Here is some information to consider about Abortion Clinics before you make the decision to visit an abortion clinic:
Know the possible Abortion Risks.
From the thousands of women now working in the pregnancy care arena who have had abortions, we know that abortion has physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological risks.
Get a blood or urine pregnancy test to confirm you are really pregnant.
It could be that you are not actually pregnant. We provide a laboratory-quality urine test free of charge as a service to women. A trained client advocate can provide additional information relevant to your situation. All of these services are free and confidential.
Confirm your pregnancy with a doctor who doesn't do abortions.
There have been cases where abortion clinics have provided clients with incorrect information in order to obtain their abortion fee. Carol Everett was an abortion clinic owner who used to provide abortion services in Texas. She testified in Congress that she sold abortions to women who were not pregnant but feared they were. For the best medical input on abortion we recommend you speak with a medical professional that has nothing to gain in your abortion decision. Birth Choice Pregnancy Resource Clinic can provide you with that referral.
Get a free ultrasound.
You may receive a free ultrasound from one of our clinics which will confirm your pregnancy. This ultrasound can tell you how many weeks you are into the pregnancy. In other words, it could be that you are going to miscarry the baby and won’t need the services of an abortion clinic. This service, provided by a nurse or a sonographer, may aid you in making this important decision.
Get the abortion clinics doctor's name that is performing the abortion
If you are seeking an abortion within the jurisdiction of the United States of America, you have certain legal rights. Among them are the right to insist that your abortion be performed by a licensed physician, and the right to insist that this physician carry insurance to protect your interests in case of injury or death.
Abortion is legal in the United States but bad medical care is not. Some women have died as a result of their "safe and legal" abortions. Some have had their bodies hurt to the point that they can no longer have children. If you don't know the abortion clinic’s doctor's name that is doing your abortion, you need to find out. The abortion clinic’s doctor could be counting on you not to hold him accountable for hurting you because many women are afraid to let anyone know about this choice afterwards. Ask for his name and write it down.
Don't sign anything that releases the doctor or the abortion clinic from being responsible for hurting you during the abortion procedure.
Before performing an abortion, some abortion providers insist that all patients sign a statement saying they will not hold the clinic or doctor liable for damages which might occur because of the abortion. Many women have said that they were so upset by the emotion of the day that they signed anything put in front of them in order to "get out and have it done with." If the abortion clinic asks you to sign anything, take your time to read it over. If you don't understand something, ask questions. If you don't understand their answers, push them further. Don't be in a rush because anything you sign could affect you in the future. You can always reschedule your appointment for a later date.
Understand you have rights in an abortion.
You have a right to know all of your options and any other information that might affect your decision, but if you don’t ask for this information, you may forfeit that right. It is against the law for anyone to force you to have an abortion. Not even a husband or parent can require you to undergo an abortion against your will, even if you are a minor (under 18 years old). Pregnancy care centers and clinics like Birth Choice exist to help you in any circumstance. We can help you discuss this choice with those closest to you that are influencing your decision. The law in many states also requires abortion providers to give you information on:
- possible complications,
- the development of the baby
- organizations that provide alternatives to abortion.
Verify that the abortion clinic is clean and sanitary.
Many women report that the general area of the abortion clinic where they had their abortions was unclean, dusty and even smelled bad. Infections can result from unsanitary conditions. If you choose to go to an abortion clinic be sure to question their sanitizing procedures and view the condition of each room to ensure that you are receiving excellent care. If they don't provide sufficient information to determine these conditions, give yourself permission to leave and demand a refund of your money. Infections from unsanitary abortion clinics can lead to infertility and death.
Understand you can change your mind - even at the last minute.
Many women who have experienced abortion relay that they felt they had to go through with the procedure once they had entered the abortion clinic. Others say that they waited on the abortion table to be "rescued" by their boyfriend at the last minute. Some clinics even told the women that they couldn't get their money back if they changed their mind.
Abortion clinics know that this is an agonizing decision and sometimes see women change their mind at the last minute because, as they say, "I simply can't do this!" Know your rights. Don't be pressured or intimidated. If you decide to cancel the abortion procedure, demand your money back.
Understand that the baby is not a "blob of tissue".
Some abortion clinics tell women that their babies are not human at all but simply a "blob of tissue" or a "dot". For many, it is easier to have an abortion if they believe their child isn't yet human. Ultrasound photos show that at early stages of pregnancy the humanity of the embryo is clearly evident. When some women see these photos after their abortion, they are overwhelmed and grieved that the information the abortion clinic provided was misleading. An ultrasound will reveal the true development of your children. Insist on viewing the ultrasound screen. Visit: Just The Facts too learn more about what a preborn child looks like.
Know you are not alone.
Women who feel like abortion is their only choice often change their minds after visiting a pregnancy care center or clinic and understanding the support services that are available. Birth Choice exists to help you during and after your pregnancy. There is no obstacle too big that can't be overcome with friendship and support.
