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Informed Choices believes in providing holistic, pro-woman services centered on you. That’s why we never charge for our services and do not financially benefit from your choice.
If you are considering ordering abortion pills or making an abortion appointment, start with us. While we don't provide abortions, we offer the services you need prior to making a decision. Services include but are not limited to pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STD testing, options and abortion information, resources, and more. Your health and well-being are always our top priorities.
Has your pregnancy been confirmed?
Even if you’ve had a positive pregnancy test, you’ll need an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy, determine how far along you are, and rule out a tubal or ectopic pregnancy. You should also verify your HCG levels before considering an abortion. As many as 1 in 4 pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage, and more than 80% of miscarriages occur in the first three months of pregnancy.
Does the clinic require an ultrasound verification prior to an abortion? How much does it cost?
An ultrasound can cost an additional $200-$400 if it’s not covered by insurance. If you have an abortion clinic appointment already scheduled or ordered the abortion pill, take the time you need to get answers. We offer obstetric ultrasounds free of charge.
Do you know if the clinic has a doctor on staff or if the procedure is performed by medical personnel?
Take time to learn about the medical and legal restrictions for clinics or online providers. There are many online providers and some clinics that do not meet industry safety standards. Contact us to learn more.
Have you been tested recently for STDs/STIs?
An untreated infection can cause major complications if not treated prior to an abortion. At your pregnancy testing appointment, we can also offer free testing for the two most common STDs, chlamydia and gonorrhea—your safety matters.
Have you received abortion education about the abortion pill and the types of surgical abortions?
We believe an empowered decision is an informed decision. At your first appointment, we provide information on abortion types and procedures and will walk through all your pregnancy options. You deserve to get answers from a resource that does not profit from your choice.
What are the clinic’s procedures in the event of a complication or emergency?
Abortion is a serious medical procedure. Be sure to ask questions about what would happen in the event of an emergency or if medical complications arise. Learn more about clinics and any safety issues ahead of time.
Are you aware of possible complications associated with the abortion procedure? Have you been informed of possible emotional side effects after an abortion?
Take the time you need to share your health history, ask any questions about complications and side effects, and even discuss how you may feel after your abortion. We care about you as a whole - your physical, mental, and emotional health.
Common side effects of the abortion pill include:
Heavy bleeding
Blood clots
Contractions and cramping
Fever or chills
Infection
Nausea, vomiting, and dizziness
Allergic reactions
Uncommon side effects include:
Severe pelvic pain
Incomplete abortion
Death
Some serious side effects or complications after an abortion procedure are:
Heavy bleeding and blood clots
Cramping
Uterine perforation
Fever
Nausea, vomiting, and dizziness
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
Death
Emotional side effects vary from person to person. We also provide care and support after your decision. We’re a safe place to talk about your experience and find healing.
Do you know what options are available to you if the abortion fails?
On occasion, there are incomplete abortions. Find out what steps you need to take, and don’t be afraid to seek emergency help right away. You can also learn more about the Abortion Pill Reversal protocol.
If you decide to continue the pregnancy, reversal is possible if you have only taken the first dose of the abortion pill. This medical protocol includes taking progesterone, a hormone needed for the pregnancy to thrive.
Do you know your Rh factor?
The Rhesus factor, or Rh factor, is a certain type of protein found on the outside of red blood cells. People are either Rh-positive (they have the protein) or Rh-negative (they don’t have the protein). If you are Rh-negative, you will need a RhoGAM® shot after an abortion to prevent future miscarriages.
Your Next Steps
It’s your pregnancy, your future, and your decision. Informed Choices cares about you and wants to help you make a fully informed choice. If you are unsure about the answer to any of the questions, make an appointment today. We don’t provide or refer for abortions, but we can make sure you are equipped and informed before you decide.
References
Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.-a). RH Factor. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21053-rh-factor
At Home Abortion Facts. (2023a, February 26). Abortion Health & Safety Checklist | At-Home Abortion Facts. https://athomeabortionfacts.com/abortion-health-safety-checklist/
Steupert, M. (2023, March 30). Five Things We Don’t Know about Abortion in the U.S. (but Could with Better Reporting) - Lozier Institute. Lozier Institute. https://lozierinstitute.org/five-things-we-dont-know-about-abortion-in-the-u-s-but-could-with-better-reporting/
Abortion Pill Reversal. (n.d.-b). Overview. https://abortionpillreversal.com/abortion-pill-reversal/overview
Risk Factors for Abortion and First Trimester Miscarriage-Results From a UK-Population-Based Case-Control Study, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, December 4, 2006, pp. 1-17.
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