Abortion

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

A complimentary ultrasound scan to determine if the pregnancy is viable (living and likely to continue) and how far along you are.” Because the term viable can mean different things at different stages of pregnancy, we ask that providers please clearly define the term viable as in the pregnancy has not miscarried or is ectopic. Please re word this to say, “A complimentary ultrasound scan to determine if the pregnancy is viable (has not miscarried and is not ectopic) and how far along you are.”

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 (has not miscarried and is not ectopic) 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. At The Open Door, we offer ultrasounds at no cost.

Medical Abortion

You can only have a medical abortion if you are less than ten weeks pregnant.” Please cite the FDA here: Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation | FDA

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), Abortion Care | ACOG.

“Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation.” Abortion Care | ACOG

The nurse told me about the free pregnancy and parenting classes available to me through The Open Door.

My sister brought me to The Open Door. I visited with the nurse and she talked with me about my options. We talked about abortion and the risks involved, about adoption and area adoption agencies, about local support and area resources, physicians, and everything that I would need to know about pregnancy.

I came to The Open Door for an Ultrasound scan a couple of years ago. I was pregnant, scared and planning to have an abortion. I was afraid to tell my parents. My boyfriend and I were not married. We weren’t working and didn’t have our own place to live.