If you’re reading this, you might be feeling overwhelmed, scared, or unsure about what to do next. That’s completely valid. Many women facing an unplanned pregnancy have these same thought.
This guide will walk you through the recommended steps of navigating a pregnancy decision, so you can make the best decision for you.
Need answers right now? Text with our nurse directly for free at (512) 967-8859.
Step 1: Confirm Your Pregnancy Before Considering Abortion
Before making any decisions about abortion, it’s important to make sure you are actually pregnant.
Home pregnancy tests are a good first step, but they’re not always 100% accurate.
At Agape Women’s Clinic, you can receive free pregnancy testing in a confidential setting and talk one-on-one with a nurse during your appointment. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions, understand your results, and get clear next steps based on your specific situation.
Step 2: How Far Along Are You? (Why It Matters for Abortion Options)
How far along you are in your pregnancy and what’s happening in your body directly affects what unique pregnancy or abortion options are available to you.
Before making a decision, it’s important to understand key details about your pregnancy. Without this information, there can be increased risks to your health and safety.
An ultrasound can:
- Confirm how many weeks pregnant you are
- Verify the pregnancy is located in the uterus (not ectopic)
- Detect a heartbeat
These factors help determine whether abortion is a viable option for you.
At Agape Women’s Clinic, our pre-abortion screening appointment is designed for this exact reason. You’ll receive a free ultrasound and have the opportunity to talk through your situation with a medical professional so you can make a good decision.
Step 3: Understand Your Abortion Options (Pill vs. Procedure)
If you're considering abortion, it’s important to understand what that actually involves.
There are two main types:
- Medical abortion (abortion pill): Uses two drugs to end a pregnancy and causes cramping and bleeding at home
- Surgical abortion: A procedure performed in a clinic or hospital
Each option comes with different timelines, side effects, and risks. Taking time to learn about both can help you make a more informed decision.
Step 4: Abortion Laws in Texas: What You Need to Know
Abortion laws vary widely across the country. In Texas, abortion is currently prohibited except in cases of a life-threatening medical emergency, which means the abortion pill cannot be legally prescribed or dispensed within the state.
Because laws can change and situations can vary, it’s important to get up-to-date, accurate information about your specific circumstances.
You can text with our nurses directly for free at (512) 967-8859 to speak confidentially about what this means for you.
Step 5: Abortion, Adoption, or Parenting: Understanding All Your Options
When facing an unplanned pregnancy, it can feel like abortion is the only option, but it’s not the only path.
You also have the option of:
- Parenting
- Adoption
Each option, including abortion, comes with its own challenges and outcomes. Taking time to explore all of them can help you feel more confident in whatever decision you make.
Step 6: Abortion Side Effects: Physical and Emotional Considerations
Abortion is a medical decision, but it can also affect you emotionally.
Some women feel relief. Others experience sadness, anxiety, or a sense of loss, sometimes in ways they didn’t expect.
Taking time to think through your decision beforehand and not rushing past your emotions afterward can make a meaningful difference in your long-term mental and emotional health.
We are here to help you process what you’re feeling and make a decision you feel at peace with.
Free Abortion Information & Pregnacy Services in North Austin
If you're in North Austin, Agape Women’s Clinic offers free, confidential services to help you understand your pregnancy and your options.
These services are designed to give you clear information without pressure so you can take your next step with confidence.
Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/ovulation-signs/faq-20058000
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23439-ovulation