National Nurses Week was May 6th-12th! Needless to say, nurses play a vital role in our society every moment of every day. (Literally. Round the clock, nurses are providing care and saving lives). They deserve our deepest appreciation all the time- not just 6 days a year!
At early pregnancy clinics like Avenue Women’s Center, nurses and medical professionals offer critical services that empower women to safeguard their health while facing an unexpected pregnancy. Every pregnancy option (abortion, adoption, and parenting) involves a medical process. If you’re exploring abortion, there are unique implications you’ll need to consider in order to make an informed decision that prioritizes your safety and wellness. A qualified medical professional can equip you with the tools you need to accomplish this!
Avenue Women’s Center is a limited medical clinic that’s been supporting women facing circumstances like yours for over 40 years. We believe in educating individuals with neutral and accurate information, so they can make their own best decisions in their own best timing. Our highly-qualified nurses and sonographers play a vital role in this process- as do our caring pregnancy consultants. We’re truly here to meet you wherever you are. This is a safe, judgment-free space.
Discover more about Avenue and contact us today! We’re located in Darien, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, West Chicago, and Wood Dale, Illinois.
What Can I Learn from a Medical Professional at Avenue?
At Avenue Women’s Center, we offer free limited medical ultrasounds, performed by highly- skilled nurses and professional sonographers. Our scans provide 3 key pieces of information that are important to know, especially if you’re considering an abortion:
- The location of your pregnancy. If your pregnancy is located in the fallopian tubes or anywhere outside of the uterus (called an ectopic pregnancy), immediate medical attention would be required. This condition can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Standard abortion practices would not resolve an ectopic pregnancy.
- Your gestational age. Your gestational age is how far along you are in the pregnancy. This number is important to know because it can impact your eligibility for certain abortion options. For instance, the abortion pill is FDA-approved through ten weeks (U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)). Various surgical abortion procedures are available beyond that point. These regulations exist to protect women and reduce the risk of complications.
- The possibility of miscarriage. Approximately 10-20% of pregnancies end in a miscarriage, although the true number may be even higher (Mayo Clinic). It can be helpful to know if your pregnancy appears to be moving in that direction, especially if you’re feeling undecided about your options. An ultrasound can evaluate this by looking at various factors.
In addition to providing ultrasounds, Avenue offers options consultations. This is a time we set aside for a medical professional or pregnancy consultant to discuss the processes and risks involved with your pregnancy options, including the different abortion procedures. We’re 100% committed to communicating this information with compassion and neutrality, using language that’s sensitive, professional, and easy to understand.
What Can I Learn from a Doctor?
If you decide to take mifepristone (the first pill of the abortion pill process), Mayo Clinic recommends discussing the following with a physician first:
- Any allergies you have
- What medications you’re taking
- Any existing medical concerns (including, but not limited to, unusual vaginal bleeding, diabetes, anemia, and certain heart and blood vessel diseases)
A doctor can help you evaluate your next best steps from a medical perspective, educate you on the risks, provide follow-up instructions, and take any other measures needed to protect your safety.
*As a limited medical clinic, Avenue Women’s Center does not provide “check-ups,”, nor do we provide or refer for abortions. Individuals who visit our clinics can expect to meet with a pregnancy consultant, and, depending on the appointment type, a nurse or sonographer. We can help you access a variety of medical resources, including information on nearby OBGYNs.
A Word from One of Our Nurses
Let’s conclude with a word from one of our nurses at Avenue Women’s Center! She’d like to express in her own words why it’s important to speak with a medical professional before making a final pregnancy decision:
“As a nurse, I want to express the importance of seeing a Medical Professional before scheduling or having an abortion. Having an abortion is a big decision and with this big decision comes some big risks. I feel it is important to be able to explain these risks to you so you will be better informed and can get your questions answered. As your nurse, I will explain the abortion options in early pregnancy and what you can expect… It is also VERY important to have an ultrasound by a medical professional to make sure that the pregnancy is in the uterus where it should be… We offer this information as well as your ultrasound free to you because this is how important this information is for you to have. Thank you and hope to see you soon.”
When it comes to a pregnancy decision (or any medical choice), your health and safety must always come first. Meeting with a caring, qualified medical professional will help ensure that you’re protected and well-informed throughout your decision-making process. Our expert team at Avenue is motivated by a desire to champion women’s holistic wellness. If you need help navigating an unexpected pregnancy, haven’t connected with a medical professional, or aren’t sure how to move forward, contact us today!
Discover more about our free and confidential first-step pregnancy services! We offer in-person and virtual appointments!
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References:
Mayo Clinic. (2025, May). Mifepristone (oral route). Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/description/drg-20067123
Mayo Clinic. (2023, September). Miscarriage. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). (2025, January). Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation.
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.