Discovering an unexpected pregnancy can bring many thoughts and emotions. Deciding what to do next is a personal process, and there isn’t one right answer for everyone. Taking time to understand your options and how they may affect your health, future, and values can help you make a thoughtful decision.
At Oasis Resource Center, we provide free, confidential pregnancy services in a calm, supportive environment. Our goal is to help you gather accurate information, ask honest questions, and explore your options without pressure or judgment.
Reach out to schedule a private consultation to talk one-on-one with a trained professional and get clear answers.
Understanding Abortion
Abortion is a medical process used to end a pregnancy. Depending on how far along the pregnancy is, abortion may involve the abortion pill or a surgical procedure.
Medical abortion (the abortion pill)
- FDA-approved through 10 weeks of gestation
- Involves mifepristone and misoprostol, which cause cramping and bleeding to expel the pregnancy
- Possible risks include heavy or prolonged bleeding, infection, or incomplete abortion that may require additional medical care
Surgical abortion
- Performed in a clinical setting
- May involve procedures such as dilation and curettage (D&C)
- Possible risks include bleeding, infection, injury to the uterus or cervix, and the need for follow-up care
Why screening matters before abortion
Before an abortion, confirming key medical details is an important safety step. An ultrasound can:
- Determine how far along the pregnancy is
- Confirm that the pregnancy is located in the uterus
- Assess viability by checking for fetal cardiac activity
This information can also help rule out miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, which require different medical care.
It is also important to receive STI testing before an abortion. Some infections have no symptoms, but untreated STIs (especially chlamydia or gonorrhea) can increase the risk of infection and may contribute to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can affect reproductive health in the future.
Exploring Adoption
Adoption is an option for those who want to continue the pregnancy but do not feel prepared to parent. It allows you to carry the pregnancy to term while creating a plan for your child’s future.
Adoption plans can vary, including:
- Open adoption, which allows ongoing contact
- Semi-open adoption, where communication is supported through an agency
- Closed adoption, which offers more privacy
In many cases, adoption-related medical and legal expenses are covered by the agency, meaning there is typically no cost to place a child for adoption. Counseling and support are also commonly available throughout the process.
Oasis Resource Center can help you learn what adoption may look like and connect you with trusted local referrals if you decide to explore that option.
Finding Support and Next Steps
You don’t have to navigate this decision alone. Oasis Resource Center offers pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and confidential options consultations at no cost to help you better understand your situation and consider your next steps.
Schedule a free, confidential appointment today to receive accurate information and supportive care.
Oasis Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
