Before an Abortion Checklist

If you think you might be pregnant and are considering an abortion, there’s a few steps you need to take first in order to best protect your health. Check out our abortion checklist below.

Three steps to take before having an abortion in Florida:

1. Confirm your pregnancy

It is crucial to your health to confirm your pregnancy before having an abortion. The abortion pill is not designed to stop you from getting pregnant, only to end an existing pregnancy. There could be side effects including prolonged bleeding and cramping, fever with chills, and vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, taking the pill while not pregnant could cause excessive bleeding requiring further medical attention.

First Coast Women’s Services offers medical-grade pregnancy testing free of charge.

2. Have an ultrasound

If your pregnancy test is positive, it’s time to schedule an ultrasound. You cannot have an abortion in the state of Florida without first having an ultrasound.

An ultrasound is necessary for two primary reasons

• It will show you how far along your pregnancy is
• It will rule out an ectopic pregnancy or early miscarriage. If an ultrasound reveals an ectopic pregnancy, immediate emergency medical attention will be required. Ectopic Pregnancy care is not an abortion, and medical care will not be denied to a woman facing an ectopic pregnancy in the state of Florida.

First Coast Women’s Services offers free limited ultrasounds. Click below to schedule yours today.

3. Learn about the options available to you

The results of your ultrasound will determine what options are available to you. In general, the options for any pregnancy are parenting, abortion, or adoption. There are pros and cons to each of these options. If you are past six weeks gestation, abortion will no longer be an option for your pregnancy in the state of Florida. Our team members are here to give you all the necessary information and help you process through your options so you can make an informed and empowered decision for your pregnancy.

Next Steps

If you think you might be pregnant, call or click below to schedule an ultrasound appointment with First Coast Women’s Services today. All our pregnancy services are free and confidential. We are a safe place to help you with your pregnancy needs.