If you or someone you care about is facing an unintended pregnancy, you may be asking this question: “When can I get an abortion?” Is it too early now? When is too late?
We understand an unplanned pregnancy is a serious concern, and time is a critical aspect of it. Getting through the early steps, such as confirming the pregnancy and researching options, can be completed quickly. At Avenue Women’s Center, we want to assist you as soon as possible. Please call or text us today for a free consultation with one of our confidential, nonjudgmental staff members.
Here is some general information we hope will be helpful for your question, “When can I get an abortion?”
- According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, most abortions are performed at or before the 13th week of pregnancy (measured from the last menstrual period).*
- Abortion providers vary on how soon you can get a first-trimester abortion.
- Whether or not you would be eligible for a medication abortion using the “abortion pill” is determined by when the pregnancy began. This type of abortion can be done up to the 10th week of pregnancy. An ultrasound is necessary to accurately determine the exact timing of the pregnancy.
- Many states have limits on abortion after the point of “viability” – usually considered to be 24 weeks. In Illinois, exceptions are allowed after this time in the pregnancy, for the life and health of the woman.
Here is another important question: Is it possible you might not need an abortion? Although some abortion providers dispense the abortion pill very early in pregnancy, doing that fails to address that important question. One in five or six pregnancies ends naturally in miscarriage. An ultrasound may indicate whether this seems to be happening in your pregnancy – even if you are not yet experiencing symptoms – and this knowledge can impact your abortion decision. When a pregnancy will end naturally on its own, most women choose not to go through the procedure and the expense of an abortion.
An abortion decision with all its variables can be difficult for many women. If you are asking, “When can I get an abortion?” we hope you will first contact us and allow us to assist you. Our experienced and caring staff members are here to help you process your personal concerns and questions. We have offices in Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, Naperville, West Chicago, and Wood Dale, Illinois, and we are here to serve you.
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.