Facing an unexpected pregnancy and unsure about your choices?
If you are considering an abortion, please know that the dedicated team at the Community Women’s Centers is here to empower and help you understand as many of the facts as possible before deciding on a plan.
Knowledge is key, and deciding to have an abortion is a medical decision. You’re in the right place—we are here to provide important facts and information in addition to answering your questions. Below you will find helpful information common to others who are facing similar circumstances. We also welcome you to talk with one of our professional staff members by scheduling a safe and confidential appointment at one of our three centers conveniently located in Center City, Philadelphia and Bucks County.
What are the different types of abortion and abortion procedures?
There are two types of abortion: Surgical Abortion and Medical Abortion.
Surgical abortion procedures are conducted in a doctor’s office, hospital or clinic. There are three main types of surgical abortion: Aspiration Abortion, Dilation and Evacuation Abortion (D&E Abortion), and D&X Abortion after Viability.
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects. The D&E Abortion after Viability is especially risky to the patient, as this procedure occurs 21-weeks after the last menstrual cycle.
Medical abortion is also known as the abortion pills. Another common name for this method is “at-home abortion,” because in most cases the drugs are prescribed by a doctor and administered by the patient at home.
Medical abortion involves two drugs—Mifepristone and Misoprostol—which are intentionally taken in separate intervals. These drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration, however, there are also risks and side effects associated with this method.
What should I consider before taking the abortion pill?
- Is the pregnancy viable?
- Are you sure it is not an ectopic pregnancy? ( a pregnancy outside the uterus)
- How many weeks along are you in your pregnancy? ( only approve for 70 days after last menstrual cycle)
- What are all your options?
- Who will be your support system?
To learn more about these procedures, please review our Abortion Types and Procedures page.
How do I know if I'm pregnant? What is a medical verification of pregnancy?
“Am I pregnant?”—this is a great question to be asking yourself at this moment. It is critical to make decisions regarding your health with the most accurate information. You matter, your health matters, and you deserve to have the best care possible.
It is recommended to get a medical verification of pregnancy—this is the most reliable pregnancy testing you can receive. A home pregnancy test can be confusing, possibly public (the need to buy from a store in-person), and results can vary.
In addition to medically verifying your pregnancy, knowing exactly how many weeks you are into your pregnancy is vital information. Having a consultation with a medical professional will allow you a safe place to consider your choices. Please schedule a private pregnancy test at our center today.
Learn more about the different kinds of pregnancy testing on our website.
How many weeks are you into your pregnancy?
How far along you are will impact every decision you make. “How many weeks pregnant am I?” This is one of the first questions you should ask yourself. The gestational age of your pregnancy will determine if you are eligible for a medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill. Find out how far along your pregnancy is today by scheduling a medical verification of pregnancy.
Learn more about pregnancy week-by-week and gestational age on our website.
Is the pregnancy viable?
Did you know that nearly 25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage? Eighty percent of these occur in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. [1] An ultrasound can help confirm the pregnancy’s viability if you have a positive pregnancy test and confirm how far along in your pregnancy you really are. Why put your body through an abortion procedure if the pregnancy isn’t viable?
What is an ectopic pregnancy? Why could taking the abortion drugs/pills be a problem?
According to the medical industry an ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that happens outside of the uterus. This occurs when a fertilized egg implants in a structure that can’t support its growth. An ectopic pregnancy often occurs in the fallopian tube. The fallopian tube is a pair of structures that connect the ovaries and uterus.
The abortion pill is not prescribed to be effective for an ectopic pregnancy. Because an ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening, you should seek medical verification of the pregnancy, expected or unexpected, as soon as you suspect you may be pregnant or if you have ectopic pregnancy symptoms. Learn more about ectopic pregnancies here.
Who is your support system?
You deserve a safe, confidential, space to sort out your options. Part of that safe space is with a medical professional—the other big part is your support system. You have friends and family that you can trust. Reach out during this time, let them be there for you, and care for you.
If you need someone or need support, please contact us. We want to walk with you through this decision -making process and help you get through this healthy and whole.
Online searching and telehealth will only get you so far. You deserve the best standard of care and the ability to speak with someone who understands what you are going through.
You deserve to have free medical verification of your pregnancy and to be treated with dignity and respect. At the Community Women’s Centers, we offer you a safe confidential space to talk through your options, because you deserve that. The more you know, the more confident you will be in making your decision. Review your results in a confidential, secure, professional environment. When you ask us questions, you will get true information.
Our services are free and will save you hundreds of dollars. There is no need for insurance or income verification. We are here to support you through this time, and being able to afford personalized information like this shouldn’t be a concern for you. The services we provide will give you the insights you need to make your decision.
Schedule an appointment today.
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