When facing an unplanned pregnancy, abortion might seem like your only option. However, making an informed choice requires understanding the abortion dos and don'ts.
These guidelines can help ensure your safety and well-being throughout the process. At Shoals Women's Clinic, we're committed to providing you with the facts you need. Here's what you what you need to know before considering an abortion.
Things to Do Before An Abortion:
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
It's important to know if your pregnancy is viable because a significant number of pregnancies end on their own in miscarriage.[1]
The ultrasound also can show if the pregnancy is inside the uterus. A small number of pregnancies form outside the uterus, known as ectopic pregnancy. This is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies are not treated by abortion. If your ultrasound determines your pregnancy is not viable, abortion is no longer an option to consider.
Gestational Age
It's also important to know your gestational age (how far along you are), as you can't take the abortion pill past 10 weeks of pregnancy.[2] Additionally, in Alabama, abortion pills are illegal.[3]
Contact Shoals Women's Clinic to schedule a free limited ultrasound today and take the first step toward clarity.
2. Consult a Medical Provider
Before choosing abortion, speak to a qualified healthcare provider.
A doctor can assess your health for conditions that might complicate an abortion, such as ectopic pregnancy, drug allergies, blood disorders, an IUD, or other issues.[4] This consultation helps you avoid preventable abortion complications.
3. Get Tested for STIs
Before considering abortion, it's critical to get tested for STIs.
Having an untreated STI (like chlamydia) during an abortion can increase the risk of complications like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which may lead to infertility.[5]
Shoals Women's Clinic provides confidential STI testing, 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: Performed in a clinic, usually after 10 weeks, with techniques varying by gestational age and state laws.
If you decide that you are not comfortable with either procedure, you may want to consider 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.[6] Repeated procedures may also cause scarring, potentially affecting future fertility.[7]
Ask your provider to explain these risks in detail so you're fully prepared.
6. Plan for Recovery
Planning for recovery after an abortion is an often-overlooked step.
After the abortion pill, expect moderate 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. Arrange time to rest and heal—your body needs it.
7. Explore All Your Options
The final step is exploring all possibilities. To make a fully informed decision, you need all the facts about parenting, adoption, and abortion.
Call (256) 740-0640 for a free appointment with our compassionate staff to discuss your options.
Things to Not Do Before An Abortion:
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.[9]
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 vary, and you'll need space to rest. Cancel plans and prioritize your healing.
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 (256) 740-0640 for compassionate care.
Considering Abortion in Florence, Alabama? Get the Facts First at Shoals Women's Clinic.
Knowing what to do before choosing abortion can feel overwhelming, especially with so much information out there. At Shoals Women's Clinic, we simplify the process by offering clear, factual guidance about your pregnancy and options.
Give us a call at (256) 740-0640 or schedule an appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge.
Please be aware that Shoals Women's Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic. (2023, September 8). Miscarriage - Symptoms and Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
- 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
- Alabama State Law as of April 2025.
- 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
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2023, January 1). Abortion - procedure - aftercare. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000658.htm
- See source #4.