Discovering you are pregnant when you didn’t plan to be can feel like standing at a crossroads with no clear map. The pressure to make a quick decision is often overwhelming, but this is one of the most significant health decisions you will ever make and it’s critical you take your time to make a list of questions to ask before an abortion decision. You deserve to move forward with confidence, clarity, and the full medical picture.
Before you schedule a procedure, a pre-abortion consultation is the most empowering step you can take. It’s a dedicated time to silence the noise around you and focus on your specific needs both physically and emotionally. To help you navigate this process, here are eight important questions you should ask your medical provider before making a final decision about your pregnancy.
1. How far along am I, exactly?
Knowing the gestational age of your pregnancy is the “North Star” of your decision-making process. Your options for abortion are strictly dictated by how many weeks have passed since the first day of your last menstrual period.
The “abortion pill” (medication abortion) is only FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. If you are further along, a surgical procedure is required. Attempting a medication abortion past the approved timeframe significantly increases the risk of an incomplete abortion and emergency complications. Don’t rely on a calendar alone; an ultrasound is the only medically accurate way to confidently determine gestational age.
2. Is the pregnancy “viable”?
A positive pregnancy test confirms the presence of the hCG hormone, but it doesn’t confirm that the pregnancy is progressing naturally. Studies show that roughly 1 in 5 pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. If a pregnancy is not viable, that means there is no detectable heartbeat or the pregnancy has stopped developing. In this case, an abortion is medically unnecessary. In these cases, you would need follow-up care for a miscarriage rather than an elective abortion, saving you from unnecessary medical risks as well as the physical and emotional strain.
3. Where is the pregnancy located?
During your pre-abortion consultation, a medical professional will use an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy is located inside the uterus.
4. What are the specific health risks for my medical history?
Every woman’s body is different. What might be a standard procedure for one person could be high-risk for another. During your consultation, you should discuss your history with blood clotting, heart conditions, or previous surgeries.
For example, medication abortion is not recommended for women with certain medical conditions or those with an IUD currently in place. Your provider should be able to tell you exactly what health risks the procedure may pose to you as an individual.
5. What are the potential side effects and complications?
It is vital to distinguish between “normal” side effects and “emergency” complications. You should never leave a clinic without a clear understanding of what to expect. Common questions to ask before an abortion include: What level of cramping and bleeding is normal? What are the signs of a post-abortion infection? What is the protocol if the abortion is incomplete?
For more detailed medical information on the types of surgical abortions and what the recovery process looks like, you can visit the Mayo Clinic’s guide on surgical procedures. Knowing the difference between signs of standard recovery and signs of complications—like a high fever or soaking through multiple pads an hour—can be life-saving.
6. Do I have an undiagnosed STD?
Many women don’t realize that having an undiagnosed sexually transmitted disease (STD) at the time of an abortion can lead to serious health issues. During a surgical abortion the cervix is manually opened.
If an infection like Chlamydia or Gonorrhea is present, the bacteria can be pushed further up into the reproductive tract. This significantly increases the risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can cause chronic pelvic pain and future infertility. Getting STD tested and treated before an abortion procedure is recommended to protect your overall reproductive health.
7. What happens if I change my mind after taking the first pill?
This is a question many are afraid to ask, but it is important to know your options. The abortion pill process involves two steps. Some women experience immediate regret after taking the first pill (mifepristone) and want to stop the abortion from continuing. There is a process called Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) that involves taking progesterone to counteract the effects of the first abortion pill to sustain the pregnancy.
The goal is to start APR treatment within 72 hours of taking the first abortion pill, mifepristone, or RU-486. While time-sensitive, knowing that APR is an option if needed, is part of being fully informed in your decision making process. Even if 72 hours have passed, you can still call the 24 hour APR helpline at (877) 558-0333 to review your options.
8. What are my other options and what support is available?
A pre-abortion screening shouldn’t just be about the procedure; it should be about you and your future. Often, women choose abortion because they feel they lack the resources, finances, or support to parent or choose adoption.
Ask your provider: If I wanted to keep this pregnancy, what resources are available in my community? What does the adoption process look like today? You deserve to know what support exists for every path so you can make a choice based on facts rather than fear.
| Question | Why It Matters | Necessary Medical Tool |
|---|---|---|
| How far along am I? | Determines if you are eligible for the abortion pill or if surgery is required. | Ultrasound (Gestational Age) |
| Is pregnancy viable? | Approximately 20% of pregnancies end in natural miscarriage; an abortion may be unnecessary. | Ultrasound (Heartbeat detection) |
| Where is the pregnancy located? | Rules out an ectopic pregnancy, which is a possible life-threatening medical emergency. | Ultrasound (Location check) |
| Am I at risk for PID? | Undiagnosed STDs can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and future infertility if not treated before an abortion procedure. | STD/STI Testing |
| Is my blood type RH negative? | Certain blood types require a specific injection (Rhogam) to protect future pregnancies. | Blood Typing |
Why You Need a Pre-Abortion Screening
At RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics, we believe that every woman deserves to have all their questions answered in a calm, professional, and supportive environment. Our pre-abortion screenings are designed to give you the medical information you need to protect your reproductive health. Our services include lab-grade pregnancy testing, ultrasound imaging to confirm viability and gestational age, STD testing to ensure you aren’t at risk for complications like PID, and abortion pill reversal.
The most important thing to remember is that you have time to get the facts and answers to all your questions and concerns before making an abortion decision by taking control of your healthcare and being seen for a pre-abortion consultation. You are ensuring that whatever path you choose, you are doing so with your eyes wide open and your reproductive health prioritized.
If you’re looking for a safe place to process your situation and get medical answers, we are here for you. RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics offers confidential consultations and medical services to help you understand your body and your choices to make an informed decision for your future.
Schedule your confidential appointment at RealOptions today.
Oakland, CA 94609
400 30th St #401
(510) 891-9998
Central San Jose, CA 95126
1671 The Alameda #101
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East San Jose, CA 95127
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(408) 272-5577
Union City, CA 94857
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Disclaimer: This website and blog do not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content from this website and blog is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on this website is intended for general understanding only. We do not refer for or provide abortion services at our clinics.
