Frequently Asked Questions
Pregnancy
Yes! We offer help with material assistance (baby & child necessities) for those facing hardship residing in the United States. Learn more about applying for help HERE.
Sometimes parents react emotionally when discovering their child is unexpectedly pregnant. Give them some time to cool down and then try to have a rational conversation. If they are still unsupportive, know you still have a support team with us. Contact our helpline HERE and one of our client advocates will walk you through all of your options. They can even connect you with a safe and supportive place to stay during and after your pregnancy, if you determine that’s the best solution.
Yes, false negative pregnancy tests are very possible if a patient takes a urine test too early or takes it when their urine is really dilute (this is why morning testing, when your urine is most concentrated, is usually recommended). For accuracy, it is best to wait until you’ve missed your period for at least a day. However, if you do not know when your period is due, or you have irregular periods, you can also test after waiting at least 14-17 days after the sexual activity you are concerned about. You can also visit your local pregnancy center for a confidential and free pregnancy test. Find the one closest to you HERE.
Ultrasounds help determine
- Gestational age (how far along you are)
- Viability (fetal health and heartbeat)
- Single vs. multiple pregnancies (ex. twins)
An ultrasound can also show whether your baby is in a safe location. During an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo implants outside of the uterus (most commonly in a fallopian tube) and will require immediate medical attention due to health risks. Your local pregnancy center can provide an ultrasound free of charge. Find the closest pregnancy center near you HERE.
Telling the people closest to you that you’re pregnant can be scary, especially if you think they may react negatively. Remember, it’s normal for other people to need some time to process the same news you are still processing, and emotions can be high until they have sat with the information for a bit. Unless you think you may be in actual bodily danger if you told your parents and/or partner, telling people is the best way to grow your support system. You may be surprised at how much your parents or partner are able and willing to help you. Some ideas women have found helpful are: writing out what you want to say beforehand, practicing it with someone else who already knows and whom you trust, and having a support person with you when giving the news. Get more tips HERE.
Abortion
Yes, abortion has been linked to a wide range of side effects and complications including both infertility and other health issues. Learn more in detail about the risks associated with abortion HERE.
No one can legally force you into an abortion. If someone is trying to force you into an abortion visit the Center Against Forced Abortion HERE to know your legal rights. Only YOU can make this decision and there are plenty of people willing to support you along the way. Reach out to our helpline or connect with another resource HERE so you can make an informed decision free from judgment.
You should never have to feel like you have to have an abortion due to financial reasons. In fact, we have organizations in our network to relieve this financial burden so you can feel confident in continuing the pregnancy.
The abortion pill procedure is actually two different prescription drugs. The first drug, RU-486, Mifepristone, or Mifeprex, is what blocks progesterone and causes the death of the embryo or fetus. The second pill or set of pills, Misoprostol or Cytotec, induces cramps and causes the embryo or fetus to be expelled from the uterus. The abortion pill procedure is gaining popularity because after picking up the drugs, it can be carried out at home. The abortion pill is not the same drug as emergency contraception such as Plan B (or any generic brands) or Ella.
Surgical abortion procedures happen in an abortion clinic or hospital and involve the use of suction, scraping, and/or mechanical force to kill and remove the embryo or fetus. Surgical procedures early in pregnancy may only take 15 minutes, but later in pregnancy can be more lengthy, taking 1-3 days.
You can learn more about the different abortion procedures and their risks HERE and HERE.
Abortion procedures can vary based on how far along you are. Early in pregnancy, both medical and surgical abortions can be done, but as you progress further in pregnancy, only surgical options are left. Learn more about what happens during an abortion procedure HERE.
Yes, you can withdraw your consent to the abortion procedure and attempt to reverse the chemical abortion process. This is called Abortion Pill Reversal, and the process involves both prescription progesterone and ultrasounds to help track the baby’s health and help you carry your baby to term and have a healthy pregnancy. Progesterone has been used in pregnancy for decades to help moms have a healthy pregnancy.
However, time is of the essence in these situations, so starting the reversal process within the first 24-72 hours provides the best chance of success. You can call 877-558-0333 if you have taken the first abortion pill and have changed your mind, or abortionpillreversal.com to chat online with someone.
Post-Abortion Healing
Processing abortion regret can be extremely difficult. It’s okay to feel whatever you need to during this time whether that be a range of emotions or nothing at all. Often discussing your thoughts with someone else is a great way to work through this complex time. Check out our resources page HERE to chat with someone today. There is a path to healing.
Abortion regret can not only affect the woman but anyone around her, especially the father. You are not alone. Check out our resources page to find confidential organizations dedicated to helping post-abortive fathers just like you HERE.
Finding out you lost a sibling to abortion may be some of the most unexpected news of your life, so if you need help navigating these emotions, reach out to our helpline HERE. We have a dedicated client advocate who understands what you’re going through and can help you process your emotions and provide tips for healing.
Adoption
Adoption is a loving option and something at least worth researching or learning more about. To learn more about adoption click HERE or contact us with any questions
Open adoption allows both the biological mother and adoptive family to stay in regular contact. As the birth mother, you can choose the family you place your child with and even meet with them before you give birth. You also can stay in contact with and spend time with your biological child if you wish to. In an open adoption, both the biological parent(s) and the adoptive parent(s) are sharing identifying information and contact information with each other.
This option allows for no communication or contact with the adoptive parent(s). You also do not meet the adoptive parent(s) beforehand. This option does take away the possibility of contact with your biological child throughout their life and takes away their choice to try to contact you if they wish to, or if they need to (for example, for family medical history information). However, if your privacy is paramount, then this option allows for complete anonymity.
Another option is semi-open adoption, which still allows you to choose the adoptive family to place your child with, and allows for communication with the family — but all communication takes place indirectly through the adoption agency.
Yes, adoption is always free for the birth parents!
Yes, upon deciding you’d like to place your baby for adoption you can work alongside an adoption coordinator to choose the adoptive parents through a national registry to ensure they go to the right home. You can even interview and meet them in advance. As the birth parent, the decision is yours.
No, this is a common myth. If you choose to place your baby for adoption, you can ensure they go straight to the arms of a loving family. In fact, there are 36 couples waiting to adopt a baby for every 1 baby born. You can even choose the adoptive parents and/or maintain a relationship with them.
There is an entire national registry of adoptive parents waiting for a baby. In fact, adoptive families welcome babies of every ethnic background, as well as children with any kind of physical and intellectual disability. There’s a family out there waiting for a child like yours.
You can change your mind about placing your child until your signed consents to the adoption become final. When these consents are signed varies by state but they normally are signed after birth.
Have a question we didn't answer?
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