.  In some cases, women experience miscarriages before they even have an abortion. 

Knowing your test results, your viability status, and even talking through any questions you have could help you before making the appointment for an abortion and facing the expense. 

Our services are all free, so there’s no financial burden for you.  We also have three clinics in Annapolis, Bowie, and Severna Park with a variety of day and evening hours. 

Call or text: 443.333.8856.

Categories
Clinic Pregnant

Can I get an abortion if I’m under 17?

Maryland is a “Notification Only” state for minors seeking abortions.  That means that one of your parents is required to be notified about the decision to have an abortion.

However, parental notification is not required for appointments at our three pregnancy clinics in Annapolis, Bowie, and Severna Park.  We offer free and completely confidential services that include pregnancy tests and viability ultrasounds.  Our pregnancy tests are 99% accurate, laboratory grade pregnancy tests.  Even if you’ve taken one or more at home, we can do a simple test for free and go over your options and questions. 

If your test is positive and you are considering abortion, we can do a viability sonogram (most of the time the same day—especially if you make an appointment).  Our nurse sonographer will look to see if the pregnancy is viable (heading towards surviving).  That is an important first step in determining if an abortion is even needed or if the pregnancy is likely to end on its own.

Have a question or need a test?  Call or text: 443.333.8856.