
Frequently
Asked Questions
Click on each of the questions to learn more.
Plan B is a type of emergency birth control (contraception) that temporarily delays the release of an egg from the ovary, so there’s no egg to meet the sperm. No egg, no fertilization, no pregnancy.
The Abortion Pill is a medical abortion, which consists of two medications.
If you are pregnant, you have more options than you think. Our caring staff will discuss all your options with you, without judgment. All the resources we provide are completely objective and we’ll provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision regarding your pregnancy.
Getting an ultrasound before an abortion is recommended because you will need to determine the gestational age of your pregnancy to know what type of abortion you need and verify your pregnancy. An ultrasound can determine if your body is preparing for a miscarriage.
The first medication, mifepristone, stops the pregnancy from growing and the second medication, misoprostol, expels the pregnancy tissue from the woman’s uterus.
You should have a pregnancy test as well as STI/STD testing and treatment.
The only thing Women's Center of EC asks, is that you bring a photo ID.
Mifepristone is given first. This blocks progesterone, a hormone essential for a healthy pregnancy. Then this drug cuts off blood supply and nutrients to the developing embryo. Between twenty-four to forty-eight hours later, you will take misoprostol, the second pill. This pill causes the uterus to expel the embryo. In short, misoprostol induces early labor.
Because we care about your health and wellbeing, your appointment with us is completely free and confidential. You do not need to bring any form of payment or health insurance with you to your appointment, just a photo ID.
This depends on the type of abortion you get. If you get a medical abortion, you will be taking two different medications. One pill stops the pregnancy, and the other pill expels the pregnancy tissue from your body.
If you get a surgical abortion, a doctor must insert a speculum to examine your uterus. Your cervix will be stretched open with dilators either before or during the procedure. Next, the doctor will insert a tube through the cervix into the uterus, which is attached to a suction device. This will empty the uterus.
Because each woman and each pregnancy is unique, symptoms may vary. However, the most common sign of pregnancy is a missed period. If you have missed a period, it’s best to make an appointment for a free pregnancy test at our center. Other common pregnancy symptoms include fatigue, nausea, bloating, darkening of the nipples, cramping/spotting, and frequent urination.
An abortion is similar to a miscarriage. Someone who has taken the abortion pill may experience these symptoms:
Severe abdominal pain or cramping
Bleeding or severe spotting
Discharge of tissue or fluid
These symptoms may occur for 9-16 days. However, approximately 8% of women may experience bleeding for 30 days or more. If the abortion is not entirely successful, a medication or a surgical abortion is required.
Pain and discomfort levels vary from woman to woman. Some women experience the physical side effect of severe cramping, fever, vomiting, chills, etc.
Additionally, some of the emotional and psychological side effects don’t always present themselves until much later.
Abortion recovery times vary from woman to woman. Women who have first trimester abortions and those who do not have any complications say they feel normal within a few days. The bleeding usually stops within six weeks.
However, recovery for late-term abortions may take longer. Longer still, if complications develop, and hospitalization or surgery is necessary. However, hospitalization is not the norm, and most women will recover within a few weeks.
You can expect to experience light to heavy vaginal bleeding accompanied by cramping for about two weeks. However, if you continue to have bleeding and cramping for more than two weeks, you should seek medical attention.
During your appointment, we collect a small sample of urine. A urine pregnancy test detects the presence of hCG, which is a hormone associated with pregnancy. If hCG is detected in your urine, that means you have a positive test.
Over-the-counter pregnancy tests can be accurate, but often women take them too early or don’t follow the directions carefully. Even if you have taken a home pregnancy test, confirm your results with free pregnancy testing at Womens Center EC
Yes. There have been successful reversals when treatment was started within 72 hours of taking the first abortion pill. Contact our center to ask about the abortion pill reversal.
Intense cramping
Bleeding heavier than a period
Dizziness
Diarrhea
Headaches
Mild fever
Hot flashes
Chills
More severe side effects, which need medical attention:
An allergic reaction to the medication
Infection
An incomplete abortion
Severe pain
Fever
Passing clots for two or more hours that are equal or larger than the size of a lemon
Strong smelling vaginal discharge
Excessive bleeding, using two or more pads in an hour
After you have received a positive pregnancy test, it may be time to get a limited obstetric ultrasound. An ultrasound can diagnose pregnancy, determine how far along you are and detect a fetal heartbeat.
Yes. All our medical services are provided by licsened medical professionals. Women's Center of EC medical professionals on staff include:
Medical Doctor
Registered Nurses
Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
No. You cannot get the abortion pill over the counter. A physician must prescribe it. Additionally, the FDA warns against purchasing online abortion-inducing drugs because this puts the woman at risk of taking a drug that the FDA has not approved.
The average cost of an abortion in the US in the first trimester is approximately $500. Second-trimester abortions average $1,500. However, abortion costs tend to be higher in states where abortion is more restricted.
Most STIs do not exhibit unique symptoms, and most symptoms can be mistaken for other illnesses. That’s why it’s important to get tested after unprotected sex. Waiting too long to get tested and treated for an STI puts you and your partner at risk for severe health complications.
Yes. The abortion pill is potent, so the FDA requires a physician or certified health professional to prescribe the pill in person after pregnancy verification. When you order the abortion pill online, you skip the pregnancy verification and prescription process, which puts your health at risk.
While you can order the abortion pill online and have it delivered to your house, it’s incredibly risky. While searching, you may come across sites that claim to deliver the abortion pill by mail. Oftentimes, these providers are located overseas and the pills they provide are not FDA-approved. Currently, it’s illegal to purchase Mifeprex online. The FDA requires the abortion pill to be prescribed and dispensed under the supervision of a qualified physician for your safety. Aside from that, it’s crucial to be in touch with a prescribing physician if complications arise.
You may experience severe abdominal cramping, nausea, and heavy bleeding after taking the abortion pill. You will need a licensed healthcare provider to confirm whether the procedure was successful or if an infection is developing.
Yes! We’ve mentored thousands in healthy relationship building skills. Relationships can be hard but we are here to help.
The average cost of an abortion in the US in the first trimester is approximately $500. Second-trimester abortions average $1,500. However, abortion costs tend to be higher in states where abortion is more restricted.
Whether you are a woman or man facing an unexpected pregnancy, you don’t have to go through it alone. You both should have an open discussion regarding your options and make an informed decision together on what to do moving forward. We can help facilitate these conversations and provide you with the information you need
No one is a parenting expert, but that doesn’t mean you can’t provide your child with love and support. We offer parenting classes to help you learn the ins and outs of being a good parent during each stage of your child’s life. Call or text us today to learn more about our free parenting program and how it can benefit you.
If you live in another community and are not sure if you can make it to our Center, consider visiting our Mobile Care van, which schedules travel to communities throughout the state.