Pregnancy Options
This page has useful information about pregnancy options (abortion, parenting, adoption), morning after pill, Plan B, Ella, and birth control.
Morning after pills are different than the Abortion Pill (medication abortion). Morning after pills are considered an “emergency contraception” used to try and prevent a pregnancy from starting, after intercourse. The Abortion Pill is used to terminate an existing pregnancy.
Plan B One-Step
Plan B One-Step® is one tablet with a hormone called levonorgestrel. It works by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary. Plan B One-Step® may also prevent the fertilization of an egg (the uniting of sperm with the egg) or prevent the attachment (implantation)of a fertilized egg to the uterus (womb). It should not be used as regular birth control, as it is not as effective.1
Ella
Ella (ulipristal acetate) is a progesterone agonist / antagonist emergency contraceptive indicated for prevention of pregnancy following unprotected intercourse or a known or suspected contraceptive failure. Ella is not intended for routine use as a contraceptive.2
Citations
Content is reviewed for accuracy by licensed Medical Professional(s) and staff editor(s). Our editorial process.
2 Sources / Citations
1 Plan B One-Step. (n.d.). How Plan B Works. Retrieved November 16, 2023 from https://www.planbonestep.com/about-plan-b-one-step/how-does-it-work.aspx
2 Daily Med. (2023). Ella. Retrieved November 16, 2023 from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=2bf93d23-cddd-4613-9066-5b5fa090404b
Abortion Overview
There are two abortion types: Medication Abortion (Abortion Pill) and Surgical Abortion. Both abortion types are medical procedures, and both should be supervised and guided by licensed medical professionals.
Medication Abortion (Abortion Pill – RU-486), uses 2 different medications to end a pregnancy – Mifepristone and Misoprostol. It is a multi-step process with a total of 5 pills. The Abortion Pill is not a morning after pill. The U.S. FDA is concerned enough about one of the Abortion Pill medications that it has it under their risk management program, called REMS.1 The FDA does not recommend buying Mifepristone online.2
Surgical Abortion uses surgery to end a pregnancy. It can also be used when a medication abortion fails or after 10 weeks of pregnancy. Two most common surgical abortion methods are: Suction / Vacuum aspiration and Dilation & Curettage / Evacuation. Surgical Abortion is done in a clinic or similar location.
Abortion Effects and Risks
Some questions that are asked by patients include:
- Are there any abortion risks?
- Are there any abortion side effects?
- Does abortion cause mental health or emotional problems? Am I at risk?
Risks, side effects, and possible complications depend on your physical health, medical conditions, and mental / emotional condition. At your appointment, we can discuss these questions and issues with you and others you may have.
Women who have undergone an abortion experienced an 81% increased risk of mental health problems, and nearly 10% of the incidence of mental health problems was shown to be attributable to abortion.3
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Description – a person’s stress reaction after experiencing a significant traumatic event. An individual may experience this as emotionally or physically harmful or life-threatening and it may affect the person’s mental, physical, social, and/or spiritual well-being.4 This could include having an abortion.5
PTSD Symptoms – may include:
- Guilt
- Anxiety
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Depression, numbness
- Flashbacks to Abortion
PTSD Factors – these may contribute to a woman experiencing PTSD:
- A crisis situation surrounding her pregnancy and/or urgency she feels when making the decision to have an abortion
- Absence of a support system
- Obligation to keep her pregnancy a secret
- Denial about recognizing and resolving her sense of loss
Abortion Assesment
We provide free diagnostic medical services to assist you in your abortion and pregnancy outcome decisions. To know which type of abortion you are eligible for, you should have an ultrasound exam to confirm viability and determine the gestational age of your pregnancy. This will determine the type and cost of your abortion.
The choice is yours. We will inform you decide.
Citations
Content is reviewed for accuracy by licensed Medical Professional(s) and staff editor(s). Our editorial process.
5 Sources / Citations
1 U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). (2023). Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy. Retrieved November 16, 2023 from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
2 U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). (2023). Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. Retrieved December 29, 2023 from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
3 British Journal of Psychiatry. (2011). Abortion and mental health: quantitative synthesis and analysis of research published 1995-2009. Retrieved December 29, 2023 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21881096/
4 American Psychiatric Association (APA). (2022). What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? Retrieved November 16, 2023 from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd
5 Psychology Today. (2010). Post Abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS) – Does it Exist? Retrieved November 16, 2023 from https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/somatic-psychology/201010/post-abortion-stress-syndrome-pass-does-it-exist
Are you facing an unplanned parenthood situation? Not ready to be a parent?
Adoption is another option when you are not ready to be a parent. In California, you can choose the life you want for your baby. You can choose the adoptive parents, level of contact with them and your baby after birth, and what happens at the hospital when you give birth to name just a few of your choices. You even have the right to change your mind. You have a say in every step of the process. Many adoption agencies will also help you with rent, utilities, hospital expenses, and college tuition.
Network Medical can connect you with resources and services to ensure that you receive support throughout your pregnancy, and beyond. We do not benefit financially from any decision you make regarding your pregnancy, including placement through any adoption agencies – therefore we are objective in our adoption information and guidance.
If you are interested in learning more about this option to unplanned parenthood / parenting, call us at 805-967-9096 or schedule an appointment.
Health Insurance, medical care, material aid, financial aid, childcare, and housing may be available to you should you decide to parent (parenthood). During your first appointment, Network Medical will provide you with a list of resources based on your needs, to explore parenting / unplanned parenthood.
We encourage you to schedule a Community Resources Appointment after your initial pregnancy appointment to discuss your unique situation and specific needs in more detail. With additional information, we can better assist you in exploring more resource options and community support in preparation for unplanned parenthood / parenting.
Birth control contraceptive failure can result in unexpected pregnancy. This can be due to the method being used and/or if the method was used correctly or not and used consistently or not.
The failure rate of various contraceptives has a wide range. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows the male condom failure rate of 13%, female condom failure rate at 21%, and various types of hormonal contraception failure rate at about 7%.1
Regarding unexpected pregnancy resulting within the first year of contraception use starting, global data (including the U.S.) shows 6% failure for birth control pill users and 8% failure rate for condom users.2
Network Medical does not provide birth control, as it is not 100% effective against unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease.
Citations
Content is reviewed for accuracy by licensed Medical Professional(s) and staff editor(s). Our editorial process.
2 Sources / Citations
1Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Contraception. Retrieved November 17, 2023 from https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm
2 Studies in Family Planning. (2019). Global Contraceptive Failure Rates: Who Is Most at Risk? Retrieved November 17, 2023 from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/sifp.12085
Get Care Here – All services are FREE & Confidential
Call us at 805-967-9096 or schedule an appointment.
At your appointment, you will be able to discuss the full range of options (abortion, un planned parenthood / parenting, adoption) including the details for each option, so you can make the best choice for your situation and feel confident about your decision.
Whether you choose abortion, unplanned parenthood / parenting, or adoption, you can trust the information you receive as accurate and unbiased because we do not receive financial profit from any choice you make.
All services are FREE and confidential.
- FREE pregnancy testing – medical grade pregnancy test performed by a registered nurse.
- FREE pregnancy ultrasound – rule out possible life-threatening ectopic pregnancy, determine how far along you are, whether there is a presence or absence of a fetal heartbeat (viability), and assess your options based on your unique circumstances and needs.
- FREE abortion education – answer your questions and provide accurate, up-to-date medical information so you are equipped to make a fully informed choice.
- FREE STD testing and treatment
We value your privacy. You’re free to discuss your circumstances and situation in our neutral, non-judgmental, and confidential setting.