“I felt very comfortable being here and not judged in any way..”
“Kind, straight forward, and I understood what I was being told.”
“Very sweet people who work here and understanding.”
When making a significant decision, it is vital that you have all of the accurate facts before you make your decision. You matter and your health is important to us.
Every medical procedure, including abortion, carries the risk of complications. There are several types of abortion procedures each with its own risks. Make an appointment today to talk about what abortion procedures are used in each stage of pregnancy and the risks and side effects associated with each procedure.
Some risks are immediate, some are long-term (meaning they can show up in your future) and some are psychological. Know your facts before you make a decision.
Most women experience some of these after abortion. These symptoms typically resolve within a week, sometimes longer.
Complications that can arise from induced abortion, such as infection and damage to the uterus, can lead to infertility and increased risks of future childbearing.
In the case of medical abortion, the risks for these complications are increased in women who have a high risk of uterine rupture, an intrauterine device (IUD) in place, uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, certain heart or blood vessel diseases, severe liver, kidney or lung disease, take a blood thinner or certain steroid medications or smoke heavily.10
First-trimester surgical abortion by dilation and curettage (D&C) “can result in uterine synechiae (or Asherman’s Syndrome), which increase the risk of subsequent mid-trimester spontaneous abortions and low birthweight deliveries.”11 Incompetent cervix is also a preterm birth risk associated with surgical abortion. “Symptoms related to cervical incompetence were found among 75% of women who undergo forced dilation for abortion.”12
It is important to note that some women encounter a variety of psychological effects after an abortion. These range from irritability, difficulty sleeping, depression and even post-traumatic stress disorder.
It is often helpful for a woman to speak with someone if she is experiencing these symptoms. If you have undergone an abortion and are suffering from the psychological effects, ABC Life Choices can provide a safe and confidential place to discuss both the physical and emotional aspects of post-abortion.
If you have had an abortion and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important for your emotional and physical health that you not ignore them. Contact us today.
1Davis A, Westhoff C, De Nonno L (2000). Bleeding patterns after early abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol or manual vacuum aspiration. J Am Med Womens Assoc 55(3 Suppl):141-4
2 Harwood B, Meckstroth KR, Mishell Dr, Jain JK (2001). Serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels and endometrial thickness after medical abortion. Contraception 63(4):255-6.
3 Shah PS, Zoa J (2009). Induced termination of pregnancy and low birth weight and preterm birth: A systematic review and meta-analyses. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 116(11): 1425-42
4 Swingle HM, Colaizy TT, Zimmerman MB, Morriss FH (2009). Abortion and the risk of subsequent preterm birth. J Reprod Med, 54(2): 95-108.
5 Hardy G, Benjamin A, Abenhaim HA (2013). Effect of induced abortions on early preterm births and adverse perinatal outcomes. JOGC, 35(2): 138-43.
6 Moster D, Lie RT, Markestad T (2008). Long-term medical and social consequences of preterm birth. NEJM, 359(3): 262-73.
7 Ibid.
8 Limperopoulos C, Bassan H, Sullivan NR, Soul JS, Robertson RL, Moore M, Ringer SA, Volpe JJ, du Plessis AJ (2008). Positive screening for autism in ex-preterm infants: Prevalence and risk factors. Pediatrics, 121(4): 758-65
9 Burd L, Severud R, Kerbeshian J, Klug MG (1999). Prenatal and perinatal risk factors for Autism. J Perinat Med, 27(6): 441-50.
10 The Mayo Clinic (2010). Medical Abortion, Risks. Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/medical-abortion/MY00819/DSECTION=risks
11 The Global Library of Women’s Medicine. (2011). Long-Term Risks of Surgical Abortion. Carol J. Hogue, PhD, MPH. Terry Professor of Matrenal/Child Health, Professor of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georga (Vol 6, Cap 124). Retrieved from: http://www.glowm.com/index.html?p=glowm.cml/section_view&articleid=440
12 Dr. Ren, “Cervical Incompetence – Aetiology and Management”, Medical Journal of Australia (December 29, 1993), Volume 60. Retrieved from: http://www.gargaro.com/healthproblems.html
13 Fergusson DM, Horwood LJ, Ridder E (2006). Abortion in young women and subsequent mental health. J Child Psychol Psyc 47(1):16-24.
14 Coleman, PK (2011). “Abortion and mental health: quantitative synthesis and analysis of research published 1995-2009.” Br J Psych, 199: 180-6.
15 Coyle CT, Coleman PK, Rue VM (2010). Inadequate preabortion counseling and decision conflict as predictors of subsequent relationship difficulties and psychological stress in men and women. Traumatology 16(1):16-30.
If you are sexually active and are concerned that you may be pregnant, make an appointment for a pregnancy test at ABC Life Choices. We will answer your questions and provide you with factual information in order for you to make an informed decision. If you are pregnant, you may qualify for a limited ultrasound at no cost to you. All of our services are free and confidential.
You’re more than the results of a test. We promise: no pressure, no judgment, just confidential care.
An unplanned pregnancy doesn’t have to cost you your hope or future.
You’re more than the results of a test. We promise: no pressure, no judgment, just confidential care.
An unplanned pregnancy doesn’t have to cost you your hope or future.
A: Walk-ins are welcome. However, it is best to make an appointment to minimize your office wait time. Please call (907) 283-9062 or schedule an appointment online. After hours, call or text 1-800-712-4357.
A: Absolutely. You can bring your boyfriend, family member, or friend. We will talk with you privately first. Then, provided you have given us consent to have them in the room, your guest will be able to join you.
A: You’ll be welcomed by our receptionist who will introduce you to your client advocate. She will listen to you judgment-free and provide you with information followed by a pregnancy test. Should your test be positive, one of our caring medical professionals will conduct a limited ultrasound to confirm if you have a viable pregnancy and date fetal age.
A: Our tests can be performed 7 to 10 days after conception. A client with a negative result may be invited to return within 2 weeks for a repeat test if she has not had her period.
If you have taken a home pregnancy test, it is best to confirm results with a laboratory-quality test at our center.
A: We adhere to a strict privacy and confidentiality policy. Clients will be protected from disclosure of information that violates the right to privacy except when required by law, required for public health reasons, required to avert a threat of harm to the client or a third person, or when other circumstances may reasonably warrant such use or disclosure without prior authorization (e.g., abuse reporting, suicide/homicide prevention, etc.).
A: Our professional, medical-grade lab quality pregnancy test can determine pregnancy at the first day after your first missed period. We recommend you make an appointment if you have missed a period, have any pregnancy related questions, or think you might be pregnant.
A: On-site ultrasounds are available after an initial intake with one of our client advocates. Our limited ultrasound exams are performed by a licensed nurse sonographer or RDMS (registered sonographer) and reviewed by a licensed physician. An ultrasound confirms a viable pregnancy and determines how far along you are. To qualify for a limited ultrasound, you’ll need to be a minimum of 6 weeks since your last menstrual period.
A: You can still meet with a member of our staff to discuss your concerns and review available options. An ultrasound is recommended to know if your pregnancy is viable and in your uterus, since 20% – 25% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. Additionally, the ultrasound will show how far along you are to determine what type of abortion you would choose. We can provide a limited ultrasound at no cost to you.
“I felt very comfortable being here and not judged in any way..”
“Kind, straight forward, and I understood what I was being told.”
“Very sweet people who work here and understanding.”
ABC Life Choices is a medical clinic and an accredited lab offering services and pregnancy help at no cost to you. ABC provides free pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, same-day STI testing and treatment for select STIs and information on pregnancy options. Our clinic is not an abortion provider and does not provide referrals to abortion clinics. All services are confidential and at no cost to you. The information on this site is intended for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional and medical care.
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