Steps to Take Before You Have an Abortion

The best decisions are well-informed decisions, and before you consider terminating your pregnancy, you should have all the facts to determine the best choice for your pregnancy. Here are the steps to take before you have an abortion. 

Breathe. It’s going to be okay to give yourself some time to think and read up on all your options

Find out if you are really pregnant. You can do this by taking a home pregnancy test or at a health clinic.

• • There are factors that could simply be delaying your period. Including birth control changes
  • About 1 in 5 pregnancies end naturally in miscarriage, so you may not need an abortion

Call an early pregnancy diagnosis clinic before you call the abortion clinic.

• • Knowing how far along you are and if the pregnancy is viable will determine next step options
  • Know your LMP – the first day of your last menstrual period, or at least an estimate if you don’t remember the exact date

At the Clinic, they will…

• • Obtain a urine sample to confirm positive/negative pregnancy
  • If positive, do an ultrasound to determine how far along you are
  • Knowing how far along you are is important because of differences in procedures.
  • Determine if the pregnancy is viable or not
  • Give you information on all your options and discuss your individual situation
  • They will go over the abortion procedure and risks involved – as with any surgery/medical procedure – the abortion clinics often will not go over this.

Get tested for STDs. If you have an STD, a surgical abortion will put you at greater risk for spreading the infection and health complications.

If you are still considering abortion:

• • If you are a minor (under the age of 18) in the state of Massachusetts, legally you must have a parent or legal guardian give consent for an abortion
  • Know your legal rights in case of medical complication or malpractice
  • Know in advance how much it will cost (most insurance will not pay for it)
  • Do not go by yourself. You will need emotional support and possibly someone to drive you home if you are unable to. Or if it is a chemical abortion be sure someone else is at home with you in case of complication
  • Ask questions and insist on answers. 

If you are considering a chemical abortion – (before 10 weeks) learn about the Abortion Reversal Pill at www.abortionpillreversal.com or 1-877-558-0333

• Educate yourself on Post Abortion Syndrome – PAS signs and symptoms before going through with the termination
• If in the future you do have emotional, mental or spiritual difficulty with the abortion experience, know where you can go to get help.

Clearway Clinic offers ClearPast – a post-abortion recovery program. We have been able to help many women heal from depression, anxiety, guilt, and shame connected with a past abortion experience. Other help can be found at www.abortionchangesyou.org, abortion recovery hotline at 1-866-482-5433, or www.menandabortion.org

These are the steps to take before you have an abortion, but if you have any other questions or need support our team is here with respectful and no-cost services.