When facing an unplanned pregnancy, abortion might seem like your only option. However, making an informed choice about abortion requires understanding what to do and what not to do.
These guidelines can help ensure your safety and well-being. At Mid Cities Women's Clinic, we’re committed to providing you with the facts you need. Here’s what you need to know before considering an abortion.
Things to Do Before Choosing An Abortion:
1. Verify Your Pregnancy with an Ultrasound
One of the most critical things to do before considering 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] Abortion is currently banned in Texas, except to preserve the life of the pregnant woman. This will not affect care for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. A woman who seeks or obtains an abortion will not be held criminally or civilly liable under Texas law.[3][4]
Contact Mid Cities Women's Clinic to schedule a free limited ultrasound today and take the first step toward clarity.
2. Consult a Medical Provider
Before choosing an 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. This consultation helps you avoid preventable abortion complications and health risks.
3. Get Tested for STIs
Before considering abortion, it’s critical to get tested for STIs. It’s important to safeguard yourself, regardless of what your intention may be for your pregnancy, and be tested for STI/STDs on a regular basis.
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]
Mid Cities Women's Clinic provides confidential STI testing and treatment, so you can protect your health! Schedule an appointment today.
4. Be Informed
To make an informed decision, you need to be informed about the different types of abortion and their associated risks.
- Abortion Pill: The abortion pill is FDA-approved up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. This involves taking mifepristone and misoprostol to end the pregnancy. Risks include strong cramping and prolonged bleeding, infection, allergic reactions, or an incomplete abortion requiring immediate follow-up care.
- Surgical Abortion: Performed in a clinic, usually after 10 weeks, with techniques varying by gestational age and state laws. Potential risks involve bleeding, infection, pain, incomplete abortion, or rare issues like uterine perforation. Repeated procedures may also cause scarring, potentially affecting future fertility.
If you decide that you are not comfortable with either procedure, you may want to consider other pregnancy options. We can help you navigate your options.
5. Explore All Your Pregnancy Options
Be willing to explore all possibilities. To make a fully informed decision, consider all the facts about parenting, adoption, and abortion.
Call 817-577-4387 for a free appointment with our compassionate staff to discuss your options.
Things to Not Do If You’re Considering An Abortion:
1. Don’t Get an Abortion Without an Ultrasound
Without having an ultrasound, you risk missing a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening if untreated. Protect your health by confirming the details first.
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.[6]
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 Face This Alone
Don’t isolate yourself if you have had an abortion. Lean on healthcare providers and a support system for guidance and comfort. We’re here to help—call 817-577-4387 for compassionate care.
Considering Abortion in Euless, Texas? Get the Facts First at Mid Cities Women's Clinic.
Knowing what to do before choosing abortion can feel overwhelming, especially with so much information out there. At Mid Cities Women's Clinic, we simplify the process by offering clear, factual guidance about your pregnancy and options.
Give us a call at 817-577-4387 or schedule an appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge.
Please be aware that Mid Cities 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
- Health and Safety Code Chapter 170A. Performance of Abortion. Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2022, August 25). https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.170A.htm
- Health and Safety Code Chapter 171. Abortion. Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2021, September 1). https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/pdf/HS.171.pdf
- 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