If you’re pregnant, or worried you might be pregnant, you may be wondering how to have an abortion. What’s involved? What resources are available? Where do you start?
Avenue Women’s Center has been providing help for women in your situation for 35 years. We have four DuPage County locations where trained client advocates are ready to hear your story and offer support customized for your situation. Please contact us today.
If you’re wondering how to have an abortion, we recommend you take it one step at a time.
- Confirm for sure that you’re pregnant. Some women are uncertain about the accuracy of the test they took at home, or have some negative tests and some positive ones. Avenue Women’s Center offers free, medical-grade pregnancy tests to confirm the result of your home test.
- Find out if the pregnancy might miscarry. About 1 in 5 or 6 early pregnancies end naturally with a miscarriage. The medical team at Avenue Women’s Center can provide information about this possibility through an ultrasound.
- Find out how far along the pregnancy is. The types of abortion procedures and the costs are affected by how many weeks pregnant you are. The first day of your last period is commonly used to estimate the age of the pregnancy, but an ultrasound provides the most accurate information.
- Learn about the abortion procedures. The age of the pregnancy and your personal preferences will impact if you choose the medication or surgical abortion.
- Learn about possible risks of abortion. All medical procedures involve some risks, and because your health is so important we hope you take time to understand possible risks of any surgery or medication, including abortion.*
- Discuss your situation with a neutral person, such as a Avenue Women’s Center client advocate. Many women say they feel “torn” about abortion. They may say “I never really liked abortion” or “If things were different I wouldn’t choose this.” It can help to talk things through with someone so you can feel confident in your decision.
- Schedule your appointment. The clinic will let you know what to bring, what not to bring, and other specifics such as when you can eat or take medications
- Prepare for your appointment. Arrange for a supportive friend to drive you to and from the clinic. Make sure you know how much the procedure will cost and what payment methods are accepted. Women who are under 17 in Illinois will need to notify a parent about the abortion before the appointment.
- After the procedure, follow the care instructions given by the clinic. Consider whether post-abortion support, such as Restore is right for you.
Many women have complicated feelings when they are wondering about how to have an abortion. We encourage you not to rush through the process, but to start at the beginning, allowing Avenue Women’s Center to help you.
The caring experts at Avenue Women’s Center will hear where you’re coming from and offer expert information tailored to your specific situation. You don’t have to do this alone. With private, convenient “first step” offices in Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, Naperville, West Chicago, and Wood Dale, Illinois we hope you will contact us today.
*The information provided here is general in nature. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.