Three Things You Need To Know Before Getting An Abortion

Critical Things to Know Before Scheduling an Abortion.

At the Catherine Foundation, we know it’s your life that will be impacted by the decision you make about your pregnancy. So, before you pay someone to perform an abortion, it is your right to know all of your options and have all of the information you need to make an educated, and safe, decision. While for-profit clinics and hospitals are often driven more by money than concern for the patient, we exist solely because we care about you, without making a profit.

Our knowledgeable, compassionate staff are committed to thoroughly and honestly sharing the information you need to make an informed decision, including answering these three critical questions before scheduling an abortion.

Is Your Pregnancy Viable?

A viable pregnancy means you are carrying a baby that has a reasonable chance to develop fully and survive outside the womb. A non-viable pregnancy, then, means the fetus has either died or has no chance of being born alive and living outside the womb1 . Some non-viable pregnancies, such as an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that is growing outside of the uterus), can pose a significant risk to the mother and cannot be addressed through abortion. For this reason, having an ultrasound prior to scheduling an abortion is critical, as it is the only way to definitively determine viability. At Catherine Foundation Pregnancy Resource Center, we can perform this ultrasound free of charge.

How Far Along Are You?

The gestational age of the fetus, or number of weeks since conception, is a key factor in determining the type of abortion you will receive, as well as its cost. Even though many women have a general idea of the date of their last period, the exact time the pregnancy began is an estimation. An ultrasound is the only way to definitively identify the true age and size of the fetus. In fact, without it, you could be offered the wrong type of abortion. A chemical abortion (the abortion pill), for example, could be recommended when you are actually past the 10-week window for that procedure’s safety or effectiveness. For this reason, a tele-medicine consultation is insufficient, as it cannot provide proof of pregnancy, proof of gestational age, or proof of a viable pregnancy, potentially putting you at risk. At Catherine Foundation Pregnancy Resource Center, we personally provide all of this information at no cost to you.

Do You Have an STD?

You may wonder what having an STD has to do with getting an abortion, but it is extremely important. If you have an STD, especially one of the two most common, chlamydia or gonorrhea, and aren’t treated before having an abortion, your risk of developing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) increases by 23% if the cervical infection is forced up into the uterus during the medical procedure25. PID increases your chances of having a future ectopic pregnancy, can decrease fertility, and can cause life-long pelvic inflammation and pain26. Testing is especially important because these STDs can be present without any symptoms. Other STDs, such as cervical syphilis27, HIV/AIDS28, and Human PapillomaVirus (HPV)29, also need to be tested for early in pregnancy, regardless of your pregnancy intentions, as they can pose significant risks to your health.

The majority of abortion facilities do not test for STDs prior to performing an abortion procedure. If they do, they charge an additional fee. At Catherine Foundation Pregnancy Resource Center, we can confidentially have you tested and treated for these STDs at no charge via a referral. Results of STD testing are usually available within one week.

Get a Referral for Your Pre-abortion Screening

At Catherine Foundation Pregnancy Resource Center, we are here to give you the answers to these three critical questions before undergoing an abortion. Our no-cost pre-abortion screening include a pregnancy test, an ultrasound and STD testing referral all performed by a licensed medical professional. Call us at (301) 932-8811 or text us at (240) 416-9688 to schedule your appointment today.

References

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  2. (2021, June 15). A Determined Look into Non-Viable Pregnancy: Heartbreak and The Way Forward | Mommy Labor Nurse. Mommy Labor Nurse | Educating Expecting Parents About What’s To Come! https://mommylabornurse.com/non-viable-pregnancy/
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  12. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2021, April 13). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
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  16. Dilation and Curettage (D&C): Treatment, Risks, Recovery. (2021, March). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/4110-dilation-and-curettage-d–c
  17. Lohr, Patricia A.  “Surgical Abortion in Second Trimester”, Reproductive Health Matters, May 2008, 156. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18772096.
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  31. STD Facts – Chlamydia. (2014, January). CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/std/Chlamydia/stdfact-Chlamydia.htm
  32. STD Facts – Gonorrhea. (2014, January). CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/stdfact-gonorrhea.htm