Considering Abortion
in Barry County, Missouri?

An icon displaying the fact that all pregnancy services are free in Barry County, MO at PLL Women's Resource Center

If you’re considering abortion in Barry County,

Missouri, you’re not alone! The compassionate medical staff at PLL is here to help you make an informed and empowered decision!

Below are the steps you need to take before an abortion.

Confirm Your Pregnancy

The first step is to confirm your pregnancy. PLL provides free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy and whether or not the pregnancy is developing properly inside the uterus.

If your ultrasound determines that the pregnancy isn’t viable, you can move forward with the appropriate medical care. If your pregnancy is viable and you’re still considering abortion, there are a few questions you need to ask first!

Woman who knows the first step in making a pregnancy decision is to confirm her pregnancy

Be Informed

The most important thing at this point is to gather all the abortion facts you can so you can make an educated decision. We’re talking about what abortion is, what it involves at each stage of pregnancy, and whether there are any risks to consider.

Let’s take a look at some information on abortion to get a clearer picture.

What is Surgical Abortion and How Does it Work?

In a surgical abortion, a suction device is used to remove the embryo from the uterus through the vagina. This procedure is performed at an abortion clinic and you are sent home the same day. However, if complications arise, you may need to go to the emergency room to receive treatment.

Want more specifics? Check out our blog or make an appointment to get fully informed.

What is the Abortion Pill?

Although it’s referred to as a pill (singular), the abortion pill actually consists of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is taken first. This medication cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. Without a steady supply of progesterone, the embryo stops growing.

Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later at home. This medication causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo, which ends the pregnancy.

You may have heard that you can order the abortion pill online, but if you do, you’re not guaranteed to receive FDA-approved medications or even medications that have been produced in places where the FDA has oversight.

Visit our blog to learn more.

What are the Risks of Abortion?

Incomplete Abortion. An abortion may not successfully remove all of the fetal tissue. This can occur in a surgical abortion or with the abortion pill. Emergency medical treatment may be required to prevent infection[1].
Uterine Perforation. Uterine perforation occurs when one of the instruments used in surgical abortion accidentally pokes a hole in the uterus[1].
Asherman Syndrome. Asherman Syndrome is a condition in which scar tissue forms inside the uterus. This can occur as a result of multiple surgical abortions, making it difficult to become pregnant in the future[2].
Negative Impact on Future Pregnancies. Studies have shown a link between surgical abortion and an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight in future pregnancies[2].
Allergic Reaction. Although rare, it is possible to go into anaphylactic shock after taking misoprostol if you’re allergic to any ingredients in the medication[3].
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Bacteria can enter the reproductive tract during any abortion, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)[4].

Get the unbiased medical information needed to make a fully informed decision for your unplanned pregnancy at PLL! We’re happy to answer all of your questions!

Get Tested for STDs

It’s crucial to get tested for STDs regularly, as many don’t have obvious symptoms. Additionally, STDs can increase your risk of developing a post-abortive infection.

PLL provides free STD testing and treatment so you can protect your health!