Choosing whether you will continue your pregnancy is not a decision to take lightly. No matter which option you choose, it will change your life forever.
Visit Pathways Clinic in Washougal, Washington, to talk confidentially in a safe space about your situation and options. We’re here to provide the support and information you need to make an empowered choice.
All About Abortion: 3 Facts You Should Know
Abortion is the intentional ending of a pregnancy. If you’re currently considering this choice, there are three facts you should know.
1. The FDA Approved the Abortion Pill Through Ten Weeks Gestation.
The FDA has only approved medical abortion (the abortion pill) through the first ten weeks of pregnancy. After this timeframe, you’d need to consider another type of abortion.
Period trackers are not always accurate for dating your pregnancy. Receiving an ultrasound can ensure you know exactly how far along you are to avoid any unnecessary risks.
2. The Abortion Pill Does Not Treat Ectopic Pregnancy.
In about 2% of pregnancies, the fertilized egg attaches outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube.
When this happens, it’s a serious and life-threatening medical condition called ectopic pregnancy. The growing pregnancy is non-viable (incapable of being carried to term) and can lead to severe bleeding if undetected.
The abortion pill does not treat ectopic pregnancy, so if you unknowingly have one and take the abortion pill, you may think that your pregnancy is over as the ectopic pregnancy continues to progress. An ultrasound will be able to detect an ectopic pregnancy, so it’s critical not to miss this step.
3. STI/STD Testing Can Protect Your Health.
If you have an existing, untreated STI/STD during an abortion, like chlamydia or gonorrhea, there’s a chance of spreading it deeper into the reproductive system. This can develop into pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause lasting damage, leading to chronic pelvic pain and infertility.
To lessen the risk of PID, make sure you receive STI/STD testing before an abortion.
Other Considerations Before an Abortion
Before you move forward with an abortion, learn all you can about the risks, side effects, and procedures. You will also want to explore your other options (parenting and adoption) fully.
While every woman will react differently to an abortion experience, it’s important to note that some women do experience negative mental health impacts. The women most at risk are those with existing mental health issues, those who feel pressured, and those with conflicting moral beliefs or maternal desires.
The decision is yours alone. If you aren’t entirely on board or feel pressured, give yourself space to make a confident choice.
Pathways Clinic Can Help
Our caring team at Pathways Clinic understands how stressful an unplanned pregnancy can be and is here to help. Schedule an appointment today for free-of-charge and confidential services, including pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STI testing, and a safe place to talk about your options. We’re here for you!