It can be hard to decide whether or not to end a pregnancy.Only you can make the decision to have an abortion for yourself.You can talk to your doctor about what you want to do, but don't feel coerced into it.You can understand abortion laws and procedures by doing your own research and reflecting on your lifestyle and values.
Step 1: Look at your doctor.
If you have confirmed you are pregnant with a test, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.They can tell you about your options.You should not be pressured by your doctor.They should let you know what options are available to you.Prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor if you decide to have an abortion.Your doctor can help you talk to someone about an abortion, even if you feel embarrassed or shy.For a reason that doesn't directly pertain to your health, consider looking for another doctor if you feel pressured by the doctor to not have an abortion.
Step 2: Understand how you can protect your privacy.
You don't need to tell anyone about your decision to have an abortion if you are an adult.You may want to tell a trusted friend or family member about the procedure.If you are under 18 and wish to have an abortion, you may have to get a parent's permission or inform a judge before you can have the procedure.Most states have parental notification laws.Know the policies of your state.
Step 3: Information about abortion problems should be clear.
There is a lot of misinformation about abortion because of its controversial nature.Do your research.Talk to your doctor.Look for information in government publications.It's a good idea to use caution when doing online research.It's a good idea to look out for any website that seems to push a pro-life agenda.Know that abortion is safe.Only a small percentage of abortions have problems.Know that abortions don't cause breast cancer.An uncomplicated abortion will not cause problems in the future.There are no mental health issues that will be caused by abortion.Some women find themselves having a harder time following an abortion due to their mental health conditions or lack of a support network.
Step 4: Are you eligible for an abortion?
From the first day of the woman's last period, medical abortions can be done up to ten weeks.Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and prescribe drugs after that.If you are willing to go through with a medical abortion, you will first have to take the drug mifepristone, which blocks your body's production of progesterone, a hormone necessary for pregnant women.The uterus will empty after you take the misoprostol.Within 4-5 hours of taking the medication, you will have heavy bleeding.Once this is done, you will need to see your doctor to make sure your body has expelled all of the tissue.It's necessary to follow up to make sure the pregnancy was successfully expelled.Failure to expel the pregnant woman could lead to serious problems.The benefits of a medical abortion are that it can be done at home and early in the pregnancy, as soon as you know you are pregnant.There are risks of incomplete abortion.You would need a surgical abortion if it's true.
Step 5: A surgical abortion is research.
If you are under 14-16 weeks pregnant, a surgical abortion can be performed.A small tube is inserted into the uterus to remove the fetus.The procedure takes a few minutes.Most of the time spent in the clinic or doctor's office will be spent waiting for pain/relaxation medication to begin to work, as well as dilating your cervix to create an opening large enough for the suction tube to fit through.Your cervix may be dilated with metal rods of increasing thickness, medication, or dilators that expand through fluid absorption.You will need at least an hour to recover from your procedure.You may be asked to make another appointment.If you are more than 16 weeks pregnant, you will have a procedure called a D&E.It requires more time and equipment than the aspiration abortion.You will have a slower recovery than with an abortion.
Step 6: Take a moment to look at your situation.
Think about what's going on in your life right now and consider how a baby would affect it.You may want to think on your own.Consider your finances.Is it possible to have a baby and raise it?Think about your views on abortion.If you don't feel comfortable with abortion, would you put the baby up for adoption?Think about your health.Is being pregnant harmful to your body or mental state?Is it possible to handle the emotional and physical impact of an abortion?Think about your support network.Who would be in charge of raising the child?The father of the baby would be involved.Who would be there to support you if you had an abortion?
Step 7: Discuss your feelings with friends.
Talk to your partner, loved ones, or friends who you know will not judge or influence your decision.When dealing with an unwanted baby, many women feel alone.It is possible to feel less isolated by talking to trustworthy members of your support network.If the father is present in your life, you may want to talk to him about what he wants to do.You don't need his permission to get an abortion.You may want to not tell him if you feel he may pressure you.Don't let anyone tell you what to do.If your friend tells you that they will not be friends with you if you have an abortion, please don't put pressure on them.Talk to someone who has had an abortion.If you know of anyone who has had an abortion, you should ask them how they feel about it.Are you comfortable talking about your abortion?I would like to ask you a few questions about it.I don't know what to do while I'm pregnant.
Step 8: Talk to a professional.
Counseling services may be available from your doctor, family planning clinic, or community health agency.Make sure the counseling services you get are nonjudgmental, unbiased and don't try to push the woman towards one option or another.If you receive any names or agencies, do your research to make sure they are not biased.Look for any affiliations that are questionable to you.Understand that any agency or counselor will help you explore your options.If you feel pressured to make a decision, find someone else to talk to.
Step 9: It's a good idea to make a timely decision.
You need to make a decision quickly if you are considering abortion.The easier your procedure will be, the more you want to be certain of your decision.There are more options available.You can't get an abortion after 24 weeks if the baby is a risk to the mother's health.
Step 10: Make a list of things you want to do.
If you don't know what to do, you may want to write a list of pros and cons.You may be able to reach a decision more quickly if you see your thoughts and feelings on paper.No matter how big or small the positives and negatives are, write them down.You should compare your lists.If you know you aren't ready to be a parent, you may want to consider just two options: parenting, abortion, or adoption.
Step 11: The next step is to take.
Take your next steps after you have made a decision.If you choose to continue with the pregnancy, you will still want to see a doctor as soon as possible.If you decide to have an abortion, schedule it as soon as possible.You should keep in mind that you may need to travel to a clinic, and that some states have mandatory waiting periods as well.If you need to pay for an abortion, consider your financial needs.If you are planning to continue the pregnancy, you need to make sure that you don't smoke, drink, or use drugs, and you take a prenatal vitamins that include folic acid, which is necessary for a developing fetus.
Step 12: Determine how you want to use birth control.
Discuss your future birth control needs with your provider at your next appointment.Speak to your doctor about the options that are best for you.You can have an IUD inserted at the time of your abortion procedure if you decide to do so.You should check with your doctor about this option.It doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections.Discuss with your sex partner what protection you want to take going forward.