Author: Austin Choose Life

Does the Overturning of Roe v. Wade Affect MN?

With the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, people are asking a lot of questions about whether abortion is now legal in all 50 states of the U.S. A lot of opinions have been shared as well, leading to misinformation about what is legal and what is not. 

If you’re overwhelmed by the opinions or stories that you see in the news or on social media, read the rest of this article to learn how this affects you locally in the state of Minnesota.

What It Means that Roe v. Wade Was Overturned

The importance of Roe v. Wade in 1973 was that it ruled that a woman’s right to an abortion was protected by the U.S. Constitution. 

This was challenged and overturned in the recent Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health case. This means that abortion is no longer a federally protected right. This means that each of the 50 states will decide if abortion is legal or not in their own state. 

Does Minnesota Currently Grant Abortion Access? 

Minnesota has its own state laws regarding abortion. Currently, abortion is legal in our state up to the point of viability (meaning the fetus can live outside of the womb). This is usually later than 20 weeks into the pregnancy.

Will This Limit Women’s Access to Healthcare?

Outside of abortion, the Supreme Court decision does not affect pregnant women. Treatments for high-risk pregnancies, stillbirths, and ectopic pregnancies will still be available to those in need. 

What Happens Next?

Abortion access in Minnesota is not being restricted because of the recent ruling. However, it’s important to receive an ultrasound before deciding to get an abortion. 

This is because it is possible you could take a medication abortion too late (they are only FDA approved for up to 10 weeks). Without an ultrasound, it’s also impossible to identify if you are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy (which happens to 1 in 50 pregnancies)

First Care offers no-cost ultrasounds as well as other services (such as pregnancy tests and pregnancy support) and even post-abortion care. 

We are here to offer resources and support to any pregnant woman in need, so please contact us today to schedule your appointment! 

What Are the Mental Health Effects from Abortion?

Mental health effects after an abortion are not uncommon. With the serious procedure of abortion comes risks and side effects, some that are momentary and some long-lasting. 

Some mental effects of abortion could include depression, anxiety, or emotions like loss or grief. In this blog, we will discuss the potential effects of abortion and the symptoms to look out for.

What is Abortion?

There are two main types of abortion: medical abortion and surgical abortion. Abortion works to end an existing pregnancy, whether through a more in-depth surgical procedure or with medication. 

Each type has its risks to your mental health as well as physical risks. According to the Mayo Clinic and MedlinePlus, potential physical risks to abortion include incomplete abortion, infection, heavy/prolonged bleeding, damage to the cervix, and more.

The Mental Health Effects Of Abortion

According to the National Institute of Health, women with a history of abortion do experience “elevated rates of mental illness” compared to women who haven’t had an abortion. 

Another study done by TFMHA concluded their study with “it is clear that some women do experience sadness, grief, and feelings of loss following termination of a pregnancy, and some experience clinically significant disorders, including depression and anxiety.”

Some women experience a range of emotions after an abortion. Here are symptoms of Post Abortion Stress that you could experience…

• Generalized guilt
• Generalized anxiety
• Denial and repression
• Depression
• Regret and Remorse
• Flashbacks
• Specific or generalized sense of grief and loss

Learn More Today 

To navigate an unplanned pregnancy, you will first need to confirm how far along you are, learn your viability, and the location of your pregnancy. Confirm your pregnancy today with our free lab-quality urine pregnancy testing and an ultrasound.

Schedule a free and confidential appointment with us today to learn more about your pregnancy choices. Same-day appointments are available!

You are not alone.

What Is the Difference Between a Blood and Urine Pregnancy Test?

Are you experiencing a missed period, nausea, frequent urination, or moodiness? These are common symptoms that may point to pregnancy. Maybe you’re wondering what kind of pregnancy test to take. The main difference between a blood and urine pregnancy test is how they are done and where. Keep reading to learn more.

Different Types of Pregnancy Tests

There are two main types of pregnancy tests: urine pregnancy tests and blood pregnancy tests.

A urine test is taken at home and followed up with a medical professional while a medical center performs blood pregnancy tests.

Urine Pregnancy Tests

You may have already taken an at-home urine pregnancy test. This is the most common type, which measures hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your urine. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should take an at-home test at least one week after your missed period for the most accurate results.

At-home urine pregnancy tests are 99% effective and are very easy to use. When taking a urine test, you will place a couple of drops on a strip or place the strip in the urine stream. Then you will wait a couple of minutes, up to 10 minutes, for the results depending on the type of test.

Blood Pregnancy Tests

Though blood pregnancy tests are rare, they are done on special occasions for women facing infertility or when a medical professional suspects any possible health or pregnancy issues. A medical professional may also use a blood test to compare hCG levels during pregnancy. 

Blood tests are more sensitive than urine tests due to their ability to detect smaller amounts of hCG. They can show you a more accurate answer earlier on in pregnancy.

A blood test will require a blood sample to be sent to a lab for analysis. As a result, you may not have the results for more than a day.

If Your Pregnancy Test is Positive

If your at-home pregnancy test was positive and you’re wondering what’s next, see us today at First Care. 

Once you receive a positive pregnancy test at our center, an ultrasound is necessary to understand your options moving forward. An ultrasound will give you more pregnancy details and alert you to any possible complications.

Schedule a free and confidential appointment with us. Same-day appointments are available. We are here for you!

How Do Pregnancy Tests Work? 

Still wondering if you really are pregnant? Maybe you’re second-guessing how you took a pregnancy test or wondering if you need to take another one. 

In this blog, we want to share all about how pregnancy tests work and why receiving a lab-quality pregnancy test at your local pregnancy center is a good idea for pregnancy confirmation. 

How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?

Pregnancy tests are very simple to take. They indicate if you’re pregnant by determining the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your body. HCG is only present when you’re pregnant, so it’s called the pregnancy hormone.

Some pregnancy tests might go about testing through urine, while others look for the pregnancy hormone in your blood. More commonly, a simple urine pregnancy test is done.

The best way to get accurate pregnancy test results is by waiting at least one day after your missed period. Waiting a bit after your missed period allows your body to produce a detectable amount of hCG.

Confirm Your Pregnancy Test Result

If you received a positive home pregnancy test result – that is a great first step. Your next best step is to receive a lab-quality pregnancy test to confirm your pregnancy. 

Though home pregnancy tests are very accurate, there is always a chance for inaccurate results. You could have possibly taken the test at the wrong time or accidentally followed the directions incorrectly. Get clarity today with a follow-up lab-quality pregnancy test to be sure.

Free Pregnancy Tests & Ultrasound

First Care provides free and confidential, lab-quality urine-based pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy. 

If you receive a positive pregnancy test result at our center, we can provide you with an ultrasound. An ultrasound will verify if you have a viable pregnancy, how far along you are, and the location of your pregnancy. 

Our medical team is here for you and can walk you through all your pregnancy options. Schedule a free appointment today. Same-day appointments are available. 

You are not alone!

When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?

If you have recently had unprotected sex and are experiencing a missed period, then probably the first concern is that you’re pregnant. However, there is a bit of calculation involved to help you determine when the pregnancy test is likely to be more accurate (you can test too early). It’s best to wait a week after your missed period. 

How Do Pregnancy Tests Work? 

After the egg is fertilized, it then travels into the uterus where it implants itself. At this stage of the pregnancy, small amounts of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone found only in pregnant women, begin to appear in your blood and urine. 

It is this hormone that pregnancy tests are designed to detect, although some women experience this during their period. 

Blood vs. Urine Pregnancy Tests

Urine Tests

Urine pregnancy tests are the most commonly used type of pregnancy test. Some urine tests can detect hCG as early as a week after a missed period. When the pregnancy is very early, many women like to use an at-home urine pregnancy test before scheduling one with their doctor. When used correctly, some tests boast up to 99% accuracy. 

Blood Tests

While blood pregnancy tests are used at a doctor’s office, they do offer insights that urine pregnancy tests cannot offer, such as whether or not it is an ectopic pregnancy (located outside the womb). They can also detect pregnancy earlier than a urine test (6-8 days after ovulation).  

Confirming Your Pregnancy

At First Care , we offer no-cost pregnancy tests as well as a no-cost ultrasound if you’re already taken a verified positive pregnancy test. Ultrasound confirms the stage of your pregnancy as well as alerts you to any possible risks or complications (like ectopic pregnancy). Schedule one today and we will be glad to help offer support and answer any questions you have about this process!

What Are the Risks of Abortion?

Abortion could seem like a simple fix to your unplanned pregnancy – but it comes with many risks including infection, incomplete abortion, damage to the cervix, and many mental effects. Keep reading to learn about all the potential risks of abortion – and become better informed about how abortion works. 

Confirm you’re actually pregnant with lab-quality pregnancy testing and ultrasound at our center today. 

Medical vs. Surgical Abortion Risks: What’s the Difference?

The Risks of Medical Abortion

Medical abortion, often called the abortion pill, involves taking two abortion drugs: Mifepristone and Misoprostol. These drugs work together (within 24-48 hours) to terminate an existing pregnancy and cause the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina. The physical risks of medical abortion are…

• Incomplete abortion – may need to be followed by surgical abortion
• An ongoing unwanted pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever

The Risks of Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion is a procedure that terminates an existing pregnancy by removing the fetus from the uterus. This type of abortion involves dilating the opening to the uterus and inserting a small suction tube. The suction works to remove all parts of the pregnancy from the uterus. The physical risks of surgical abortion are…

• Damage to the womb or cervix
• Uterine perforation 
• Scarring of the inside of the uterus
• Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia (such as problems breathing)
• Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
• Incomplete abortion (requiring another procedure)
• Excessive bleeding

Mental Health Effects of Abortion

Psychotherapist Vincent Rue’s study, “Induced Abortion and Traumatic Stress” shares that
65% of U.S. women experienced multiple symptoms of PTSD, which they attributed to their abortions. 

According to a study done by Professor David Fergusson, many women experienced mental health effects after abortion. Two major findings include:

• Abortion was linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, and suicidal behaviors.
• At age 25, 42% of the women experienced major depression during the previous four years, twice that of other women.

Free Pregnancy Confirmation Services

Whether you’re still going back and forth between pregnancy options or not, pregnancy confirmation is necessary to know how far along you are in your pregnancy (as medical abortion is only available to women up to 10 weeks pregnant). An ultrasound will reveal if you have a healthy and growing pregnancy.

Contact us today to set up your free and confidential pregnancy confirmation appointment. Our compassionate team is here to inform you about all your pregnancy options. Same-day appointments are available!

Will My Insurance Pay For My Girlfriend’s Abortion?

Are you worried about finances that come along with you and your partner’s pregnancy options? It can be confusing to understand insurance coverage of abortion and we hope to clear some of that up for you in this blog. Be informed today so you can make a confident decision for your future.

Will Insurance pay for my Girlfriend’s Abortion?

Most of the time, insurance companies will not cover your girlfriend’s abortion if you are not married. Policies are different from state to state, but normally insurance companies will not cover a partner on a policy unless they are a spouse.

If your partner has insurance, it could be covered under her individual insurance company. She will want to check with her insurance company for abortion coverage information, as some insurance companies do cover the cost of an abortion. 

Cost of Abortion

If your partner does not have insurance coverage, you will need to pay out-of-pocket costs for abortion. According to the Guttmacher Institute, a first-trimester abortion can cost around $500 in the U.S. A second-trimester abortion normally costs around $1,000, and late-term abortion even higher, around $3,000 or more.

The cost of an abortion varies based on a couple of factors, including…

• How far along you are (determines what abortion procedure you have)
• Where you live (costs vary state to state)
• What abortion provider do you use

The Types of Abortion

Medical Abortion

Also called the abortion pill method, medical abortion terminates a pregnancy for women up to 10 weeks pregnant. Potential risks of medical abortion include incomplete abortion, heavy/prolonged bleeding, infection, and more.

Surgical Abortion

There are numerous types of surgical abortion procedures, all done at an abortion clinic. Each procedure causes the cervix to be dilated and surgical tools are used to remove the pregnancy. Potential risks of surgical abortion include perforation of the uterus, damage to the cervix, scar tissue on the uterine wall, and infection.

Learn Whether You Qualify

The first step to moving forward with any pregnancy option is understanding what options you’re eligible for. The only way to go about this is with lab-quality pregnancy testing and an ultrasound. An ultrasound reveals how far along your partner is and other vital pregnancy details so you both can move forward.

Schedule a free and confidential appointment today to confirm you and your partner’s pregnancy and learn more about your options.

What are the Risks of Abortion?

If you’re considering abortion for your unexpected pregnancy, you deserve to know the truth about what to expect. Did you know there are definite side effects and several potential risks with each abortion method? Don’t choose this serious medical procedure without the facts. Here’s what medical experts have to say.

What are the Types of Abortion?

There are two types of abortion, medical and surgical. Which method you qualify for is determined by how far along your pregnancy is. Medical abortion is performed if you’ve been pregnant for 10 weeks or less. If the gestational age is longer than 10 weeks, you’ll have an in-clinic surgical abortion. 

Medical Abortion

You may have heard about one method of medical abortion called the abortion pill. Contrary to its name, the abortion pill isn’t just one pill and it’s over. You actually take a series of powerful drugs over 24 to 48 hours.

The Mayo Clinic says,  “Having a medical abortion is a major decision with emotional and psychological consequences. If you’re considering this procedure, make sure you understand what it entails, side effects, possible risks, complications, and alternatives.”

Side Effects and Potential Risks of Medical Abortion

Here’s a list provided by the Mayo Clinic of side effects and potential risks:

• Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
• A viable pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever, especially serious if longer than 24 hours
• Digestive system discomfort
• Abdominal cramping

Surgical Abortion

Once again, depending on how far along your pregnancy is determines the type of surgical procedure you’ll have. The procedures are more invasive the longer you’ve been pregnant.

Dilation and Curettage (D & C)

The Mayo Clinic provides detailed medical information on the side effects and risks of a D & C. This procedure begins after you’ve received general anesthesia. Afterward, your cervix is dilated (opened). Then, a surgical instrument called a curette is inserted into the uterus to remove the pregnancy. Curettes can be sharp or use suction (vacuum aspiration). 

Side Effects and Potential Risks of This Type of Surgical Abortion

According to the Mayo Clinic, the side effects are fairly easy. They indicate you’ll feel mild cramping and spotting or light bleeding. However, they also list:

• Bleeding that’s heavy enough that you need to change pads every hour
• Fever
• Cramps lasting more than 48 hours
• Pain that gets worse instead of better
• Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina

In addition, surgical abortions run the risk of:

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

You’ll also notice that the Mayo Clinic mentions abortion as having “emotional and psychological consequences” too. For some women, their emotional struggles after an abortion are devastating.

Let Us Assist You

At First Care, we can confirm your pregnancy with a lab-quality urine test at no cost to you. In addition, we offer free limited ultrasounds. Before scheduling an abortion, you need to know how far along you are if your pregnancy is growing, and where it’s located in your body.

We have four convenient locations that offer free and confidential pregnancy services. You deserve to know the facts and have your questions answered. Contact us today and let’s start the conversation.

3 Things to Know If You Are Considering Mail-Order Abortion

Every woman handles unexpected pregnancy differently. While one might take her time and process her emotions, another might begin searching for options right after a positive pregnancy test. Regardless of how you’re feeling or handling the news, know we can help you.

Some women look to mail-order abortion pills as a quick way to terminate a pregnancy, but this comes with risks. Keep reading to learn the three things you should know if you’re considering mail-order abortion.

Mail-order abortion might not be an option for you

If you live in a state with certain abortion restrictions, mail-order abortion could be illegal and unavailable for you. Thirty-two states require licensed physicians to administer medical abortion (the abortion pill), and nineteen states require the clinician to be physically present when administering the drugs. Those nineteen states do not allow telemedicine for the abortion pill.

Trying to bypass state laws and purchasing the abortion pill online can be dangerous, as not every seller online is legitimate or selling what they claim to sell. Reputable providers and health systems will follow the laws for the states they operate in.

You might not need an abortion

There are a few conditions that can only be determined by an ultrasound. If doing a mail-order abortion without an ultrasound, you could pay money for an unnecessary procedure, only to later find out you need to do something else.

According to Mayo Clinic, about 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. This means, even if your pregnancy test was positive, your pregnancy might not be viable or progressing. If this is the case, you could miscarry on your own, or you might need to seek medical attention. 

Ectopic Pregnancy

The abortion pill will not terminate a pregnancy outside the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies are pregnancies that have implanted outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube. These can be dangerous to your health and should be identified and treated by a medical professional as soon as possible.

You’re Too Far Along

The FDA has only approved the use of the abortion pill up to 70 days or less since the first day of your last menstrual cycle. If you’re considering mail-order abortion, and haven’t had an ultrasound, you could be farther along than you realize.

You should get tested for STDs before mail-order abortion

The presence of a sexually transmitted disease during an abortion procedure raises the risk of developing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) because it can spread the infection from the vagina or cervix further into the uterus. You’ll want to make sure you have STD testing performed prior to any abortion procedures. 

Be Safe and Confident

You owe it to yourself to take the proper safety precautions and think through this life-changing decision before buying mail-order abortion pills. Schedule your free and confidential appointment at First Care Pregnancy Center. We’ll provide free pregnancy testing, an ultrasound, STD testing, and a safe environment to talk through your next steps.

Can You Buy the Abortion Pill Online?

When we are faced with life’s most difficult challenges, we typically respond with emotion and action. We feel burdened and fearful about the challenge, but we also look for ways to overcome our challenges. 

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, it is likely that you are feeling fear about the future. That feeling of fear is normal. Our team exists to offer services that calm your fears. We are always here for you.

In the 21st century, it seems as if everything can be delivered to our doorstep in a short amount of time. As you face this unplanned pregnancy, you may be wondering if the abortion pill can be ordered online, and delivered to your home. 

Surprisingly, buying the abortion pill online is more complicated and riskier than you may think. It comes with significant warnings from medical professionals and is something we do not suggest due to the health risks. It’s incredibly important to know the facts.

What is the abortion pill?

The abortion pill is often thought of being a one-time pill consumption, but this is not the case. The abortion pill as actually two pills, composed of two different drugs that complete the medication abortion. Medication abortion is available through the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Mifepristone, the first drug, blocks progesterone, a hormone that causes the lining of the uterus to thin. Thinning prevents the embryo from remaining implanted and growing. 

Misoprostol is the second abortion drug given in a medication abortion. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina.

The first abortion drug is typically taken at a doctor’s office and the second at home 24-48 hours later. A follow-up appointment with a doctor is necessary, a week later, to ensure the abortion is complete (FDA).

Is it safe the buy the abortion pill online?

FDA Regulations

The Food and Drug Administration(FDA) has abortion pill regulations to protect the health of all women who are considering abortion. The FDA warns about buying the abortion pill online because it bypasses multiple safeguards created to protect you. 

One of the primary concerns related to ordering the abortion pill online is the reality that the drugs do not have a specified origin or creator. When consuming any drug, it is important to only trust manufacturers and providers that are transparent about ingredients and processes. It is also vital to only trust providers that are transparent about side effects, and many online abortion providers fail to be transparent.

The dosage could also be less or more than the standard abortion pill approved by the FDA. This could be deadly and/or cause an incomplete abortion. Many of the online abortion pill providers are overseas and do not follow FDA guidelines.

When you purchase the abortion pill online, you aren’t able to receive consultation or oversight from a doctor. Due to alarming side effects, a qualified doctor should prescribe these pills.

What should I know about the abortion pill before buying it online?

Risks & side effects of the abortion pill

Potential risks of medication abortion include:

• Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
• An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort
• Allergic reaction to the medication

Potential side effects of medication abortion include:

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

Ultrasound will provide needed information about your pregnancy

Additionally, it is best medical practice to receive an ultrasound before making a pregnancy decision. An ultrasound reveals where your pregnancy is located, if it is a viable pregnancy, and how far along you are. 

The results of the ultrasound will also bring to your attention any potential health concerns, such as an ectopic or tubal pregnancy. 

The staff at First Care Pregnancy Center promises to treat you with kindness, respect, and genuine care. 

Schedule a no-cost, confidential pregnancy test with an ultrasound at First Care. Our medical staff is here to serve you with the information and services you need to make an educated pregnancy choice. Talk to us today to schedule an appointment.