Considering Abortion?
Unexpectedly pregnant and wondering about abortion options? Which abortion options are legal? Which abortion options are safest? Which abortion options are available to me?
The internet is filled with tons of information about abortions, but it can be hard to know what’s right – and what’s right for your situation. At PLL, we believe you should be equipped with all of the information you need to make the best decision for yourself.
We hope you’ll find these steps helpful as you search through all of the information about available abortion options for your situation.
Step 1: Confirm the Pregnancy
If you’ve found this blog, you’ve probably already taken at least one home pregnancy test. However, it’s recommended to get a medical grade test confirmation, too. And we do that for free here at PLL. In fact, you can easily schedule an appointment through our website. If you’re unsure about how to talk to your partner about your pregnancy, we have 7 tips to help you here.
Step 2: Get an Ultrasound
That pregnancy test shows one kind of important information: whether or not your body is producing hCG [1]. An ultrasound will show a lot more about what’s going on inside of you – like if the pregnancy is viable (or if it has terminated on its own) and where it is located [2]. (An ectopic pregnancy is one located outside of the uterus and requires immediate medical attention. [3])
The information learned from the ultrasound can help to determine what abortion options are available to you. We offer some free ultrasounds at PLL, as well. That’s something we’ll talk about when you come in for that free pregnancy test appointment.
Step 3: Educate Yourself with Abortion Options Information
We can help with this, too. While we don’t perform abortions in our clinic, we do believe that you deserve to have all of the information you need to feel empowered to make the best decision for you. Our caring, professional staff at PLL will help you learn what the different types of abortion options are and what’s involved with each of those. Learn how abortion affects relationships here.
You Deserve Compassionate Care.
Your feelings matter. Your health matters. You matter. At PLL, you are our priority. All of our services are free and confidential. There’s no cost, no pressure, and no judgment.
What Should I Do First if I’m Pregnant?
The most important first step is to confirm the pregnancy. At-home pregnancy tests have come a long way, but they’re still not flawless. A free, medical-grade test at PLL can help you have some peace of mind knowing your results are accurate. Knowing these facts early can help you make an informed decision.
You can also get tested for some common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) while you’re here. This is an important step no matter what you decide to do long-term. We offer free treatment for these STIs, too. (Some STIs have no symptoms, so it’s possible to have an STI and not even know it! [3])
Perhaps the most important thing to note is that you’re not alone as you face these results. We have knowledgeable, compassionate staff who will talk with you through the results and your options in a calm, safe environment. We offer mentorship and education through this entire journey, so you don’t have to face any part of it alone.
An appointment at PLL does not lock you into any decision. It simply gives you accurate information. (You can schedule a free appointment from our website.)
What Are My Pregnancy Options in Missouri?
Abortion laws in Missouri have changed recently, but regardless of the legal landscape, you have options, and we are here to help you navigate them. You can read more about parenting, adoption, and abortion on our website, but we are happy to talk through all of these options with you at a free, confidential appointment.
How Can Free, Local Support Help Me Right Now?
Women facing an unexpected pregnancy in the Ozarks often need more than medical facts. They need practical and emotional support as they face big decisions. Common free or low-cost resources at PLL include:
- Free pregnancy testing
- Free STI testing and treatment for some common STIs
- Mentoring and one-on-one support
- Pregnancy and parenting education
- Referrals for community resources (food, housing assistance, maternity clothes, baby items)
- Information about adoption
- Guidance on navigating local programs such as WIC or other Missouri support services
PLL also offers continued mentoring after the initial visit so you have ongoing encouragement whether you choose parenting or another path. These services are designed for women who feel scared, unsure, or alone.
What If I’m Considering Abortion?
If abortion is on your mind, accurate information matters. Before taking any step, confirming a viable pregnancy and gestational age is medically important. The free testing and ultrasound offered at PLL will help establish those facts.
At PLL, you’ll receive clear, factual explanations of different abortion methods, typical timelines, and known risks. We’ll also discuss alternative options and the resources and support available to you. This conversation happens at your pace. You are never required to decide on the spot.
How Do I Get Started?
You can schedule a free, confidential appointment for pregnancy testing, STI testing, and options counseling. We make the process simple: call, text, or schedule an appointment online. Appointments are usually available quickly, and everything remains private.
Bring any questions you have. Common ones include:
- How accurate is a free pregnancy test?
- What happens during an ultrasound?
- What local resources exist for single moms or adoption?
- How does mentoring work?
This is a safe, judgment-free space.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is everything really free and confidential?
Yes. Pregnancy testing, STI testing (and treatment), mentoring, education, and basic resource referrals are free at PLL Women’s Resource Center in Branson West. Conversations stay private.
Will anyone pressure me?
Sources:
- Am I Pregnant? Early Symptoms of Pregnancy & When to Test. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, July 26). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9709-pregnancy-am-i-pregnant
- Ultrasound in Pregnancy. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, Sept. 28). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9704-ultrasound-in-pregnancy
- Ectopic Pregnancy. Mayo Clinic. (2022, Mar. 12). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088