Abortion Clinics Information
If you are considering visiting an abortion clinic, we want you to know what this choice could mean to your future. You don't need to make this decision right away. Slow down and allow time to think. Don't let anyone tell you that you have to have an abortion. Pregnancy care centers exist to offer you choices and information. There are risks to most abortion procedures. Be sure that you understand these risks because many abortion clinics are not required to inform you of this before performing an abortion. Abortion Risks
Here is some information to consider about Abortion Clinics before you make the decision to visit an abortion clinic:
Get a blood or urine pregnancy test to confirm you are really pregnant.
It could be that you are not actually pregnant. We can refer you to a local pregnancy care center that provides a laboratory quality urine tests free of charge as a service to women. A trained pregnancy center advocate can provide additional information relevant to your situation. All of these services are free and confidential.
Get an ultrasound.
You may receive an ultrasound from your local pregnancy care center. This diagnostic ultrasound can tell you how many weeks you are into the pregnancy or whether or not your pregnancy is viable. In other words, it could be that you are going to miscarry the baby and won’t need the services of an abortion clinic. This service, provided by a certified sonographer, may aid you in making this important decision.
Don't sign anything that releases the doctor or the abortion clinic from being responsible for physical complications during the abortion procedure.
Many women have said that they were so upset by the emotion of the day that they signed anything put in front of them in order to "get out and have it done with." If the abortion clinic asks you to sign anything, take your time to read it over. If you don't understand something, ask questions. If you don't understand their answers, push them further. Don't be in a rush because anything you sign could affect you in the future. You can always reschedule your appointment for a later date.
Understand you have rights in an abortion.
It is against the law for anyone to force you to have an abortion. Not even a husband or parent can require you to undergo an abortion against your will, even if you are a minor (under 18 years old). Your local pregnancy care center exists to help you in any circumstance. They can help you discuss this choice with those closest to you that are influencing your decision. The law in many states also requires abortion providers to give you information on:
- possible complications,
- the development of the baby, and
- organizations that provide alternatives to abortion.
Verify that the abortion clinic is clean and sanitary.
Many women report that the general area of the abortion clinic where they had their abortions were unclean, dusty and even smelled bad. Infections can result from unsanitary conditions. If you find yourself in an abortion clinic be sure to question their sanitizing procedures and view the condition of each room to ensure that you are receiving excellent care. If they don't provide sufficient information to determine these conditions, give yourself permission to leave and demand a refund of your money. Infections from unsanitary abortion clinics can lead to infertility and death.
Understand you can change your mind - even at the last minute.
Many women who have experienced abortion relay that they felt they had to go through with the procedure once they had entered the clinic. Others say that they waited on the abortion table to be "rescued" by their boyfriend at the last minute. Some clinics even told the women that they couldn't get their money back if they changed their mind.
Abortion clinics know that this is an agonizing decision and sometimes see women change their mind at the last minute because, as they say, "I simply can't do this!" Know your rights. Don't be pressured or intimidated. If decide to cancel the abortion procedure, demand your money back.
Understand fetal development.
Ultrasound photos show that at early stages of pregnancy the humanness of the embryo is clearly evident. When some women see these photos after their abortion they are overwhelmed and grieved that the information the abortion clinic provides was misleading. An ultrasound will reveal the true development of your children. Consider a medical exam with one of our doctors. This valuable medical exam will help you to come to a decision that you can live with. Learn more about what a preborn child looks like: www.justthefacts.org
Know you are not alone.
Women who feel like abortion is their choice often change their minds after visiting The Compassion Pregnancy Center & Clinic. The CPC exists to help you during and after your pregnancy. There is no obstacle too big that can't be overcome with friendship and support.
