Abortion
Abortion is very common and nothing to be ashamed of.
In fact, 1 in 4 women in the United States will have an abortion by the age of 45.
West Virginia politicians banned abortion in September 2022, but you still have options. Only you can decide what’s best for you. We trust you to make the choice that is best for you and your unique situation.
If you need abortion care, go to abortionfinder.org to find your nearest legal out-of-state abortion provider.
If you need help paying for your abortion or other things like gas, lodging, childcare, groceries, and more, go to abortionfunds.org to find an abortion fund that serves your folks from your state.
There are two abortion methods.
Both types are safe and effective, but consultation with a provider will determine the best option for you.
In-Clinic Abortion
A procedural abortion is a simple medical procedure that usually takes 3 to 20 minutes depending on how far you are into your pregnancy. Depending on gestational age, providers will either use gentle suction (vacuum aspiration) or a dilation and evacuation procedure to remove uterine contents. Many providers offer some form of sedation or pain relief prior to the procedure. It is normal for mild pain and bleeding after your procedure. Each person is different, but pain and bleeding usually subside after a few days. These procedures are very safe and are effective about 98 percent of the time. In the rare event the procedure is unsuccessful, it can be repeated.
Medication Abortion
Medication abortion, sometimes called the “abortion pill,” is for patients whose stage of pregnancy is between 4 and 11 weeks. This method of abortion care uses a combination of two medications: Mifepristone, which blocks the production of progesterone and ends the pregnancy, and Misoprostol which helps the uterus expel its contents. Medication abortion is as safe as procedural abortion but is noninvasive and can be completed in a patient’s chosen setting, such as at home. Medication abortion is very safe and effective 95 to 97 percent of the time. If the medication is not successful, your clinician might prescribe you an additional dose of misoprostol or ask you to come back to the clinic for a procedural abortion (suction aspiration) to end the pregnancy.
“They were kind and understanding and more then willing to talk me through all of my options, even the ones that did not include abortion. No one made me feel like I was making any decision for the wrong reasons or that I deserved to be judged.”
— KIMBERLY