If your online search has brought you to this page, you are likely wondering if you’re pregnant. That can come with a lot of emotions. It’s totally normal to feel any and all emotions! But it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Here at PLL, we’ve got a staff full of caring, compassionate women who are ready and willing to help you.
Our website is full of helpful information, but we thought it might be helpful to list some frequently asked questions – and their answers – in one spot. We hear these a lot:
Q: What’s this going to cost?
A: Nothing! Seriously – all of our services are free and confidential. We are a medical clinic, but we’re also a non-profit organization, which means we provide all of our services at no cost to you.
Q: I’m taking birth control, but I think I might be pregnant. Is that possible?
A: Yes, it’s technically possible. But it’s also rare. The best thing to do in this situation is to take a lab-quality pregnancy test, and we offer those for free. If that test is positive, we can then do an ultrasound to help confirm the viability of the pregnancy. (Curious why you need an ultrasound even if you plan to have an abortion? Check out our blog for more info.)
Wondering how to tell your partner about your pregnancy? Here are 7 tips to get you started.
Q: I already took a test at home. Why should I come take another one?
A: These days, home pregnancy tests are pretty great. However, it’s still possible for a home test to give a false result. [1] Our tests are lab-quality tests with instant results. Pregnancy is a big deal, and we believe you deserve to have all the facts when you’re making big decisions. Our tests – like all of our services – are free and confidential.
Q: Do I have to bring a parent or guardian to my appointment if I’m under 18?
A: Nope. You can bring a parent or support person with you if you choose, but you don’t have to. Even if you’re not 18 yet, you have the right to care and confidentiality. We cannot share your information with anyone unless you give us written authorization to do so. That said, we think it’s important to have someone in your corner to support and encourage you through difficult situations. No matter your situation, you’ll find help and compassion at PLL.
If you’d like to bring your partner with you to your appointment, we have services for him too. See our services for guys here!
Q: Can I come in for a pregnancy test if I just had unprotected sex last night?
A: One day is too soon for pregnancy hormones to show up on a pregnancy test. Typically pregnancy hormones won’t show up on a test until about 10 days after fertilization. [2] However, if you’re feeling anxious about the possibility of being pregnant, we’re here for you. We’re happy to discuss all of your options and help you to find helpful information and resources. And when the timing is right, we’re here for that free and confidential pregnancy test, as well.
Q: What if I don’t have insurance? What if I’m on my parents’ insurance?
A: It’s ok! We don’t need insurance information. We really do mean it when we say all of our services are free (and confidential!). No insurance needed. No payment needed. And if you need medical care, there are resources available for that, too. And we’re happy to help connect you to those resources!
Q: Can I get Plan B/The Morning After Pill from you?
A: We don’t provide Plan B (the morning after pill), but we are more than happy to help you explore your options. We can also provide you with information about how the morning after pill works. We’ve got a blog with a lot of helpful info about the morning after pill, too, if you’re interested in learning more now.
Q: Do you provide abortions at PLL?
A: We do not refer for or perform abortions at PLL. However, we provide the 3 things a woman needs before she has an abortion: pregnancy test for confirmation, ultrasound, and STI testing. And we provide all of those things for free. In addition to those medical tests and procedures, we also provide information and resources so that you can feel equipped and empowered to make the best decision for your situation.
The Bottom Line
We know that pregnancy is a big deal. And if it’s an unexpected pregnancy, you may feel overwhelmed with decisions and all of the what-ifs. You don’t have to go through any of that alone if you don’t want to. No matter the level of support you have from friends and family, you can count on support from our staff at PLL.
What Comes Next?
If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy (or think you might be pregnant), reach out to schedule your free consultation with us. No cost. No judgment. Just facts.
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:
- Pregnancy Tests. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, Nov. 28) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9703-pregnancy-tests
- See #1.