December 19, 2025 If you’re considering abortion, taking a few key steps beforehand can help protect your health and give you confidence in whatever decision you make. Understanding what’s happening in your body, and what options are medically appropriate, is essential. Before moving forward, it’s important to confirm your pregnancy details, receive recommended screenings, and learn about the medical realities of the procedure. At The Legacy Center of Mount Airy, we offer free, confidential services to help you complete these steps. Schedule your appointment today, we’re here for you. Medically Confirm Your Pregnancy A home pregnancy test is only the first step. To understand your full medical picture, you’ll need professional confirmation through: Lab-Quality Testing – Ensures the diagnosis is accurate. Limited Obstetric Ultrasound – An ultrasound provides information you simply can’t get from a test strip. It tells you: Gestational Age: How far along you are, which determines which abortion procedures you’re eligible for. Presence or absence of cardiac activity: This helps assess viability and determine whether the pregnancy may already be ending naturally (miscarriage), meaning a procedure might not be needed. Location: Confirms whether the pregnancy is inside the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy (outside the uterus) is a medical emergency and cannot be treated by abortion. The abortion pill is FDA-approved for use only through 10 weeks of pregnancy, and its effectiveness drops the further along you are. An ultrasound is the most accurate way to know your gestational age, helping you understand what options are medically appropriate for you. Get Screened for STIs Having an untreated STI during an abortion increases your risk of developing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), a serious infection that can lead to chronic pain, infertility, and lasting reproductive damage. STI testing and treatment beforehand are important steps to protect your future health. Understand Risks and Medical Contraindications Every medical procedure, including both the abortion pill and surgical abortion, comes with possible risks and side effects. Some limitations include: Whether you have any medical conditions (such as bleeding disorders or certain heart conditions) that increase your risk. Whether you’re taking medications like blood thinners that can make the procedure unsafe. Whether you currently have an IUD, as this must be addressed before a medical abortion. Take the Next Step with The Legacy Center Your health and well-being matter. We’re here to provide the information, clarity, and compassionate care you deserve, always at no cost and without pressure. Schedule your free, confidential appointment today.
