When facing an unplanned pregnancy, abortion might seem like your only option. However, making an informed choice requires understanding the abortion do’s and don’ts.
These guidelines can help ensure your safety and well-being throughout the decision-making process. At Morning Star Clinics, we’re committed to providing you with the facts you need. Here’s what you need to know before considering an abortion.
Things to Do Before Choosing an Abortion:
1. Verify Your Pregnancy with an Ultrasound
One of the most critical things to do before an abortion is confirming your pregnancy with an ultrasound.
Ultrasounds provide the insight needed to make an informed and empowered decision for an unplanned pregnancy. They determine two key things about your pregnancy: viability and gestational age.
Viability
An ultrasound determines if your pregnancy is viable and growing inside the uterus by detecting the fetal heartbeat. If it cannot be detected, it may indicate a very early pregnancy or that a miscarriage (spontaneous loss of a pregnancy) is occurring. This requires alternative medical care.
This could also mean that the pregnancy is growing in another location, which is known as ectopic pregnancy. This is a life-threatening situation that requires emergency care. Ectopic pregnancies are not treated by abortion. If your ultrasound indicates an ectopic pregnancy, abortion is no longer an option to consider.
*Important note: The purpose of our limited ultrasound exams is to identify a pregnancy inside the uterus, detect the fetal heartbeat, and estimate how far along you are. If we identify signs of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, we will provide appropriate referrals for follow-up care and treatment.
Gestational Age
It’s also important to know your gestational age (how far along you are), as the abortion pill is only approved by the FDA up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.[1]
Additionally, abortion is legal in Pennsylvania through the 24th week of pregnancy. Exceptions can be made if the health of the pregnant woman is in danger.[2]
2. Consult a Medical Provider
Before choosing abortion, speak to a qualified healthcare provider.
A doctor can check for conditions that might complicate an abortion, such as ectopic pregnancy, drug allergies, blood disorders, an IUD, or other issues.[3] This consultation helps you avoid preventable abortion complications.
3. Get Tested for STDs
Before considering abortion, it’s critical to get tested for STDs.
Having an untreated STD (like chlamydia) during an abortion can increase the risk of complications like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which may lead to infertility.[4]
Morning Star Clinics provides confidential STD testing and treatment, so you can protect your health. Schedule an appointment today.
4. Understand Your Abortion Options
To make an informed decision, you need to understand how abortions are performed. There are two methods:
- Abortion Pill: The abortion pill is FDA-approved up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. This involves taking mifepristone and misoprostol to end the pregnancy.
- Surgical Abortion: This is performed in a clinic, with techniques varying by gestational age and state laws.
Morning Star can provide information on abortion options during your no-cost appointment. If you decide that you are not comfortable with either procedure, we can also provide information on other pregnancy options.
5. Understand the Potential Risks and Complications
A vital step in the decision-making process is learning about potential risks of abortion.
- Abortion Pill Risks: For the abortion pill, risks include prolonged bleeding, infection, allergic reactions, or an incomplete abortion requiring follow-up care.
- Surgical Abortion Risks: For surgical abortion, risks involve bleeding, infection, pain, incomplete abortion, or rare issues like uterine perforation.[5] Repeated procedures may also increase the risk of scarring, potentially affecting future fertility.[6]
- Emotional Side Effects: Abortion has been linked to emotional and mental health complications that may include feelings of sadness or loss, an increase in alcohol or drug use, and post-traumatic stress.[7]
Ask your provider to explain these risks in detail. You have the right to be fully prepared.
6. Plan for Recovery
Planning for recovery after an abortion is an often-overlooked step.
After the abortion pill, it’s normal to experience strong cramping and bleeding for a few days, possibly up to four weeks.[8] Surgical abortion recovery typically involves light bleeding for one to two weeks. Women often report that the recovery was more difficult than they expected. It takes time for your body to heal.
7. Explore All Your Pregnancy Options
The final step is exploring all possibilities. To make a fully informed decision, you need the facts about all your pregnancy options: parenting, adoption, and abortion.
Call 717-901-2799 for a free appointment to discuss your options.
Things to Not Do Before An Abortion:
1. Don’t Get an Abortion Without an Ultrasound
Don’t get an abortion without an ultrasound. Without it, you risk missing a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening if untreated. Protect your health by confirming the details first.
2. Don’t Buy Abortion Pills Online or from Unapproved Sources
Never purchase abortion pills from unverified online pharmacies. These sources may sell fake, expired, or ineffective drugs, putting your health at risk.[3]
3. Don’t Ignore Medication and Substance Warnings
Avoid drugs and alcohol before and after an abortion. These substances can interfere with the abortion process or worsen side effects. Consult your provider about what to steer clear of before proceeding.
4. Don’t Schedule Plans Right After
Resist the urge to jump back into your routine. Recovery times after an abortion vary.
5. Don’t Go Through It Alone
Don’t isolate yourself after an abortion. Lean on healthcare providers and a support system for guidance and comfort. We’re here to help—call 717-901-2799 for compassionate care.
Considering Abortion in Harrisburg, PA? Get the Facts First at Morning Star Clinics.
Knowing what to do before choosing abortion can feel overwhelming, especially with so much information out there. At Morning Star Clinics, we simplify the process by offering clear, factual guidance about your pregnancy and options.
Give us a call at 717-901-2799 or schedule an appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge.
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
- FDA. (2025, February 11). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
- Yvonne Butler Tobah. (2022, August 4). Could an Elective Abortion Increase the Risk of Problems in a Subsequent Pregnancy? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022, January 8). Asherman’s Syndrome. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16561-ashermans-syndrome
- Babbel, S. (2010, October 25). Post Abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS) – Does It Exist?. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/somatic-psychology/201010/post-abortion-stress-syndrome-pass-does-it-exist
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2023, January 1). Abortion – procedure – aftercare. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000658.htm