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!
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Is an Online Abortion or At-Home Abortion Safe?
If you are in a season of life where you are not planning to start or add to a family, an online abortion can seem discreet and convenient, but there are a few essential facts to consider before pursuing this route.
Ordering Online Skips Important Health Screenings
One of the significant downsides of ordering the abortion pill online is that it skips necessary medical procedures, such as a positive pregnancy test and, most importantly, an ultrasound.
An ultrasound can confirm the age of the pregnancy. The age matters because the abortion pill is only FDA-approved up to 10 weeks gestational age.
It will also help detect certain complications, such as if your pregnancy is ectopic. This condition requires treatment other than abortion and can be life-threatening to the woman.
Roughly, up to 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can confirm the viability of the pregnancy and give you confidence in the procedures you qualify for.
You May Not Qualify for the Abortion Pill
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several situations where you may be ineligible for an abortion pill. These include if you:
- Are too far along in your pregnancy
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place
- Have a suspected pregnancy outside of the uterus
- Have certain medical conditions
- Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines
- Can’t make follow-up visits to your provider or don’t have access to emergency care
- Have an allergy to the medication used
As previously mentioned, ultrasounds can help identify if you are too far along in your pregnancy or have a pregnancy outside of the uterus (an ectopic pregnancy).
The Abortion Pill Comes with Risks
According to the Mayo Clinic, potential risks of medical 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
Next Step: Free Pregnancy Services
At First Care, we provide free pregnancy services to women in need. These include complimentary pregnancy tests and ultrasounds.
We also offer options consultations where you can discuss the results of your ultrasounds and how this may affect your options. Our center is a safe space to learn more about your pregnancy and what local resources are available.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Will Insurance Cover The Abortion Cost?
Before panicking over the abortion cost, let’s look at what your options are. Just the thought of your girlfriend saying, “I think I’m pregnant” causes panic. Pregnant? It’s impossible to even imagine, but if you recently had unprotected (or maybe even protected) sex and her period is late, she could be pregnant.
Free Pregnancy Testing
You need to know a lot more than a positive result on a pregnancy test. Did she take the test correctly? Was it taken at the right time?
Start out with free lab-quality pregnancy testing at First Care Pregnancy Center. Our tests are 99% accurate and will verify the result of her at-home test.
Free Ultrasounds
A verified positive result on a pregnancy test is just the beginning whether you’re considering abortion or parenting. For either option, she needs to know how far along her pregnancy is.
Plus, there’s the possibility she’s already miscarried. The Mayo Clinic says up to 20% of known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. She could be getting positive results on pregnancy tests and no longer be pregnant. You need to find out if the pregnancy is viable (growing).
It’s also important to find out where the pregnancy is located. Although rare, sometimes pregnancy can form outside of the uterus which is extremely dangerous.
Abortion in Minnesota
In Minnesota, a patient must receive state-directed abortion counseling and then wait 24 hours before the procedure is provided. The parents of a minor must be notified before an abortion is provided, and the abortion can only be performed at or after viability if the patient’s life or health is endangered.
Abortion cost in Minnesota
The following are average costs and not necessarily particular to any one clinic.
Medication Abortion (11 weeks or less) $700
In-Clinic Suction Abortion (12-13 weeks) $745
In-Clinic Suction Abortion (14 weeks) $845
In-Clinic Suction Abortion (15 weeks) $945
Paying for the abortion
Insurance policies only cover the abortion cost for you or another person who is legally married to you or a dependent child. Insurance rules change from state to state and from insurance company to company.
Some insurance companies may cover the cost of an abortion. She can contact her insurance provider to verify coverage. She also needs to take her insurance information with her at the time of her appointment.
You have options
Abortion isn’t the only answer. When you come to First Care Pregnancy Center for her pregnancy testing and ultrasound, ask to speak with an options consultant. Walk into any one of our four locations or book your appointment online.
The fact that you are hoping to help her during this time is a great beginning. She will be glad to have you by her side. Let us help you, contact us today.
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How Will Having a Baby Impact My Future Dreams?
Finding out you are pregnant may come as a surprise. You have future dreams. This isn’t what you wanted, at least not now.
Maybe you’re thinking…
How am I going to finish college?
What will my parents say?
Will my boyfriend leave me?
Will my career be impacted?
Learn From Others.
We understand. At First Care, we have met with thousands of women who have thought their future dreams were shattered too. But, hold on. Take a breath. Pause. Give yourself time to process.
Take a minute to read stories from other women who have been through what you’re experiencing, like Emilie, Maddie, Bailey, Jessie, Ellen, or Lydia.
Find hope in their stories and know that on the other side of this, you will achieve and accomplish dreams, maybe even some new ones you don’t yet have!
Seek Support.
First, let’s make sure your pregnancy is viable and see how far along you are. At First Care, we provide free and confidential lab-quality pregnancy testing and ultrasounds.
You will meet with someone who has experience in finding resources to help you. We will talk with you about your dreams and how your decision for your pregnancy may impact those dreams.
Once you have a clear path forward, we can help connect you with the services or resources to make your unexpected pregnancy and future plans work!
See, you may think you’re dreams have been lost, but maybe they were never fully clear. The road is never as easy as it looks, but with First Care, we are there to walk alongside you, encourage you, and cheer you on to follow new dreams.
Schedule an appointment today
Call or text today to talk to someone who will listen and offer hope.
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Our Current Services & Hours (updated 6/1)
Our centers are currently open the following days and times for the month of June:
Minneapolis: Open Tuesday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Closed Mondays)
Richfield: Open Monday- Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closing at 4:00 p.m. the week of June 1)
Rochester: Open Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closing at 4:00 p.m. the week of June 1)
Saint Paul: Open Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closing at 4:00 p.m. the week of June 1)
Please contact the office nearest you by phone or text to inquire about specific services available at this time. Pregnancy testing appointments may be scheduled online, however other appointments need to be booked by phone or text. We have also compiled a comprehensive list of community resources to serve your family during this time.
Additionally, we are taking precautions to sanitize and screening all staff and clients before providing services. The health and well being of our clients is our top priority as well as ensuring that our volunteers and staff are healthy too. In order to ensure these standards, we are responding in the following ways:
- We are sanitizing all surfaces that are frequently touched after every appointment. We continue to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness within our centers and pay close attention to disinfecting all surfaces possible.
- All clients and staff will be asked to wear a mask for the duration of their visit. Masks will be available for those who do not have their own.
- We will have hand sanitizer available and encourage clients to wash hands before their appointments.
- We are also asking anyone who is currently experiencing any symptoms including respiratory, fever, cough, congestion, etc. to see a medical provider and we will ask them to not attend their appointment and instead reschedule for a later time. This is any person, whether client or the child(ren) of clients, family members, etc.
- We will ask you to reschedule if our staff notices a patient experiencing any cold like symptoms or illness.
- Any staff or volunteer experiencing virus symptoms will be asked to stay home.
Now Offering: Curbside Pregnancy Testing Kits
Our free pregnancy testing kit contains all of the supplies you will need to conduct a test at home, including a lab-quality test and video instructions provided by our medical team.
If you have a positive pregnancy test result, we can provide you with additional resources and information based on your needs and plans. First Care Pregnancy Center has caring staff available to help you process your test results and learn about your options. Same-day phone or virtual counseling sessions are often available.
How to Schedule
To arrange for pick-up of a pregnancy testing kit, schedule an appointment online or call the office location near you. Slots are available every 15 minutes for pick-up during regular office hours.
When you arrive for pick-up, please call us by phone to let us know you are here. We will leave your kit in a box just outside the door allowing you to pick it up in a touch-free manner.
If you have any questions regarding this service or others offered by First Care, please text or call us at (612) 712-6253.
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