Unwanted pregnancies happen. Sometimes even the best birth control method fails. If you do not want to continue a pregnancy, you have the legal right to have an abortion. You may wish to discuss your situation and your feelings about abortion with your partner, parents or a friend. However, no one has the legal right to force you to have an abortion or prevent you from getting one.

Surgical and Medication Abortion
Abortion Services
Deciding if Abortion is Right for You
Making Choices

There are two types of abortion: surgical and medication. Surgical abortion is a simple surgical procedure when done early and under good medical conditions. It takes about 15-20 minutes and is usually done in a clinic or a doctor’s office. Medication abortion is an option within the first 8 weeks after the last menstrual period and ends a pregnancy using particular drugs. It takes approximately 4-8 hours to pass the pregnancy. Although the abortion does not take place in the clinic, you must schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure that the procedure is completed. Additionally, you must be prepared to have a surgical abortion in the event that the medication abortion does not end the pregnancy.

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The staff at Planned Parenthood will be able to answer questions about types of abortions, fees and services available. If eligible, you may get financial help from the State if you cannot afford the cost of the abortion. Additional counseling for women considering abortion is also available at Planned Parenthood.

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Before you decide to have an abortion, you should ask yourself these questions:

• How do I feel about being pregnant?
• How do I feel about being a parent?
• When do I believe life begins?
• What does my religion say about abortion?
• How do I feel about abortion?
• What type of procedure would be done? Do I know the physical risks?
• What agencies offer abortion services?
• How much does an abortion cost? How will I pay for it?
• How might this decision affect me in 5 years? 10 years?
• Who can I talk to about my decision?
• How does my partner answer these questions?

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If your pregnancy is unwanted, you may feel alone, scared, guilty, angry or confused at a time when an important decision must be made.

Many women of all ages and backgrounds have had to make the difficult choice between parenthood, adoption and abortion. You will make the best decision for yourself by being honest with yourself and remaining true to your own beliefs.

You should take into consideration your feelings as well as facts when you consider how this pregnancy will affect your life now and in the future.

The choice is entirely up to you, but that doesn’t mean you must be alone in making your decision. You may seek out the people who will support you: your partner, family, friends, clergy or a professional counselor.

Planned Parenthood Believes:

• That every child deserves to come into the world wanted and loved.
• That responsible choices about sexual behavior and childbearing should be based on information and understanding rather than ignorance and fear.
• That all of us have the right to voluntary family planning services.
• That informed, voluntary choices about childbearing contribute to the independence, health and economic strength of individuals and society.

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