Author: Austin Choose Life

How Do I Tell My Parents I’m Pregnant?

No matter your age, it can be daunting to share the news about an unplanned pregnancy with your parents. Because there’s no way to be 100% sure what their reaction will be, it can be difficult to prepare for such an unpredictable conversation.

However, there are steps that you can take to prepare yourself with information and resources so that you can share the news with confidence.

You can read further for practical steps about how to deliver the news of your pregnancy to your parents. 

Confirm Your Pregnancy

Before you tell them, you’ll want to be positive that you are in fact pregnant. At a minimum, avoid relying on common symptoms by taking an at-home pregnancy test at least one day after your first missed period. 

At First Care, we offer free lab-quality pregnancy testing that can be accurate as early as three weeks after the first day of your last period.

Prepare Yourself

After receiving a positive pregnancy test, it’s crucial to allow yourself time to process the news and come to terms with it. Remember, you are not obligated to share this information right away with anyone else.

If you have someone besides your parents whom you can trust, it may be helpful to reach out to them first to have someone to talk to and to process the news with.

Try to think ahead of questions they might ask, such as the pregnancy’s gestational age and viability, or more logistical questions, such as which pregnancy path you would like to choose. 

Consider utilizing First Care’s options counseling sessions, which provide an opportunity to educate yourself on all possible pregnancy outcomes, or to process any barriers that you may be facing in the midst of your pregnancy.

Remember to be kind and compassionate towards yourself, treating yourself with the same grace and patience you would extend to a friend facing a similar situation.

Next Steps

At First Care, we provide free, confidential services such as options counseling, pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and parenting support through our Every Family program.

During an ultrasound, we can help you gather important details like the pregnancy’s gestational age, location, and viability. 

During an options counseling appointment, you can ask questions and discuss the options you are interested in exploring before you choose to deliver the news to your parents.

We can ensure you are equipped with the right information to confidently share the news with your parents. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Is Abortion Recovery Difficult?

The recovery time or difficulty of most medical procedures varies greatly from person to person.

This includes women who have abortions. Your recovery time will depend on whether or not you experience a complication, either physical or mental.

If you’re currently recovering from an abortion or considering an abortion, make an appointment to talk with a caring team member. We’re here to support you.

What Types of Abortion Are Available?

There are two main types of abortion: medical and surgical.

A medical abortion is done by taking two drugs hours or days apart, and a surgical abortion is performed in a doctor’s office, hospital, or clinic using surgical instruments and suction.

Are There Risks with Both Types of Abortion?

Yes, both have their own risks and side effects. However, the effects vary with each individual.

Medical Abortion

The physical side effects of a medical abortion include vaginal bleeding, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, and headache.

Sometimes, these symptoms will stop once the contents of the uterus have passed. However, women should seek medical assistance if they continue to worsen.

In some cases, you may have an incomplete abortion, causing infection. When this occurs, a surgical procedure may need to be performed. You may need to take antibiotics.

After a medical abortion, you may have light to moderate bleeding for several weeks. You would need to monitor your bleeding to ensure it’s not heavy and doesn’t require medical treatment.

Surgical Abortion

The side effects of a surgical abortion include mild cramping and spotting or light bleeding.

If you don’t experience any complications, you will be able to resume normal activities within days. However, experiencing a complication can lead to a longer recovery time.

As with a medical abortion, fetal contents can remain in the uterus. This could lead to infection.

There is also a risk of the wall of the uterus being perforated (when a surgical instrument pokes a hole). Scar tissue can also develop in the uterus (Asherman’s syndrome), or there can be damage to the cervix.

In these cases, a follow-up procedure might be necessary. An infection would also require treatment.

Are There Emotional Side Effects With Abortion?

According to a compilation of different studies of women who have aborted, certain circumstances can make negative mental health impacts more likely. They are:

• If the woman feels pressured to abort
• If the woman has maternal desires that she’s not paying attention to or ignoring
• If the woman has existing mental health problems
• If the woman has conflicting moral beliefs

What Can We Do For You?

At First Care, our experienced medical team can provide a free lab-quality pregnancy test and ultrasound. We will also give information on all your options.

If you have had an abortion and you suffer physical or emotional consequences, please contact us. We would love to meet with you.

If you think you might be pregnant, please call or text us today!

What Can I Do if My Partner Doesn’t Support My Pregnancy?

You’re the only one who can decide what’s best for you and your pregnancy. Legally, only you can choose what to do with your pregnancy, meaning that it is illegal for anyone to coerce you into having an abortion.

If you’re feeling pressured by your partner to make a decision that you are not comfortable with, it’s important to reach out for help. Organizations like First Care can provide both practical and emotional support.

When meeting with one of our trained client care staff, you can ask questions, explore your options, and learn which local resources are available to you.

If your partner is emotionally absent or is attempting to pressure you into having an abortion, you can read this article for practical tips regarding how to move forward.

Be Informed

When facing a lack of support or opposition from your partner related to your pregnancy decision, it’s essential to be informed while making your decision. When you gather information from reliable sources that have your best interest in mind, you can be confident that you have all you need to make an educated decision.

Parenting

If you wish to continue with your pregnancy, the choice to parent your child is always available to you. Embracing parenthood in the face of an unplanned pregnancy has been found to be a fulfilling and rewarding path for many women.

While managing obligations like school or tight finances, you may feel unprepared or overwhelmed by the idea of parenting. The good news is that there are many resources for single parents balancing finances or their education with their new role.

At First Care, we’re dedicated to helping you feel confident in your decision. Our assistance extends beyond your pregnancy by providing ongoing support well into your parenting journey. If you choose parenting, we can connect you with valuable community resources as you prepare for birth, as well as material support and parenting classes through our Every Family program.

Adoption

Did you know that adoption can look many different ways between families? Depending on your level of comfort, you can make an adoption plan that discloses as much or as little information about you to the adoptive family as you’d like.

Most adoptions in the US are considered “open adoptions”, meaning that there is ongoing contact between the birth mother and the adoptive family. Many women enjoy maintaining relationships with their children through visits, pictures, or letters, but you get to decide what an adoption plan would look like for you and your child.

Abortion

An abortion requires terminating your pregnancy. If your partner is pressuring you to have an abortion, he may not have a clear understanding of all the available choices.

When considering your options, evaluating the immediate medical effects and potential long-term impact on your mental well-being is important.

While you don’t have to explain yourself to your partner, knowing the complete physical and emotional impacts of an abortion will help you if you are having an ongoing discussion about your options.

You’re Not Alone

Dealing with an unexpected pregnancy without your partner’s support can feel lonely and overwhelming, but you are not alone!

At First Care, we provide emotional support and free practical resources such as lab-quality pregnancy tests, STI testing, and ultrasounds.

Depending on your decision, we can also connect you to parenting and adoption resources. Contact us today to schedule a no-cost appointment where you can get the information you need. You deserve to feel supported!

Traveling Out of State for an Abortion: Is it Difficult?

Suppose you are unexpectedly pregnant in a state that either restricts abortion or bans it entirely. In that case, you may be exploring the option of abortion tourism: traveling to a state with fewer abortion regulations for an abortion procedure.

The news that you’re pregnant can already be emotionally taxing, so the effort to travel out of state can add additional emotional and financial hurdles. Read the rest of these articles to assess whether this decision is right for you.

Verify Your Pregnancy

You will first want to gather more details about your pregnancy to identify which procedure you will qualify for.

The most basic test you’ll want to conduct is a pregnancy test. After that, an ultrasound is recommended to gather important pregnancy information such as the viability, location, and age.

Details like the age of the pregnancy inform you if you’re eligible for a surgical or medication abortion. The location of the pregnancy will alert you to any possible health complications, like an ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate medical intervention.

At First Care, we offer free ultrasounds where we’ll review your medical history and help connect you with local resources.

How Much Does Traveling Out of State for an Abortion Cost? 

If you’re considering traveling to Minnesota for an abortion, here are a few factors you will want to consider:
Will I drive or fly?

• How much should I estimate for gas or a plane ticket?
• How many nights should I plan to stay at a hotel?
  

Your stay will likely depend on whether you’re getting a medication or surgical abortion, which can have different procedural and recovery periods.

In addition to transportation and lodging costs, the procedure can cost $500 out of pocket if you’re getting a medication abortion. If the gestational age is past 10 weeks, you’ll need a surgical abortion, which can cost several thousand dollars.

What Should I Do Before an Abortion?

The good news is that you don’t have to search further to get the answers you need. If you are already in the state, we offer free pregnancy services such as pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STI tests and treatment, and more.

At First Care, we help you get answers and resources in a safe, supportive environment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

3 Things to Know Before Going Out of State for an Abortion

Minnesota’s state constitution protects abortion. If you are in a state with restrictive abortion laws, you might be considering traveling to this state for a procedure.

No matter your situation, having an unplanned pregnancy can take an emotional and physical toll even before considering options like traveling out of state. Make sure to confirm the following details to make an informed decision.

Confirm Your Pregnancy Status

Don’t rely on common pregnancy symptoms. Confirm your pregnancy with a reliable pregnancy test before making plans. These are available at any local drugstore or pregnancy center (often at no cost to you).

If you get a positive test, this does not guarantee that your pregnancy is still viable. Pregnancy tests have reactive strips to detect hCG levels. If you’ve recently had a miscarriage, there may still be detectable levels.

Up to 26% of pregnancies end in natural miscarriage, so you’ll want to confirm its viability even if you have a positive test. An ultrasound can confirm whether or not the pregnancy is viable.

Clarify Your Pregnancy’s Location

An ultrasound can tell you not only if the pregnancy is still viable but it can alert you to certain health complications, such as an ectopic pregnancy.

An ectopic pregnancy means that it is located outside of the uterus, often in the fallopian tube, and can cause a tubal rupture. This issue is a severe medical concern that requires immediate medical attention. An abortion cannot treat this. 

Know Your Pregnancy’s Age

In addition to alerting you to the pregnancy’s viability and location, knowing the gestational age will affect which abortion procedures you might be eligible for.

For example, a medication abortion is only FDA-approved before ten weeks (70 days) gestational age, which may factor into any plans you make for traveling out of state.

Schedule Pregnancy Services 

No matter where you are, we are here to help. If you’re already in the state for an abortion or considering it, we offer free, confidential options consultations as well as local services like lab-quality pregnancy tests and ultrasounds. 

Traveling out of state for an abortion can have steep emotional and physical costs, so we are here to help you feel equipped to make a confident decision in a compassionate, judgment-free environment.

You are not alone. Contact us today to schedule an appointment! 

Abortion Tourism: Is it Difficult?

If you are considering an abortion but live in a state with restrictive abortion laws, you may explore the abortion tourism option.

Abortion tourism means that someone travels out of state for a surgical or medical abortion due to their state’s laws restricting abortion. Many factors affect this decision, so keep reading to understand all of the facts you’ll want to know and understand before going this route.

Plan Ahead

As you evaluate your options, you’ll want to know for sure how many days you’ll be traveling and what that state’s current restrictions are. For example, some states require a waiting period before you are able to undergo an abortion procedure so you want to make sure you have the right timeline. 

Currently, there is no longer a waiting period in Minnesota.

Understand the Risks and Costs

In addition to knowing how many days you’ll be out of state (as well as how many days you may need to recover once you’re back home), you’ll want to understand the cost of an abortion and any potential medical risks. 

For medical abortions the risks can include:

• Incomplete abortion–likely requiring a follow-up surgical abortion
• An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort 

The potential risks of surgical abortion are:

• Perforation of the uterus
• Damage to the cervix
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall
• Infection
• Heavy bleeding
• Cramping

Cost is also a factor to consider. You’ll want to figure out the cost of travel, lodging, and the procedure or medication involved.

Lab Quality Pregnancy Test & Ultrasound

If you’re going to make the effort of traveling out of state, you’ll want to do due diligence before you leave with the appropriate health screenings. 

Two highly recommended tests are a lab-quality pregnancy test and an ultrasound—these two screenings make sure you aren’t just relying on common symptoms like a missed period. 

An ultrasound can give important details like the pregnancy’s age (which can affect your eligibility for a medical abortion). It can also alert you to potential health complications such as an ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening if not treated appropriately. 

Know Before You Go

At First Care, we can help you gather all of these facts so you know if abortion tourism is right for you. We offer no-cost pregnancy services such as pregnancy tests and ultrasounds in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. Contact us today to make your appointment!

What is a Medical Abortion?

Using the abortion pill entails ingesting two FDA-approved drugs within the first 10 weeks, mifepristone and misoprostol.

While it may appear a convenient choice, it is vital to gather comprehensive knowledge about medical abortion before deciding.

If you’re trying to determine if a medical abortion is the best option for your unplanned pregnancy, navigating through all the options online can be overwhelming. We have compiled some things you may want to know about medical abortion in this blog.

Keep reading to find out more about the abortion pill, including the risks involved and the health screenings that are recommended before going through with the procedure.

How Does It Work?

After the first medication, mifepristone prevents progesterone from reaching the pregnancy, it will stop developing.

After the pregnancy has ended, misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours after the first medication to induce uterine cramping. Much like when experiencing a natural miscarriage, the uterus must contract to expel the pregnancy remnants. 

What Are the Risks?

Potential risks of medical abortion include:

• Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the pregnancy remain in the uterus
• An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

It’s also essential to ensure you are not taking certain other medications with mifepristone.

What Should I Do Before Starting the Abortion Pill?

Make sure to take a pregnancy test before opting for a medical abortion, rather than solely relying on common symptoms. 

After a positive pregnancy test result, you’ll also want to schedule an ultrasound. This important health screening can provide valuable insights into the age of the pregnancy and its viability (up to 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage). 

Next Steps

First Care offers free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to provide vital information for your decision-making. We can help you read the results and answer your questions in a safe, judgment-free environment. Contact us today!

Do I Have to Tell My Partner I Want an Abortion?

Unplanned pregnancies never come at an ideal time. And if you are confident you don’t want to continue your pregnancy, your first thought might be how this affects your partner.

Legally, you are not obligated to tell your partner you’re pregnant; however, you may choose to share your news with him to build trust and communication in your relationship. The outcome of your pregnancy is not an easy decision; you may wish to have your partner support you as you work through your options.  

Read this article on how to share the news with empathy and confidence. 

Choose the Right Time and Place

Sharing this kind of news will never be easy. Still, you can make the most of the situation by choosing an appropriate time and place to deliver unexpected or emotional information.

Avoid delivering the news in front of a group or during a busy, distracting time. Find a private moment where you and your partner can be fully present; however, choose a public place if you have any reason to fear for your safety.

Give Him Space

Prepare for a range of reactions when you share the news since your partner will likely be as surprised as you might have been. He may need time and space to process the news and decide how he feels about your decision.

It’s essential to allow your partner to share their perspective since the decision will affect both of you. Listen to their input with an open but critical mind, and try to understand their point of view, but no one should pressure you into making a choice you are uncomfortable with. 

To feel more confident in your decision, preparing facts and information that address any potential feedback or questions your partner may have about how you arrived at your conclusion can be helpful.

Schedule a Consultation

​​Remember that the decision to terminate a pregnancy is ultimately yours. Still, it can have significant impacts on your physical and mental health, as well as your relationship with your partner.

At First Care, we offer no-cost options consultations where you (and your partner) can learn more and discuss your options in a confidential, compassionate environment.

If you or your partner want to learn more about options and local resources, contact us today!

My Partner is Pressuring Me to Have an Abortion But I’m Not Sure

When facing an unplanned pregnancy, it can be daunting. If you don’t have a plan, it can be even more alarming because you feel pressured to have a plan of action, or your partner is trying to convince you to have an abortion.

First of all, you are not alone! As you create a pregnancy plan, there are plenty of options and time to investigate each. Read this article for practical steps to help you navigate an unplanned pregnancy with a partner who may have a different preference than you.

Assess the Situation

After you first realize you are pregnant, give yourself some breathing room. You don’t have to solve this situation right away. 

In fact, the more time you give yourself, the more likely you are to make a confident decision that you will feel good about later on because you made it objectively and not out of fear or in a rush. 

As you take your time to process the situation, 

Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself: 

• Is my partner set on abortion and unwilling to learn more about other options?
• Is he demonstrating abusive behavior, such as verbal or physical threats?
• Does he have any support system, such as a trusted friend or family member, to help him process this?
• Do I have a preference for a specific option other than abortion?
• Am I willing to continue with the pregnancy, even without his support?

Your partner may first respond out of fear or anxiety. If this is the case, try giving him space or encouraging him to find support as he lets the news sink in.

But, keeping yourself safe should be number one. If he acts in any way that seems abusive, don’t wait; take steps to protect yourself right away.

At First Care, we offer free consultations for you (and your partner) to learn more about your pregnancy options in a judgment-free environment. 

Get Informed

You and your partner do not have to agree on how to handle the pregnancy because, legally, the choice is up to you.

It’s best to start a fact-finding mission about your pregnancy and explore the advantages and disadvantages of abortion, parenting, and adoption.

At First Care, we offer free health screenings such as pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, where you can learn about your pregnancy’s status, age, and location. 

These details can let you know how far along you are and if your pregnancy is healthy and growing. Once you have the information about your pregnancy and more about your options, you can make a confident decision.

Feel Empowered

After you’re done gathering all the info you need, we offer a safe space for you to talk about what you’ve discovered and get details on local help available for women dealing with unexpected pregnancies.

Whether you and your partner see eye to eye or not, no woman should experience this experience alone. We’re here to back you up and help you make your best choice. Contact us today to set up your options consultation!

Don’t Want Another Abortion?

Deciding to have an abortion can be an emotionally challenging experience, and it is understandable to want to explore other options. There are several alternatives to consider, depending on your personal situation and preferences. Continue reading for more information.

Adoption

Adoption is a rewarding alternative that has multiple benefits. It allows you to keep your freedom while giving a loving and caring couple their dream to grow their family. 

You’re In Control

Did you know that you are in complete control throughout the adoption process and can choose how much (if any) involvement you want in the child’s life. 

Generally, there are three types of adoption scenarios to choose from:

1. Open Adoption: Open communication between you, the child, and the adoptive family
2. Semi-Open: Limited communication (as much or as little as you want) can exist between you and the child, but a third party helps distribute it.
3. Closed Adoption: No communication between you and the child with all records and identifying documents are legally sealed

Financial Assistance

An added benefit is that you can also receive financial assistance when choosing adoption? This frequently includes covering the costs of your medical bills, such as prenatal and postpartum care, and can even help provide maternity clothes, food, housing, and more. 

Parenting

Parenting is another option to consider if you are facing an unexpected pregnancy. 

While you may have concerns about balancing raising a child with work, school, or family obligations, knowing that you are not alone is important. While no one can ever be fully prepared to raise a child, many women have found the support they need from various sources such as work, family, friends, and government assistance. 

With the right support and resources, you can provide for your child and build a fulfilling life as a parent. First Care is here to support and assist with getting you the resources you need as you consider parenting as a viable option. 

I’m Still Not Sure

All options take courage, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed, scared, or even alone, but we’re here for you at First Care.

Contact us today for a free and confidential appointment to answer all your questions and get the information you need to feel comfortable with your decision. We also offer free and confidential pregnancy tests and ultrasounds so you can have more clarity about your pregnancy.