When Roe v. Wade was overturned, Georgia began to restrict abortion if a fetal heartbeat could be detected, which is typically around 6 weeks of gestational age.
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, read this article to understand your options better and recommended health screenings before getting an abortion.
What Should I Do?
Your next step should be taking a clinical pregnancy test to eliminate any possible “what ifs” and give you enough information to start forming a pregnancy plan.
At PRC Medical, we offer no-cost pregnancy testing and can help you calculate the best time to take one based on your last missed period.
Once you’ve confirmed a positive pregnancy, you’ll want to schedule an ultrasound. An Ultrasound can give you the following information:
- Pregnancy age (this will affect abortion eligibility)
- Pregnancy location (to determine if it’s ectopic – this is a medical emergency and an abortion is not necessary)
You may also be offered STD testing or blood work to determine if the abortion pill is the safest choice for you. If, for example, you have a history of anemia, or clotting problems, the excessive bleeding experienced with use of the abortion pill, may well result in a visit to the emergency room. If you are rH negative, failing to get appropriate treatment after an abortion can affect future pregnancies.
In either case, taking the abortion pill may carry unexpected risks, so having this information is essential prior to getting an abortion.
What are the Laws in My State?
If you’re seeking an abortion in Georgia, an abortion prescription will require an in-person exam by a medical professional.
After this exam, the abortion provider can prescribe a medication abortion if the pregnancy is less than six weeks of gestational age. If you’re under 18, your parent or guardian must be notified 24 hours before the procedure.
If you do not qualify for an abortion in Georgia, other options include traveling out of state. If you’re traveling out of state, some logistics to consider are how far would you have to travel out of state, or how much would travel and lodging cost?
Additionally, you’ll want to consider the expense of the abortion. Without healthcare, abortion can be up to $500 for the medication abortion and as much as several thousand dollars for surgical options.
Next Steps
At PRC Medical, we offer additional pregnancy options. In addition to no-cost ultrasounds pregnancy testing, and other testing if warranted, we also offer options consultations, where you can learn about local resources and ask questions in a safe, supportive environment. Contact us today!