Have you been searching the internet today, trying to find a low-cost abortion clinic in your area? This probably means that you’re in a difficult, and likely unhappy situation that you never intended to happen. Whether the timing is wrong, you’re facing hard circumstances, or having a child just wasn’t in your plan, there’s a high probability that none of your available solutions seem ideal to you right now. Maybe you wouldn’t be considering abortion if you didn’t feel that it was really necessary. As you take your next steps, know that you have the resources you need to engage in a healthy decision-making process. From there, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue your own best option at your own best time.
At Avenue Women’s Center, we understand completely that every woman’s situation is unique. That’s why our no-cost services are customized according to each person’s needs. We also believe that everyone deserves nonjudgmental, confidential, and compassionate care. To that effect, our first-step pregnancy services are offered at five convenient locations, free of charge! We’re here to help you make an informed pregnancy decision with confidence and peace of mind.
Reach out to schedule an appointment with Avenue Women’s Center today! For over 40 years, we’ve been serving individuals from the Chicagoland area and beyond, helping each woman who comes to us receive assistance for her unique situation.
* Avenue Women’s Center is a first-step pregnancy clinic that provides limited medical services. We do not provide or refer for abortions.
What Steps do I Need to Take Prior to Having an Abortion?
Before looking for an abortion clinic close to you, there are certain steps you will want to take:
Confirm your pregnancy. Avenue Women’s Center offers highly accurate medical-grade pregnancy tests at no cost.
Gather information about your options. Our caring and experienced pregnancy consultants are available to go over the processes involved with each of your abortion options and alternatives. We’re here to listen to your situation and your concerns, and to walk beside you as you make your personal best decisions.
Receive medical information regarding your pregnancy through ultrasound. Our limited medical ultrasounds at Avenue can tell you how far along you are, along with your risks of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. This information can help inform your next steps, and may not be clearly explained in other medical settings.
Reflect on your own feelings and beliefs. It’s important to consider your personal feelings about going to an abortion clinic. While some women are certain that abortion is their best option, others might struggle with this decision. Maybe it seems like you’ve made up your mind, but your feelings don’t match your resolve. If that’s the case, you’ve probably been left with more questions than answers. A pregnancy consultation at Avenue can be an opportunity to further assess your feelings and thoughts about how an abortion might impact you personally. It’s critical to ensure you’re making a decision you feel good about. Our expert staff is here to offer pressure-free, judgment-free support while you process this.
What Do I Need to Know About Abortion Clinics?
Every abortion clinic is different, with varying requirements and costs for treatment. Some facilities provide only certain types of procedures, or only perform abortions up until a specific point in a pregnancy. It’s important to research your options before scheduling an abortion appointment for your own safety and well-being. Some questions to consider as you look into clinics might include:
What types of abortion procedures does the clinic provide? An abortion facility may provide surgical abortions and/or medication abortions (also referred to as the abortion pill). Some women are not medically eligible for one or both of these. How would the clinic assess which might be an option for you?
How are the medical aspects of an abortion handled at the clinic? Are there doctors and nurses on staff at the abortion clinic? What training or credentials are required of them? What are their protocols for administering anesthesia and other medical processes during an abortion procedure? What happens in case of an emergency?
What are the processes for each type of abortion procedure offered? How many visits are required before and after the abortion procedure? Do you need someone to come with you? Does the clinic walk you through each step of the abortion process to ensure you understand how to prepare, what to expect, and the potential side effects and risks? What is the estimated recovery time? What are the typical after-care steps and instructions? Where do you go for follow-up appointments, and what do you do if you experience complications after an abortion? If you’re a minor (under the age of 18), is it required to have a parent, guardian, or adult relative present? (This will depend largely on the state where the abortion is being provided).
What are some other high-priority things to consider in choosing a clinic? What is the reputation of the clinic and the healthcare professionals who work there? How does it feel when you call? Is this a place where you think you’ll be treated without judgment? Is there genuine compassion and respect for your confidentiality? Does it feel like services are handled as more than just a medical/financial “transaction”? Are you able to check out the clinic beforehand to get an overall feel for the atmosphere?
A Final Word
These “questions to ask” are not meant to overwhelm you. They’re meant to help you consider the kind of information that will equip you to make a confident and health-conscious decision about your care. You have the freedom and ability to choose your own best path. However, asking these questions will help you put your own safety front and center, where it always belongs.
If you’re looking for low-cost services at a nearby abortion clinic, it sounds as though you’re dealing with two serious and challenging circumstances: an unexpected pregnancy, and limited finances. It can be tempting to prioritize financial costs when looking into treatment options. However, you don’t need to focus solely on the price of your next medical steps, however desperate your financial situation may feel. When a service is health-related, much can be at stake. Fortunately, resources are available to those who need them. Avenue Women’s Center can help you get connected with the comprehensive support you need.
One of the best things you can do for yourself right now is to meet with an Avenue Women’s Center staff member for a free pregnancy consultation. We promise you’ll be treated with respect and compassionate care when you reach out. While we do not provide referrals to abortion clinics, we offer a safe place to access critical early pregnancy information and ask questions without embarrassment or fear of judgment. All our services are strictly confidential. We’d love to walk with you throughout this difficult chapter, and stay with you wherever the path leads you.
Contact us today for relevant services, information, and support at no cost to you! Same-day appointments are often available at our five locations in the western suburbs of Chicago.
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.