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Its a logistical nightmare that no one should have to sort through.
Abbey Lossing
We know the logistics of getting an abortion can be overwhelming.
Determine how far along you are.
How long youve been pregnant also determines which of the two kinds of abortions you might get.
Food and Drug Administration(FDA) until the 10-week mark of gestation.
(Heres more detailabout exactly how each bang out of abortion works.)
In general, most people do prefer a medication abortion to a surgical procedure, Dr. Minkin says.
However, you oughta be reasonably early in the pregnancy.
Asthe ACOGnotes, an abortion in the first trimester is one of the safest medical procedures you might get.
Figure out which states are likely to continue to allow abortion care, at least for now.
Thishandy chart from Planned Parenthoodgives a recent overview of where things stand state by state.
There are a few states that allow abortion throughout the entire course of pregnancyand thats not likely to change.
It appears thatsome lawmakers may venture to restrict that option as well.
Look into whether telemedicine abortion is an option for you.
TheFDA made it legalto mail abortion pills in late 2021.
(Its important to note that telehealth abortion should occur under the careful guidance of a doctor.
Access to telemedicine appointments may potentially be limited by the bans and restrictions imposed by the states.
There are other possible barriers too.
And even if medication abortion via telemedicine is legal in your state, certain clinics may not offer it.
Know that certain states may have laws on mandatory counseling.
(Medically, pregnancy does not begin until afertilized egg implantsinto the uterine lining.)
She decided to move forward with her abortion anyway.
Some states may also have a mandatory waiting period.
Waiting periods can also play a role in where to go for your abortion in the first place.
Consider how youre getting there and whether youre staying overnight.
Thats why many abortion funds in our data pipe also provide practical support.
This includes transportation, childcare, lodging, translation services, abortion doula support, and more.
Keep in mind that you may need to take time off work and coordinate child care.
The National Partnership for Women & Families has afantastic chartrounding up those statutes, as they currently stand.
Hotline counselors at resources likePPFAand theNAFshould be able to help you figure out local laws too.
You may need or want to bring someone with you.
Some clinics require you to have a companion to escort you home after the procedure, Dr. Streicher says.
(If you get general anesthesia, youll definitely need that.)
you’ve got the option to always ask your clinic as well if they know of local options.
Plan how youre paying for it.
ButPlanned Parenthoodnotes that abortion can cost up to $750.
(Then you have to add the cost of factors like transportation and child care.)
Unfortunately, this advice may not work for all people.
If you dont have insurance and cannot afford the cost of an abortion out-of-pocket, you have options.
Some clinics will charge less depending on factors like your income, George says.
There are also forms of financial assistance available from organizations that work with theNNAFandNAF.
This increase costs exponentially, says Ghosh.
For many, the increased financial burden will push abortion care completely out of reach.
Her best advice when it comes to paying for your abortion?
Dont wait to make your appointment until you have the money, Nicole says.
Make the appointment, ask how much it is, and you could figure it out from there.
Make a plan to take care of yourself afterward.
Plan to take it as easy as possible for a few days following your abortion if you might.
Sometimes bleeding will continue for a week or so.
Alter your exercise regimen a bit, she adds.
Although you certainly can walk around, dont plan on a workout at the gym.
Do ask your provider when they would suggest you get back to regular exercising.
Most will say about a week.
Talk to your medical providers about all of this too.
The doctor, nurses, and staff really handheld me.
It took so much planning and making appointments and confirming them.
All that money and time, she says.
And it was around the holidays…. That stuff piles up.
