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.

How Will an Abortion Affect Me Physically?

Feeling overwhelmed or unsure if you’re unexpectedly pregnant is normal. However, when considering the option of abortion, you’ll want to weigh all possible risks and side effects. 

Read on to better understand what to expect if you choose an abortion procedure so you can make an informed decision.

What Are Common Side Effects?

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortions require in-clinic surgery while you are under anesthesia.

The length of the process (including exam, recovery, etc.) can range, depending on the health provider’s recommendation, from a few hours to one or two days (but does not require overnight stays). Possible side effects after the procedure are cramping and mild bleeding or spotting. 

Medical Abortion

A medical abortion involves taking two different drugs to end and expel the pregnancy.

The most common side effects of a medical abortion are cramping and bleeding. This is caused by the medication working to end the pregnancy and expel the uterine lining and pregnancy-related tissue from your body. Bleeding and spotting can occur for up to 30 days after taking the drugs.

What Are the Health Risks?

Potential Risks of Surgical Abortion

Risks of surgical abortion may include the following:

• Tissue remaining in the uterus
• Injury to the cervix
• A hole in the wall of the uterus (uterine perforation)
• Moderate to severe vaginal bleeding
• Infection

Possible Risks of Medical Abortion

The following risks are associated with medical abortion:

• Incomplete abortion (may need to be followed by surgical abortion)
• An ongoing pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
• Heavy/prolonged bleeding
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort
• Infection

Potential Risks for Future Health

While abortion can have immediate health risks, it can impact your future health and wellbeing.

• A 2013 study found that women who have had abortions are more than twice as likely to have a very early preterm delivery in future pregnancies.
• Infants who are born prematurely have a low survival rate. 
• Surgical abortion may scar the uterine lining, which could impact future fertility.
• One study discovered that women who had undergone abortions had higher rates of mental health issues. 

Next Steps

At First Care, we offer free and confidential pregnancy services, such as pregnancy tests and ultrasounds. These important resources can provide you with key details that may impact your decision and determine your eligibility for an abortion. We are here to offer you support in a warm, caring environment. Contact us today!

I’ve Already Had an Abortion and Don’t Want Another One. What Are My Options?

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and don’t want an abortion, you have other choices: adoption and parenting. Read on to learn more about these options. Or, if you want to talk to someone in person about your pregnancy, contact First Care to speak with one of our caring team members. You’re not alone in this!

Adoption

If you are considering making an adoption plan, it is important to understand all of your available options within this process. As the biological parent, you call the shots, so you can create an adoption plan that best fits your situation. 

Your options include:

• Open Adoption– This means that there is open communication between you and the adoptive family and child. This communication can happen in person or via phone, email, or video chat. You also get to set the pace of the communication, which means you can have as little or as much contact as you desire.
  
• Semi-Open Adoption– Similar to open adoption, communication can occur between you and the adoptive family and child, but this communication will be mediated by a third party (usually the adoption agency).
• Closed Adoption– This means that you will not have any communication with the adoptive family or child, and they won’t know anything about you (except for limited medical information).

If you’re interested in adoption, it’s essential to speak with a licensed adoption agency to learn all you can about the process. Adoption can be highly rewarding but also emotionally difficult. 

At First Care, we have our in house adoption agency New Life Adoptions and we have partnerships with local adoption agencies. We can refer you to them to have all your questions answered. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential appointment. 

Parenting

Parenting is another option that’s available for your pregnancy. While babies don’t come with an instruction manual, there are several key questions you can ask yourself to evaluate if this is the best option for you:

• Do I have a support system in place if I were to raise my baby?
• Where will my baby and I live?
• Is there a way to further my education or career goals if I have a baby?
• Am I willing to co-parent with my partner if he wants to be involved? 

These may seem like many questions and details to consider, but you don’t need to know the answers right away! Talking to someone about this option and researching resources in your community can help you gather a clearer picture of what this choice might look like in your life.

At First Care, we offer parental education classes through our Every Family program that can help you feel more prepared to parent.

Next Steps

Ready to talk through your options in a safe, compassionate environment? At First Care, we offer free appointments where you can look over options, ask questions, and learn about local resources that are available to you.

We are here to walk beside you on this journey. Contact us today!

How Will Abortion Affect Me Mentally?

If you are considering an abortion, an informed decision means you need to understand the emotional and physical risks.

While the exact connection between abortion and mental health is unknown, experts on both sides of the abortion debate agree that “abortion is consistently associated with elevated rates of mental illness.”

Each woman’s journey is different, but you should consider looking more into this procedure’s possible mental side effects. 

What Do Some Women Experience After Abortion?

The National Library of Medicine Study states that “at least some women do have significant mental health issues that are caused, triggered, aggravated, or complicated by their abortion experience.”

Mental health is a vague term that can cover a lot of different symptoms; however, its scope can range from depression to PTSD or even suicidal behavior.

What Are the Common Abortion Side Effects?

While it’s important to understand the possible mental health side effects of abortion, you’ll want to make sure you are aware of the possible physical side effects as well.

Surgical

Surgical abortion requires an in-person visit to a clinic. The procedure is performed while the patient is under anesthesia. According to the Mayo Clinic, common side effects may last a few days and can include: 

• Mild cramping
• Spotting or light bleeding

Medication

A medication abortion requires two series of drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. One ends the pregnancy, and the other induces cramping to expel the fetus and pregnancy remnants. 

Bleeding and spotting can occur up to 30 days after the procedure. Other common side effects include: 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Headache

Options Counseling

Now that you know more about how abortion can affect you physically and mentally, you may still have questions or wonder about the next step. 

At First Care, we offer options consultations where you can learn more about your pregnancy options and receive evidence-based information in a confidential, compassionate environment.

We empower you to make a decision you feel good about. Contact us today!

I Don’t Want to Be Pregnant. Is Abortion My Only Option?

Unplanned pregnancies bring many questions and new circumstances that can be overwhelming. If you are unsure if abortion is the best choice, the other options are adoption and parenting.

Parenting involves raising your child yourself, while adoption allows you to place your child in a family that can provide a loving and stable environment.

Both options have their rewards and challenges, and it is essential to carefully consider the opportunities or disadvantages of each before making a decision. 

Parenting

You may have quickly ruled out parenting as a choice for you but you owe it to yourself to evaluate parenting as rigorously as any other option. Some questions to consider are:

• Who is my support system? 
• How would this affect my short and long-term career and education goals?
• Is my partner someone I could respectfully co-parent with?
• What would childcare look like?

The good news is that you don’t have to figure these answers out alone. Many couples who are trying to get pregnant suddenly feel ill-equipped when they find they are expecting!

At First Care, we are here to walk beside you and help find and provide support and resources to equip you to make the best pregnancy decision. 

Adoption

One of the best things about making an adoption plan is that you have complete control over the details. Whether you continue to have a relationship with the child and their adoptive family or you want your information kept completely confidential, it’s 100% up to you.

The information below summarizes the typical adoption methods: 

• Open Adoption– You have a relationship with the child and adoptive family. This makes up the majority of adoptions.
• Closed Adoption– You do not have a relationship with the child or adoptive family, and details about you cannot be disclosed.
• Semi-Open Adoption– You communicate through the adoption agency of your choice to exchange non-identifying information with the adoptive parents. 

The majority of adoptions are open because most women want to keep some sort of relationship with their child, but it’s important that you only do what’s best for you. 

Schedule an Appointment

Now that you have a better idea of your options, you may still have questions. We hope you do because that is what we are here for! We recommend that you schedule a no-cost options consultation with us so that you can process, ask questions, and learn what local resources are available for each option. 

We are here to walk beside you and provide answers and support. Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential appointment!