When an abortion is performed by a licensed provider in the United States, it is safe and legal.When you decide to have an abortion, the first thing you need to do is find a provider in your area.The first time you visit, you will meet with a counselor to discuss your medical history and other options.The abortion will usually take place at a second appointment in the next week or so.Learning what to expect, from choosing a medical facility to experiencing the procedure itself, can help inform your decision if you haven't decided for sure that you want to have an abortion.
Step 1: You can find an abortion provider in your area.
A local women's health clinic that provides abortion as well as birth control and other reproductive health services is where someone you know has had an abortion.You can find a list of providers near you on the website of the organization.A list of options will come up if you enter your zip code.If you trust your doctor, you can ask for a referral.It is possible for your doctor to give you contact information for a provider in a hospital or health clinic.Some people are not willing to give referrals.There are advertisements for providers online.Sometimes doctors in this way aren't licensed to provide abortions.Stick with providers you've heard of before or those you know and trust.
Step 2: Ask about the facility's services.
Ask if they perform abortions there, since some women's health centers just give referrals.Before you make your appointment, it's a good idea to write down a list of questions you want to ask, such as how many times you'll need to visit before you can get an abortion, and whether or not you should bring a friend with you.You might want to check out the clinic to make sure you are comfortable.Facilities that are licensed are clean and well-maintained.If something makes you feel uncomfortable, look for a better option.Don't get an abortion in someone's house or in an illegal clinic.If you don't know if the place is legit, ask the abortion provider's name and confirm that he or she is a board-certified obstetrician.
Step 3: Ask about the price.
Pricing varies from $300 to $1,000 for a first trimester abortion.There are different prices for how long you've been pregnant.It can be more expensive to have a late-term abortion.Hospitals charge more than women's health clinics.If you're worried about how to pay for an abortion, there are usually other ways to do so.You don't have to pay the entire cost at once if you use a sliding scale at some clinics.Health insurance can sometimes cover birth control, but not abortion.You can check with your insurance company to find out more.If you don't have insurance, you can get help from an abortion fund.An abortion fund is a group of people that care about reproductive rights and help people who can't afford abortions to pay for the procedure.
Step 4: It is difficult to find a provider in some states.
Many clinics have shut down because of strict laws passed by some states.If you don't have a car, it's hard to get an abortion in a city with a clinic.You still have options if you are in a city without an abortion provider.Determine where the closest clinic is.Even if you don't live in the same state, check out the major cities.If you can arrange transportation and stay with a friend or family member, that would be great.Since most providers require that you come in at least two times, you'll have to do a little extra planning.If there is a program for people in your situation, check it out.Call the clinic and tell them you want the procedure.People who need to travel from out of town can get transportation and housing from reproductive rights groups.
Step 5: Understand the laws of the state.
Different states have different requirements for when and where an abortion can be performed.Some states have passed laws stating that abortions must be performed in a hospital, while others allow it to be done at a separate facility.You will be able to navigate the process more easily if you know the status of abortion in your state.To find out if there are any specific requirements you need to know about, call a local abortion provider.There are different requirements for parental consent in each state.If you're under 18 you may have to get your parents' permission to have an abortion.You can ask a judge to allow you to get an abortion if you don't want to ask your parents.You might be required to get pre-abortion counseling in some states, or to wait a certain amount of time between your first consultation and the abortion appointment.It is illegal to get an abortion after six months of pregnancy in some states.You need to go to another state if you want to get an out-of-state judicial bypass.
Step 6: Don't try it yourself.
The process of getting an abortion, from finding a provider to discussing your options with a counselor to going through the procedure and paying for it, can be intimidating.Some people are tempted to end their pregnancies on their own, so they don't have to tell anyone else.This is a dangerous thing to do, and should not be considered.Self-abortions can lead to injury and death.In places where abortion is illegal, they are the most common.Legal abortions are one of the most common procedures done in the US, and are extremely safe when performed in a clean facility by a licensed provider.More than one-third of adult women have had at least one abortion.
Step 7: Make an appointment with your doctor.
An appointment will take place in the next few days when you call the provider you chose.On the day of the appointment, you'll talk with a counselor, take a pregnancy test and discuss your options.You will be asked to fill out some paperwork.To get the right kind of care, make sure to answer the questions honestly.At any time, you can change your mind.If you feel like you'd rather not have an abortion, you can absolutely decide against it.
Step 8: Decide what type of abortion to have.
Depending on how long you've been pregnant, the available options will be different.Your counselor will help you figure it out.The procedure is safe and effective.Aspiration is the most common type of abortion procedure, and can be had through the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.You'll be given an examination that will allow you to stay awake the whole time.A tube is inserted into the uterus and a device is used to remove the fetus.It takes 10 minutes.Dilation and evacuation is done after the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.The medication dilates the cervix and a device is used to remove the fetus.The procedure takes 10 to 20 minutes, not counting the time it takes to prepare the cervix.The abortion pill can be used for a first trimester abortion.In a chemical abortion, you're giving two types of medication, one that encourages the lining of the uterus to break down and the other that causes it to empty.A follow-up appointment is recommended.
Step 9: Make a plan for the procedure.
If you can get there a few minutes early, the appointment won't run behind.Depending on how long you have to wait, you can spend anywhere from two to four hours at the facility.You'll spend an hour or so recovering before you leave, if you get an abortion, which is most of the time.You might want to bring a friend to stay with you at the facility.At your first appointment, you were given instructions on how to prepare for the abortion.During the two hours prior to the abortion, you should not eat or drink, and you shouldn't use alcohol after midnight.You might not have as much energy the rest of the day.On the day of your appointment, plan to take it easy.It's possible to take a day off of work or schedule the procedure for a weekend so you have time to rest.
Step 10: Follow the instructions.
Instructions on how to care for yourself after an abortion will be given to you.Within a few hours, you'll experience light to moderate bleeding and light cramping.You will be told to get medical attention if the bleeding continues.You can take a shower as soon as you want if you follow your doctor's instructions.If you were told to do so, go in for the appointment.
Step 11: When you're making a decision, talk to people you trust.
As you weigh your options, it's important to get support.It's helpful to have people you trust talk about your feelings after the procedure.You are not alone in this.Discuss it with people who have been through it before.If you can't talk to your family, seek help.You can contact a counselor at your school or a health facility staffed with people who understand.You can call a hotline if you want to discuss your situation with someone.
Step 12: There areCrisis Pregnancy Centers.
These centers are often advertised in places where you can find lists of abortion providers, but they are run by groups that don't believe that women should have abortions.They offer free pregnancy tests and sonograms to encourage people to come in.Counselors try to convince women not to have an abortion.It's a good idea to speak with a counselor about all your options, but be aware that there are people who might try to sway you.myths about abortion will be spread by crisis pregnancy centers.Post abortion syndrome, increased cancer risk, and inability to start a family in the future are some of the myths that can be found on their website.
Step 13: You should be aware of the political side of abortion.
The topic of abortion is extremely controversial in the United States, so it's the subject of heated political and religious debates on a daily basis.There are groups of people who are against abortion who hold protests outside of abortion clinics.The decision to have an abortion is a personal one, but you may get feedback on your choice from other people.Be prepared to see protesters at the clinic.They may be holding graphic signs and trying to convince you not to go in.Many clinics have volunteer escort who will walk with you from the parking lot to the reception area so you don't have to face the protesters on your own.Do not accept food or water from a protester.You won't be able to get an abortion if you eat or drink.The person is trying to stop the procedure against your will.You should be prepared to deal with people who disagree with the decision.Some friends or family members don't think you should have an abortion.
Step 14: If you need help after the abortion, get it.
Women who have an abortion experience mixed feelings.You could feel relief, anger, guilt, or sadness.After a while, the emotions become less sharp.It's possible that you're ready to go back to normal life without discussing your experience.Talking to a counselor is a good way to discuss your experience and work through your emotions.Exhale is a talk line that offers emotional support after an abortion.It is your right to have an abortion, no matter what.Only you can make the decision about your health.In the United States, abortion is legal and safe.