Do you feel like abortion is the only answer to your unplanned pregnancy? Many women do because they’re not aware they have choices. If you’re considering abortion, we encourage you to get as much information as possible about the procedures, side effects, and risks. You deserve to have the whole truth. How else can you make a confident decision?
Receive A No-Cost Pre-Abortion Screening
Despite what you’ve been told, abortion is a significant medical and psychological decision. You need to talk with your health care provider before choosing this option.
Schedule an appointment with The Open Door for a pre-abortion screening. Our professional medical staff and advocates will walk you through every step of the screening. We want you to have as much information as possible. Here’s what we’ll provide:
- A review of your pregnancy symptoms
- Free professional pregnancy testing, even if you’ve taken an at-home test
- A complimentary ultrasound scan to determine if the pregnancy is viable (living and likely to continue) and how far along you are. All ultrasounds are performed by our certified nurses
- An options consultation with your personal advocate to discuss your situation
All of our pregnancy services are offered to you at no cost.
Types Of Abortions
There are two main types of abortion, medical and surgical. Which procedure the abortion provider uses depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy. This is best determined by an ultrasound. The cost for an ultrasound at most abortion clinics in Texas is between $100 and $150. At The Open Door, we offer ultrasounds at no cost.
Medical Abortion
Most women have heard about the abortion pill, which is a medical abortion method. Because it’s called the abortion pill, you’d think you take one pill and you’re done, but it’s actually two powerful drugs taken over 24-48 hours.
You can only have a medical abortion if you are less than ten weeks pregnant. A free ultrasound at The Open Door can determine how far along you are in your pregnancy.
It’s important to be aware of the possible side effects and risks associated with a medical abortion. Here are a few:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by a surgical abortion
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Abdominal cramping
- Infection
- Fever lasting longer than 24 hours
- Digestive system discomfort, diarrhea
Surgical Abortion
There are different types of surgical abortions depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Up to 14 weeks, a D & C would likely be performed. This procedure requires a suctioning (or vacuum) device. At fifteen weeks and up, you may have a D & E, which involves the vacuum, scraping the lining of the uterus, and using forceps to remove the pregnancy.
Because surgical abortion is more extensive, so are the possible side effects and risks. Here are a few:
- Bleeding, including blood clots
- Intense cramping
- Potential for uterine perforation
- Infection with fever, abdominal pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling faint, sweating
Is Abortion Right For You?
Only you know if abortion is the answer for your pregnancy. We want you to be aware there is more than one option. You have the right to be informed. Whether you choose abortion, adoption, or parenting, we want you to be able to make a confident, empowered decision about your pregnancy. Schedule an appointment with us or call our after-hours 24-hour chatline at (800) 712-4357.
Sources:
“How Much Does an Ultrasound Cost in Texas?” How Much Does an Ultrasound Cost in Texas? | Best Rate: $150, https://affordablescan.com/ultrasound/cost/texas.
“Medical Abortion.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 29 July 2022, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687.
“Dilation and Curettage (D&C).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 19 Oct. 2021, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dilation-and-curettage/about/pac-20384910.
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E), Kaiser Permanente, https://wa.kaiserpermanente.org/kbase/topic.jhtml?docId=tw2462.