Exploring Abortion Options
Have questions or need help understanding your options?
Types of Abortion
When facing an unplanned pregnancy, it’s essential to be well-informed about your options. Two primary types of abortion exist: medication abortion and surgical abortion. The choice between them depends on the stage of pregnancy, which can be determined through an ultrasound.
Medication Abortion
(The Abortion Pill)
This type of abortion is most commonly known as the abortion pill, but you may also hear it called at-home abortion, self-managed abortion, chemical abortion, or medication abortion.
A medication abortion combines two pills and can only be used up to 63 days after fertilization and in states where it is legal to be administered and taken.
The first pill starves the fetus of oxygen and nutrients, and the second pill forces the woman into contractions to deliver the fetus.
This procedure ends a pregnancy by blocking progesterone, a hormone vital for pregnancy, which induces labor and allows for the removal of the fetus through the vagina. While it offers privacy, it also leads to heavy bleeding, severe cramping, and other discomforts.
Have questions or need help understanding your options? Request a free and private appointment.
Surgical Abortion
(AKA: D&E)
Surgical abortion options vary based on the pregnancy’s stage and the fetus’s size. These procedures generally involve the use of tools and local anesthesia to open the cervix and remove the fetus. Removal is done using forceps or suction. Following the procedure, women may experience cramping, bleeding, fever, and other side effects.
Have questions or need help understanding your options? Request a free and private appointment.
Next Steps & Options
Understanding Abortion Risks
Like any medical procedure, abortion comes with associated risks. Some of these risks include fever, infection, heavy bleeding, cramping, incomplete abortion, cervical tears, and uterine perforation. It’s crucial to discuss these potential risks with a healthcare professional.
IMPORTANT:
If you have already gone through an abortion and suffer any symptoms, contact your healthcare professional or seek emergency healthcare.
Your Next Step Before an Abortion
Before making a final decision or scheduling an abortion, several necessary steps will ensure you have all the essential information to make an informed choice.
The first step is taking a pregnancy test and receiving an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy’s viability. Her Choice Birmingham offers free pregnancy tests and pregnancy sonograms (ultrasounds) to provide this essential information.
After confirming the pregnancy’s viability, it’s important to carefully consider all your options and their potential consequences.
We’ve found that 3 out of 4 women considering abortion feel it is their only option, even though other options exist.
Remember, you’re not alone.
Understanding how each choice might impact your future is crucial. If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can request an abortion options counseling appointment by texting, calling, or completing our online form.
We are here to provide information, support, and guidance every step of the way. Your well-being and informed decision-making matter to us.
Her Choice Birmingham is committed to offering abortion information, post-abortion support, and abortion alternatives. We are here to support you in whatever choice you make, but we do not perform abortions or provide abortion pills.
Think you’re pregnant? We’re here for you. We can help.
Pregnancy Test
Pregnancy symptoms, such as a missed period or tender breasts, differ from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy; however, one of the most significant pregnancy symptoms is a delayed or missed menstrual cycle.
We offer free and confidential pregnancy tests at Her Choice Birmingham Women’s Center.
Pregnancy Ultrasound
A positive pregnancy test is a good indication that you are pregnant, yet a free ultrasound can verify pregnancy. The verification ultrasound exam performed at Her Choice Birmingham Women’s Center will verify your pregnancy and determine gestational age. Our ultrasounds are confidential and are provided free to qualifying patients.
Support & Counseling
We understand an unexpected pregnancy, or even the concern of one, can be confusing and scary. Our counselors at Her Choice Birmingham Women’s Center are available to listen and help you with any emotions you are feeling. Counseling sessions are free and confidential.
To schedule a free appointment:
Call (205) 252-0706
Text (205) 252-0706
or fill out our online appointment form.
Appointments preferred. Walk-ins welcome.
After Hours: Call (800) 712-4357 (HELP) 24 hours a day.
Her Choice Birmingham Women’s Center serves the surrounding communities of Birmingham, Alabama helping women facing an unplanned pregnancy, to work through their options. We offer free and confidential pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, counseling, support after abortion, and parent resources for women in the Birmingham area.
Her Choice Birmingham Women's Center
A caring women's center, offering free and confidential pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, post-abortion recovery, counseling, and parent resources for women in the Birmingham community.
2120 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233