Read This Before You Travel Out of Florida to Get an Abortion

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering traveling out of Florida to get an abortion, there are essential things to keep in mind to protect your health beforehand.

Read on to learn the essentials you need to know before packing your bags. Or, if you want to talk to someone about your pregnancy, contact First Coast Women’s Services to request a free consultation with a nurse. All appointments and services are free and confidential. 

Find Out If You’re Eligible

Certain abortion choices, like medical abortion (also known as the “abortion pill”), aren’t an option for every pregnancy. If the following situations apply to you, you aren’t eligible for the abortion pill: 

• Are too far along in your pregnancy—medical abortion drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is under 10 weeks gestation
• Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place
• Have a suspected ectopic pregnancy (a life-threatening situation in which the pregnancy grows outside your uterus)
• Have certain medical conditions, including certain heart or blood vessel diseases; severe liver, kidney or lung disease; or an uncontrolled seizure disorder
• Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines
• Can’t make follow-up visits to your provider or don’t have access to emergency care
• Have an allergy to the medicine used

This list isn’t complete, which is why it’s critical to speak with a healthcare provider before seeking an abortion. 

If you attempt to seek a medical abortion despite being ineligible, you’re more likely to experience a risk that puts your health in danger.

Learn Key Pregnancy Details You’ll Need to Know

Before seeking an abortion, you’ll need to know three important details about your pregnancy:

• Age. This is a critical detail to know about your pregnancy, and it will dictate what pregnancy options are available to you. 
• Location. This is essential for ruling out an ectopic pregnancy. If you’re experiencing one, you will need emergency medical intervention.
• Viability. This refers to whether your pregnancy has signs of life or if you’ve experienced a miscarriage. If you’ve experienced one, you will need follow-up care and potential treatment.

The only way to reliably determine these details is by receiving an ultrasound. At First Coast Women’s Services, we offer this simple scan for free. 

Next Steps

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can fill you with questions, but you’re not alone in this—and we have answers. 

At First Coast Women’s Services, we’re here for you with free services, medically accurate information, and other resources that can help you feel confident about how to move forward. Schedule an appointment today to talk with a nurse about your options.