If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and live in a state that has strict abortion laws, like Ohio, then you may be considering whether abortion tourism is the right option for you.
Abortion tourism is the term that is used when you travel to a state with more favorable laws for abortion. While abortion tourism is possible there are some things you will want to consider before you make your trip.
Plan Ahead
First, know how much time you will need to be in the state you are visiting, and whether a wait time is required. You should also have a plan for what to do if any follow-up care is needed. Any abortion, whether medical or surgical, has the potential for risks and complications.
For medical abortions the risks can include:
- Incomplete abortion–likely requiring a follow-up surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
If a surgical abortion is required potential risks are:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
- Heavy bleeding
- Cramping
If any of these occur and follow-up medical care is required, you should know beforehand what options are available that will allow you to remain in the state until it is safe for you to travel.
Don’t Travel Until You Have the Facts
Another important step is to have all the information about your pregnancy before you travel out of your state.
Visiting a local women’s clinic in your own state can be a valuable way to get the details you need about your pregnancy so you know what options are available to you. These tests and scans are legal in every state and are oftentimes free, depending on the clinic you visit.
Lab Quality Pregnancy Test
If you suspect you are pregnant, or have used an at-home pregnancy test and received a positive result, you will want to confirm the pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test. These tests can confirm whether you really are pregnant with a high degree of accuracy.
Ultrasound Scan
If a lab-quality pregnancy test confirms you are pregnant the next important step is an ultrasound scan. This scan will provide you with the actual details including the age and viability of your pregnancy, which is information you will need as you consider your options and decide if abortion tourism is right for you.
The ultrasound can also detect if you have an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a fertilized egg begins to grow in your fallopian tubes, rather than your uterus. This is a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical intervention to protect your health.
Know Before You Go
Knowing all the details about your pregnancy will help you decide if abortion tourism is right for you. The team at Pregnancy Center West is here for you. Not only do we provide lab-quality pregnancy tests and ultrasound scans free of charge, but our services are also completely confidential.
That means you can get the answers you need to make the best decision for your health and future. Contact us today, and start getting the answers you need.
