What Is Abortion?

Abortion is defined as the deliberate act of ending a pregnancy through medical or surgical means. If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, abortion is one of your options. Though, because abortion is a medical procedure and an un-doable act, you should take time to do your research and get your questions answered so you can make an informed decision that you can live with for the rest of your life.

Is Abortion Right for Me?

When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, you likely have many questions about all of your options – including abortion. There may be several reasons you’re considering abortion, but here are a few of the most common reasons:

• You are still in school and don’t want your parents or classmates to know
• You are in a harmful or unhealthy relationship
• You feel like you don’t have the means to financially support a child
• You already have trouble supporting the children you have now
• You believe a pregnancy would interfere with your education or career
• You don’t have the support system to carry or raise a child
• You are unmarried or not in a committed relationship with the father of the child

It’s okay to feel this way, but know that you are capable of so much more than you believe. We offer hope, resources and support to women facing unplanned pregnancies. At ELM, you are not alone on this journey.

What to do Before An Abortion

Before having an abortion, there are a few steps you need to take.

The first step is to confirm your pregnancy. This involves taking a pregnancy test and having an ultrasound performed. An ultrasound will tell you if you’re actually pregnant and tell you how far along you are, as well as whether you might naturally miscarry. Having an ultrasound done is necessary before an abortion because the type of procedure available depends on how long you’ve been pregnant and the size of the fetus.

The second step is, after confirming your pregnancy, to talk to a trusted individual about your options. When it comes to a big decision like this, you’ll want to learn about all your options and how they would affect your unique situation. ELM offers options education in a private, non-judgmental setting.

Once you have confirmed your pregnancy and fully vetted each of your options, you are then ready to make a final decision regarding the outcome of your unplanned pregnancy. No matter what you choose, we are here to support you.

Abortion Information

If you want additional information on abortion procedures, as well as the risks and costs associated with each, we are here as a resource for you. We offer accurate and up-to-date information on abortion in a confidential and non-judgmental setting. Talk to one of our staff members today.