What Is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill, also known as medication abortion, consists of two different abortion pills that terminate the pregnancy. Only women up to 10 weeks of pregnancy are eligible for the abortion pill. An ultrasound is the only way to accurately confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy and that the pregnancy is viable. It is also required in the state of Ohio prior to any abortion procedure, including the abortion pill. The first abortion pill, Mifepristone, blocks the progesterone hormone and causes the lining of the uterus to thin, and stops the embryo from staying implanted or growing. The second abortion pill, Misoprostol, makes the uterus contract and releases the embryo through the vagina. Many women think this process is as easy as taking a pill, and it’s over. Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple.

How do I know if I am pregnant?

If you have had unprotected sex or experienced a failure of birth control and are having symptoms such as a late or missed period, tender or swollen breasts, fatigue, food cravings, aversions or nausea, you may be pregnant. Your first step in confirming your pregnancy is to receive a lab-quality pregnancy test followed up by an obstetrical ultrasound. We offer these tests and more free of charge at Ivy Women’s Center.

When should I take a pregnancy test?

When you become pregnant, your body will begin to produce the pregnancy hormone, known as hCG. It may take up to a week after a missed period for your body to produce enough of this hormone to be detected by a home pregnancy test. The best time to take a pregnancy test and obtain the most accurate results is 1-2 weeks after a missed period.

Why is it important to be tested for an STD while pregnant?

Left untreated, an STD can carry serious health risks, especially through a pregnancy. Regardless of the decisions you make about your pregnancy, it’s important to be tested and treated if an infection is present. This testing and treatment will help to prevent conditions such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and other serious complications to your long term reproductive health. Testing is quick and convenient, taking place during the same appointment as your consultation.

Is abortion legal in Ohio?

Yes. Abortion is legal in Ohio with the following restrictions, which are in place for the protection and safety of women: Women must receive state-mandated counseling at least 24 hours prior to having an abortion procedure. FDA protocols must be followed when providing a medical abortion Parental consent is required for minors prior to an abortion Women must receive an ultrasound prior to an abortion Abortions after 22 weeks of gestation are only available when the woman’s life is in danger.

Can I order the abortion pill online in Ohio?

Ohio state law and the FDA protocols require a doctor’s prescription for the abortion pill. This law is in place to protect women from potentially harmful pills ordered online and to make sure the abortion pill is taken within the correct window of time during the pregnancy (prior to 10 weeks).

Is it important to have an ultrasound?

Once a positive result is received on your lab-quality pregnancy test, the next step is to have a limited ultrasound. An ultrasound is not only required if you are considering an abortion, but it will also reveal important information about the pregnancy that is crucial to your health and safety. It will also help determine what type of abortion procedure is available to you.

Is Abortion My Only Option? | Ivy Women's Center

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Understanding Your Options for an Unplanned Pregnancy

While abortion is not your only option, it is the only option that terminates a pregnancy. Other options are available that will require carrying your pregnancy to term.

Need help figuring out what to do? Schedule a no-cost options consultation at Ivy Women’s Center. We can talk about all your options in a confidential setting.

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Your Other Options for an Unplanned Pregnancy

Adoption, Kinship Care, Temporary Placement, and Parenting

If terminating your pregnancy is not what you want, you have more than one carry-to-term option. These options include adoption, kinship care, temporary placement, and parenting.

Adoption

If you think adoption is your preferred choice, here are a few things to know.

You are in control. You get to choose the adoptive family, and you pick the life plan that is best for you and your child.
Types of adoption plans include closed, open, or semi-open adoption. While closed adoption provides complete anonymity, an open or semi-open adoption plan can enable you to have contact with the adoptive family and your child. An open plan allows you to communicate directly with the adoptive family and your child, while a semi-open plan includes communication through a third party, typically an adoption agency.
Regardless of your chosen plan, the adoptive family usually covers adoption agency fees, legal fees, and medical expenses, making this an affordable option.

We can’t brush over the emotions that could come with adoption, though. It can be challenging to go through pregnancy and labor and place your child with another family. It can lead to a mix of emotions and even grief. Many agencies offer emotional support for birth moms, so you don’t have to walk through this alone.

However, while not an easy option, adoption is a selfless act that can be a great gift to both the child and the adoptive family.

We encourage you to consider the weight of this option and the benefits, while also knowing you can change your mind until the adoption is finalized.

Kinship Care

Kinship care is when you choose a family member or an adult with a family tie (step-parent, godparent, etc.) to provide full-time care for your child. It works well for women who want to parent but are unable to at the moment.

If you have adult family members who are willing to help, this can be a beneficial arrangement for you and your child. It provides stability and maintains family connections. You can learn more about kinship care or contact our team with any questions.

Temporary Placement

Another option that many are not aware of is temporary placement. This option exists to give expectant moms a little more time before stepping fully into parenting. With this option, there is no loss of custody, but it can give you peace of mind in knowing that your child is being cared for until you are ready to resume parenting.

Parenting

Parenting comes with the responsibility of caring for a new child. This duty comes with plenty of ups and downs, gifts and challenges.

Many love all the fun parts: naming your child, building a relationship, and seeing them grow and learn. But it can be difficult to provide for another person, navigate discipline, and deal with the unpleasant side of parenting (diapers, getting less sleep, etc.)

However, if you know you want to parent but are unsure how to make it work, don’t give up. There are plenty of financial and material resources, classes, and programs to equip you to be the parent you desire to be. We can connect you with parent coaches and mentors at Ivy Women’s Center in Mentor.

How We Can Help

Visit Ivy Women’s Center for no-cost support, information, and resources. An options consultation at our center can help you consider every option.

Schedule a no-cost and confidential options consultation today.