Abortion

Is Abortion My Only Option if I Don’t Have Any Money?

If you just found out you’re unexpectedly pregnant, worrying about finances is likely at the top of your mind. The uncertainty of how to afford prenatal care, baby supplies, and ongoing expenses can feel overwhelming.

Abortion is not your only option if you don’t have any money as you face pregnancy. Budgeting for pregnancy and beyond is possible, and First Care is here to help. With the right plan and support, you can navigate this season with confidence.

Read on to learn how to get financial support and set yourself up for financial stability. Contact us today to learn about all the ways we’re here to help.

Budgeting for an Unplanned Pregnancy

1. Assess your current financial situation: Start by reviewing your income, expenses, and savings. Identify non-essential expenses you can cut back on to make room for pregnancy-related costs.
2. Create a pregnancy budget: Factor in essential expenses, including:

• Prenatal care and medical costs (check if you qualify for government assistance or reduced-cost clinics)
• Baby essentials (diapers, clothing, car seat, crib, etc.)
• Maternity clothing and supplies
• Possible childcare expenses

3. Explore community and government assistance programs: There are many programs and resources available to help expectant mothers, including:

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program) for food assistance
• Medicaid for pregnancy-related medical care
• Local charities, churches, and other organizations that offer free maternity and baby supplies/support

4. Take advantage of free and discounted resources: First Care offers free educational courses, parenting programs, and material assistance to help ease financial burdens. When you take our parenting classes, you can earn points to buy diapers, gently used baby items, and other essentials.

First Care is Here for You

You don’t have to navigate this all alone. First Care provides practical support, financial resources, and educational opportunities to help you prepare for motherhood without the stress of financial uncertainty.

We are here to help you find the resources you need, whether for prenatal care, parenting support, practical baby items, or basic needs.

If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, help is available. Contact us today to learn about all the ways we’re here to support you during pregnancy and beyond.

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What Can I Do if My Parents Want Me To Get an Abortion That I Don’t Want?

While you may care about your parent’s input about your unexpected pregnancy, the final pregnancy decision is yours to make. No one, including your parents, should force you into an abortion decision. It’s not okay.

Take a step back from your parents if you feel forced into any pregnancy decision that you don’t want to make. At First Care, we are a safe place for you to talk about all your pregnancy options and receive free and confidential support.

Know It’s Ultimately Up to You

You may already feel overwhelmed by your pregnancy options, and it doesn’t help to get pressure from those you love most during this time. Know that the final decision is yours to make, as it will directly impact your future.

It’s important that you make your pregnancy decision outside of family or peer pressure. Give yourself time to decide what’s best for you.

Learn About All Your Options

You have more than one pregnancy option available to you. If abortion is something you don’t want right now, explore your other two options: adoption and parenting.

Adoption

Adoption is the legal transfer of the birth parent’s rights to the adoptive parents. The process of adoption has greatly improved, allowing birth mothers to select an adoption plan that works best for them. There are three types of adoption plans to choose from: open, closed, and semi-open adoption.

At First Care, we provide fully licensed adoption services through our in-house agency, New Life Adoptions. The adoption process starts by meeting with one of our Expectant Parent Social Workers so we can learn more about your unique situation. This initial meeting is also a time for you to get your questions answered about adoption.

Parenting

If you decide to pursue the parenting option, First Care can walk you through the parenting journey. Often, women’s fears about being parents revolve around the need for additional support and resources. We can help.

Our professional staff helps parents provide the resources and support needed to create a successful parenting plan.

Free Support is Available

Talk to us today about all your pregnancy options. We can answer your questions and address your concerns step by step with you. Schedule a free and confidential appointment today.

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What to Know If You’re Considering an Abortion?

If you’re considering an abortion, it’s important to gather all the facts and understand the steps involved. Taking time to confirm your pregnancy, learn its details, and understand the potential risks is essential to making an informed decision.

Pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and risk assessment are vital tools in this process, giving you the information you need to move forward confidently. Here’s what you need to know:

Confirm Your Results with Lab-Quality Testing

While at-home pregnancy tests can provide a quick indication, confirming your pregnancy with lab-quality testing ensures accuracy. This level of precision can help set the stage for making informed choices about your next steps.

Schedule an Ultrasound

After confirming your results, an ultrasound is the next critical step. This medical imaging provides essential details about your pregnancy, such as:

• Location: Ensures the pregnancy is in the uterus and not ectopic.
• Gestational Age: Helps determine how far along you are.
• Viability: Confirms whether the pregnancy is progressing or has miscarried.

These details are necessary to understand your pregnancy status and explore your options with your health and wellness in mind.

Understand the Risks of Abortion

There are two primary types of abortion procedures, each with associated risks:

• Medical Abortion:
  Risks include heavy bleeding, incomplete abortion (requiring surgical intervention), infection, digestive discomfort, fever, or the possibility of an ongoing pregnancy if the drugs are ineffective.
• Surgical Abortion:
  Risks include infection, cervical damage, uterine perforation, and uterine scarring, which could lead to complications like infertility or painful menstrual cycles.

Free Services to Support You

At First Care, we provide free lab-quality pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and options counseling in a confidential and compassionate environment. We’re here to help you navigate the road ahead with the information and support you need.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment. You can also text us at (651) 424-0303 to get started.

*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

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Hiding My Pregnancy: Would Abortion Be an Option?

Are you nervous about sharing your pregnancy news with others? Are you considering abortion and wondering if it’s an option for you?

It’s understandable to want some level of privacy when navigating an unexpected pregnancy, but it’s also a risk to your emotional well-being to keep your pregnancy news to yourself. It’s best to be honest with a family member, your partner (if safe), or a friend you trust about your pregnancy.

At First Care, we offer a safe and non-judgmental space to listen to your unique situation. We can help process as well as provide you with medically-accurate information about abortion, pregnancy, and the process surrounding adoption.

Confirm Your Pregnancy Details

Before moving forward, protect your health by learning what you can about your pregnancy. Start with lab-quality pregnancy testing at First Care today to begin getting answers.

Once you receive a positive pregnancy test, we provide a free limited ultrasound to determine the viability, location, and gestational age of your pregnancy, allowing you to making informed decisions based on the options available to you.

Explore Your Options

Consider learning more about abortion and your other pregnancy options to make an informed pregnancy decision for your future. You deserve all of the facts. You may need more time to think through your options, and that’s normal.

We know it’s nerve-racking to go through the decision-making process, but it’s best to get the most education so that you feel empowered and confident in your choice.

We’re Here for You

If you need help sharing the news with a friend or family member, we can help. Or if you need support or someone to talk to about abortion and your pregnancy, we’re here for that, too.

Take your next step with clarity and confidence, and schedule a free and confidential appointment today. You are not alone.

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Are There More Options Than Abortion?

When facing an unplanned pregnancy, exploring your options might feel daunting or overwhelming. Abortion may be the only option you’ve considered so far, but you have two other pregnancy options: adoption and parenting. It is important to give yourself time to explore your options and make an informed decision. The good news is that you don’t have to navigate this alone.

First Care offers confidential support and early pregnancy services in a safe space that prioritizes your needs. We’re here to help you during this time.

Your Other Options

The more information you get about adoption and parenting, the less intimidating they may seem to you. Here’s a better look at both of your other options:

Adoption

Many women have a preconceived idea of what adoption looks like. The adoption process has improved over the years, allowing the birth mother to choose what the future may look like for her and her child.

First Care is home to an adoption agency called New Life Adoptions. With New Life Adoptions, you have three main types of adoption plans that you can choose from, including:

1. Open Adoption

You can choose the adoptive family and have direct contact with them and your child. You can decide how involved you want to be in your child’s life and even write up an openness agreement that you and the adoptive family want to adhere to.

2. Semi-Open Adoption

You can still contact the adoptive family and your child, but it will be through a professional adoption agency or intermediary, including New Life Adoptions. The agency will keep your identifying information confidential.

3. Closed Adoption

If you select this type of adoption plan, you will not have contact with your child or the adoptive family, and all parties’ identities are kept confidential. The court keeps adoption records sealed. In Minnesota, original birth certificates can be released to adoptees at the age of 18.

Adoption Considerations

Please note that adoption can be an emotionally challenging choice. While many expenses are taken care of, such as adoption legal fees and medical expenses not covered by insurance, it’s best only to choose this option if you are sure it’s right for you and your child.

Ask First Care about adoption. You will be connected with a social worker that will be with you every step of the way. Learning more about the option of adoption does not mean you are committing to it; the ball is in your court, and you have control.

2. Parenting

Do you desire to parent but aren’t sure if you’re ready? Becoming a parent is a major step in your life that comes with both responsibilities and rewards. If you are considering this option, you may have parenting questions and concerns like:

• What if I’m a single mom?
• How will I support myself financially?
• How will I be supported emotionally?
• What will my parents think?
• Can I continue school/college and parent?
• How do I take care of a newborn?
• What about childcare? Can I afford it?

It’s important to work through these questions and concerns. At First Care, we can help you explore parenting and provide free resources.

Free Options Counseling

To learn more about adoption and parenting, visit First Care. We provide the information you need to explore each of your pregnancy choices in a safe and confidential environment.

Schedule a free appointment to talk through your pregnancy options. Same-day appointments are available.

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Coping with Grief After an Abortion: Next Steps

No matter what led to your decision to terminate a pregnancy, there is no predicting how you may feel after the procedure. Many women report feelings of anxiety, grief, or adverse mental health struggles post-abortion.

If you have had an abortion and are now feeling grief or regret, there are steps that you can take to find hope and healing, like seeking post-abortion help from Conquerors.

Process Your Feelings

The decision to have an abortion is deeply personal and can bring up complex emotions. Don’t feel like you have to minimize your feelings. Terminating a pregnancy and the loss associated deserves taking the time to process.

Sharing your experiences with those who have been in similar situations can be very helpful. Isolating yourself may feel tempting, but it could make healing harder in the long run. Instead, seek help from those trained in post abortion healing.

Seeking Post Abortion Support

You may find yourself struggling with difficult emotions or mental health challenges after an abortion. These challenges can significantly impact your daily life.

Some options to consider include individual mentoring or support groups with facilitators who have also experienced abortion and are trained in post-abortion support.

At Conquerors, we offer confidential, peer-based one-to-one or support group programs specifically for people processing complex feelings related to a past abortion.

Schedule an Appointment

Remember, there is no single “right” way to feel after an abortion – your grief is valid and deserving of support. If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone, and that help is available.

We are here to help you find the help and resources you need to move forward. Hope and healing are possible.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment to learn more about our one-to-one mentoring program or our 9-week-long Conquerors support group program.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

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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!

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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!

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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! 

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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!

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