This guide is for women who have decided to have an abortion. If you are still in the process of deciding, view the related links section. This article solely discusses finding an appropriate women's health clinic and having the procedure done.

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[edit] Steps

Women who have abortions must be sure to go somewhere it is legal and safe. When abortion was illegal, dangerous "back-alley" and self-induced coat-hanger abortions were significant reasons abortion was made legal.
Abortions are available to any female who gets pregnant. In the case of teens and pre-teens, there may be notification restrictions. Your clinic can help guide you through the steps.
The "morning after" pill is a safe and effective contraception method that prevents a fertilised egg from implanting, provided they are used within 5 days of intercourse. They are more effective the sooner you take them after sex.
Prescription-only medication abortions are available up to 9 weeks into pregnancy. They are easier and cheaper than later methods, so see a doctor as soon as possible.
For early abortions (14 weeks/3 months), costs are $200-$400. For later abortions, costs rise, up to several thousand dollars for a very late abortion. Abortion clinics will generally need to be paid when making the appointment or on the day of the operation.
Select a clinic that provides the full range of contraceptive alternatives. Use your phone book, or ask someone you trust. Using Web search engines lead to many deceptive sites. You can avoid fake clinics ("centers") with these free numbers that will direct you to nearby abortion providers:
- 1-800-230-7526
- 1-800-772-9100
If you are unsure about getting an abortion ask an understanding family member or friend to go with you or to help you talk it through.
Ask on the phone if they provide or refer for abortion services. Avoid clinics that refuse to give you a straightforward answer.
Find out if you should expect protesters outside the building. If there is a problem, the clinic may either have its own clinical escorts, or be able to refer you to one. Clinical escorts can get you into the building without you being bothered by protesters.
Make an appointment.
Come into the clinic for your appointment. There is a chance that you will be harassed by sidewalk preachers or protesters, but they cannot legally keep you from entering the clinic.
Behave as you would when having other elective surgeries performed - tell the secretary who you are, and you will eventually be called into the Doctor's office for your abortion.

[edit] Tips

Talk with your doctor or clinic nurse about pregnancy prevention and emergency contraception for the future.
It's up to you if you tell anyone about the procedure. A good friend can go a long way.
Select a clinic that has a clearly established reputation. Avoid clinics with ambiguous descriptions. Avoid clinics whose staff do not provide full, clear answers regarding their services. Ask someone you trust!
When you see protesters, you don't need to talk to them if you think they would make you uncomfortable.
In the US, Indian reservations are not bound by state laws, so if your state outlaws abortion, the closest legal clinic may be on a reservation.

[edit] Warnings

Be cautious when surfing the Web and using search engines to get abortion information. There are many deceptive sites. Typically, they center on religious, political, and emotional issues instead of practical information on getting safe medical abortions. Be very wary of any site that asks you to fill out forms with personal information.
Later abortions are more complicated than early abortions. An early abortion is easier, cheaper, and safer.
Be aware that not all women's health clinics are in favor of abortion. In fact, some clinics will try to convince women to avoid abortions. Don't get your information from a pro-life source, unless you are open to alternatives to abortion.
In many states, such as South Carolina, it is illegal to get an abortion after 6 months of pregnancy. After that point, you need to go to another state and possibly acquire an out-of-state judicial bypass.
Many states have laws requiring clinic personnel to read to their patients graphic, government-produced scripts that promote live birth before they can even schedule an abortion. Be prepared for this.
Many states impose mandatory waiting periods, requiring a woman to wait from eight to 72 hours between her first appointment and the abortion procedure. Plan for this delay if you are coming from out of state.
Many states have passed laws requiring parental notification, or sometimes consent before a minor can have an abortion. These laws generally require a minor to go to court to be approved for an anonymous abortion, which is often necessary in cases of familial sexual abuse.
Be prepared for the emotional/psychological, social, romantic and familial ramifications. Many will question the choice, regardless of whether or not it was your choice or theirs.
It is not unheard of for women that have an abortion earlier in their lives to despair when they willingly get pregnant later on. Seek counseling for support.