Deciding to get an abortion is a really serious choice, you’ll need this abortion safety checklist with key information to help you explore your options. It’s super important to keep your health and safety in mind.
Understanding Your Options: Here’s the Abortion Safety Checklist
Understand State Laws: Abortion laws vary significantly by state. See our post on Abortion information in Ohio. It’s important to understand that the cost of an abortion pill in Ohio can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a breakdown of what influences the price:
- Confirm Pregnancy: Before anything else, confirm your pregnancy with a reliable test and a medical professional.
- We provide medical-grade pregnancy tests at no cost and an ultrasound to determine gestational age and viability.
- Research Abortion Methods: Familiarize yourself with the two main types of abortion:
- Chemical Abortion (Abortion Pill): Typically used in early pregnancy, it involves taking medication to end the pregnancy.
- In-Clinic Abortion (Surgical Abortion): Performed by a medical professional in a clinic or hospital.
- Understand State Laws: Abortion laws vary significantly by state. See our post on Abortion information in Ohio.
Choosing a Provider:
- Verify Credentials: Ensure the clinic or provider is licensed and staffed by qualified medical professionals. Look for doctors who are board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology.
- Check for Reviews and Reputation: Research online reviews and seek recommendations from trusted sources.
- Ask About Safety Protocols: Inquire about the clinic’s safety measures, including infection control, emergency procedures, and post-abortion care.
- Confirm Availability of Follow-up Care: Ensure the provider offers follow-up appointments and has a plan for addressing potential complications.
Post-Abortion Care:
- Follow Post-Procedure Instructions: Carefully follow the instructions provided by your abortion provider.
- Monitor for Complications: Be aware of potential complications, such as heavy bleeding, severe pain, or fever, and seek immediate medical attention if they occur.
- Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
- Emotional Support: Our LILA Program offers post-abortion counseling and additional support services. For more information, please call or text us at 513-321-3100.
Key Considerations for Safety:
- Avoid Self-Induced Abortions: Self-induced abortions can be extremely dangerous and can lead to severe complications, including infection, hemorrhage, and death.
- Prioritize Abortion Providers: Only seek abortion services from licensed and reputable medical professionals.
- Even life-threatening abortion injuries are not always apparent at the time of the procedure. If you have any unusual physical problems in the weeks that follow your abortion, seek medical attention immediately, as you may be having complications from your abortion.
- If you ever have a reason to suspect that you are still pregnant after your abortion, seek medical attention immediately. You may have a tubal or ectopic pregnancy that could rupture and cause your death.
How We Can Help
We can confirm your pregnancy with a medical-grade pregnancy test, and we can also provide an ultrasound to check how far along you are and make sure it isn’t tubal or ectopic. We encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns—our supportive team is here to listen and help you as you explore your options!
You can schedule an appointment using the link above or call us at 513-321-3100. Additionally, we have a 24/7 Nurse Chat line available right here on our website.
Helpful links
Why It’s Easier for Women to Get STIs
YouTube Short: What if I take the abortion pill and have an ectopic pregnancy?
Source: Ohio Department of Health
