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Did you know that September 4th was World Sexual Health Day?  Are you struggling to cope with a pregnancy that you didn’t want or expect as this new month begins?  Needless to say, these two topics- sexual wellness and unexpected pregnancy- are very closely linked.  If you’re thinking about continuing to carry, it’s essential to see a doctor to protect your health and safeguard the pregnancy.  Of course, a surgical abortion must also involve a qualified medical professional.  But what if you’re leaning towards the abortion pill?  You may be wondering if you can skip the step of contacting a physician.  Health care experts would tell you that it’s important for any pregnant woman to see a qualified medical professional.  This is vital to your safety and well-being, regardless of which pregnancy option(s) you’re considering.  Let’s explore why that is!

If you’re struggling with unexpected pregnancy news and you’re not sure what to do, Avenue Women’s Center is a great place to begin.  We’re a limited medical clinic that offers free first-step pregnancy services with compassion and neutrality.  Our goal is to equip women with the accurate information and caring support they need to navigate this challenging journey, ultimately discovering their own best outcomes.

Learn more about Avenue and contact us to schedule a confidential consultation!

Three Key Reasons Why

Any person who’s facing an unexpected pregnancy has 3 options available to her: abortion, adoption, and parenting.  Each is bound to have unique implications on her sexual and reproductive health.  Here are a few reasons why it’s important to see a medical professional before finalizing your pregnancy decision:

  1. You need to know if you’re medically eligible for the pregnancy option(s) you’re considering. The abortion pill, one of the most common and accessible pregnancy options, is not medically appropriate for everyone.  According to Cleveland Clinic, the abortion pill is not safe for women who are too far along, are allergic to the medications involved, have an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy located outside of the uterus), take certain medications, have certain medical conditions, or can’t access emergency medical care.  It’s important to speak with a medical professional to rule all of these out and discuss possible alternatives if needed.
  2. It’s critical to know the risks, possible side effects, and processes involved with the pregnancy option(s) you’re considering. Each pregnancy option includes these three important factors.  Discussing them with a doctor will help you know what to expect, mitigate potential challenges, and make an informed pregnancy decision.
  3. Receiving care under a qualified medical professional will prevent you from bypassing important safety protocols. In the United States, the medication mifepristone (the first drug of the abortion pill regimen) is manufactured and distributed under the Mifepristone REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) Program (S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)).  The Mifepristone REMS program is designed to ensure the safety and effectiveness of mifepristone.  The FDA does not recommend buying this drug online or outside of this system (FDA).  According to Mifepristone REMS Program regulations, “Mifepristone must be prescribed by a health care provider that meets certain qualifications and is certified under the Mifepristone REMS Program” (FDA).

Mayo Clinic highly recommends that individuals considering this option familiarize themselves with the Mifepristone REMS Program regulations and carefully follow the mifepristone medication guide.  Follow-up care is an important consideration too.  If you decide to move forward with the abortion pill, it’s critical to check in with your doctor afterwards to safeguard your health and ensure that the process was effective.  As Mayo Clinic states, “It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine (mifepristone) is working properly.”

Avenue Women’s Center can help by providing free early pregnancy services, including a limited medical ultrasound to identify how far along you are, assess the possibility of a miscarriage, and rule out ectopic pregnancy.  This information will allow you to identify which abortion option(s) you’re eligible for and safeguard your health as you move forward.  We also offer no-cost pregnancy consultations to help you understand the risks and processes involved with all of your options.  When you connect with us, we promise you’ll be met with empathy, integrity, and professionalism.  Our expert pregnancy consultants and medical professionals are here to listen.

Call, text, chat, or email to schedule an appointment at one of our five Chicagoland, Illinois clinics!

*As a limited medical clinic, Avenue Women’s Center does not offer ongoing prenatal care, nor do we provide or refer for abortions or facilitate adoptions.  If you don’t have a doctor, we can help you connect with one by providing information on local health care resources.

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References:

Cleveland Clinic.  (2024, January).  Medical Abortion.  Retrieved from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion

Mayo Clinic.  (2025, August).  Mifepristone (oral route).  Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/description/drg-20067123

U.S. Food & Drug Administration.  (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

Reviewed by Dawn Horn, RN.

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.