Facing an unexpected pregnancy can feel overwhelming. Abortion may seem like a quick and private solution, but it’s a deeply personal choice that can shape your future. You owe it to yourself to get all the facts.
This article outlines critical steps to help you make an informed decision if you’re considering abortion. Keep reading to learn more.
Why Your Decision Matters
An unexpected pregnancy is a life-changing event, no matter what you choose. Many women come to us with questions about their relationships, health, and how their decision will impact their future.
It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions. That’s why taking time to reflect is so important. Slow down, take a deep breath, and let’s walk through what you need to consider.
Step 1: Receive an Ultrasound
Before moving forward with abortion, it’s important to receive an ultrasound to determine how far along you are and whether you’re at risk for a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
How Far Along Am I?
It’s important to know how far along you are because the abortion pill is only FDA-approved for up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period.[1] Abortion is legal in Pennsylvania through the 24th week of pregnancy, but the types of abortion available depend on the gestational age. After the 24th week, exceptions can be made if the health of the pregnant woman is in danger.[2]
Miscarriage and Ectopic Pregnancy
The ultrasound can show if you’re likely to have a miscarriage and if the pregnancy is inside the uterus.
A significant number of known pregnancies naturally end in miscarriage.[3] Additionally, a small number of pregnancies form outside the uterus, known as ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies can be life-threatening, and the abortion pill doesn’t treat them.[4]
If your ultrasound determines that you’re experiencing a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, abortion is not an option to consider.Morning Star Clinics provides free ultrasounds, so you can confirm your pregnancy and estimate your gestational age. Contact us to see if you qualify.
Step 2: Get Tested for STDs
Before considering abortion, it’s critical to get tested for STDs. Skipping this step could put your long-term reproductive health at risk.
Having an untreated STD during an abortion can increase the risk of complications like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which may lead to infertility.[5]
At Morning Star Clinics, we offer free STD testing and treatment, so you can protect your health. Click the button below to schedule an appointment.
Step 3: Explore All Your Options
The best way to make an informed decision is to explore all of your options: abortion, adoption, and parenting. Each has its own implications for your emotional, physical, and financial future. Take time to explore what each path might mean for you.
Morning Star Clinics is here to help you weigh these options and answer your questions without judgment.
Step 4: Get Advice from Someone You Can Trust
When facing a big decision, it’s smart to get advice from someone you trust.
Don’t feel safe confiding in someone you know? That’s OK. Morning Star Clinics can help. Our compassionate client advocates are here to listen to you, answer your questions, and provide the unbiased information you need to make the best decision for your health and future.
Step 5: Think About Your Future
Your future is likely at the heart of your decision. Whether you’re focused on career goals, financial stability, or personal relationships, an unexpected pregnancy can feel like a roadblock.
Ask yourself:
- How will my choice align with my long-term goals?
- What emotional or physical impacts might I face?
- Who can I trust to support me through this?
Taking time to reflect ensures you’re not reacting out of fear or pressure. Journaling, talking to a trusted friend, or meeting with a patient advocate at Morning Star Clinics can help you figure out your priorities.
Considering Abortion in Harrisburg, PA? Get the Facts at Morning Star Clinics.
If you’re considering abortion in Harrisburg, PA, Morning Star Clinics is here to help you make a fully informed decision. We offer:
- Free Services: Pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STD testing and treatment.
- Confidential Support: A safe space to ask questions and explore your options without pressure.
- Personalized Guidance: Information tailored to your situation, free from bias.
Don’t wait to get the care you deserve. Call us at 717-901-2799 or schedule your appointment online today.
Please be aware that Morning Star Clinics does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2025, January 17). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
- Pennsylvania General Assembly. (2025, January 8). House Bill 26. https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb26
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, September 8). Miscarriage. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
- FDA. (2025, February 11). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594