Abortion Information
Confirming Your Pregnancy
Before having an abortion, it is very important to have your pregnancy confirmed. There are many reasons that you could have missed your period or that you are experiencing other symptoms of pregnancy. Even if you have taken an over-the-counter test, it is wise to take another confirming test.
What is Abortion?
Abortion is the act of using or prescribing any instrument, medicine, drug, or any other substance, device, or means with the intent to terminate the clinically diagnosable pregnancy of a woman.
A medical abortion uses medicines to end the pregnancy, and a procedural or surgical abortion is a procedure to remove the pregnancy from the uterus.
Facts About Abortion
Louisiana law requires your doctor to tell you about the nature of the physical and emotional risks of both the abortion procedure and carrying a child to term
The doctor must tell you how long you have been pregnant and must give you a chance to ask questions and discuss your decision carefully and privately
It is unlawful for any individual to coerce you to undergo an abortion
Up to 25% of women experience a natural miscarriage and abortion is not necessary
Occasionally the pregnancy is located in the fallopian tubes, known as ectopic pregnancy, and is a medical emergency
Ultrasounds are Required by Law
It is required by law in Louisiana that a woman be presented with ultrasound images and an audible fetal heartbeat. We can explain the requires of the new law and what it means to you if you are planning to visit an abortion clinic in the area. If you have had a positive pregnancy test, it is vital to have an ultrasound before an abortion. You can have an ultrasound done with us, free of charge, as an effective tool in determining the health of your pregnancy. It is very important for your safety.
Medical Abortion
You may have heard of the abortion pill by different names: RU-486, the Abortion Pill, a Chemical Abortion, etc. These are not the same as emergency contraception (i.e., Morning After Pill, Plan B, Ella). A medical abortion is a procedure that uses medicine to end a known pregnancy. This method of abortion is used for women who are within 30-49 days of their last menstrual period. It can involve up to 3 office visits and may require a surgical procedure if the medical abortion is incomplete. You should be given a physical examination to determine whether you are a candidate for medical abortion and an ultrasound to ensure you are really pregnant within those 30-49 days.
Surgical Abortion
As with medical abortion, a surgical abortion will end your pregnancy. It is a surgical procedure that ends a pregnancy by emptying the uterus (or womb) with surgical instruments. There are different types of surgical abortion procedures. Different methods for these procedures (depending on how far along you are) may require other types of clinical facilities.
Contact Us
Are you considering an abortion? Do you want more information on your options? Are you in need of an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy? Please contact us today! We are here to help you.