The Supreme Court’s ruling in 2022 to overturn Roe v. Wade now means that each state can make its laws regarding restrictions and requirements for an elective abortion procedure. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and live in an area with restrictive abortion laws, you may wonder about traveling to another state for an abortion.
Traveling out of state is possible, but there are some things you will want to know before you make your trip.
Make a Plan
The first step is knowing which state you will travel to and how long you must be there. You need to know the abortion laws in that state and if any particular timing limitations are required, like a legally required waiting period.
You should also find out if your abortion procedure requires any follow-up care. It’s critical to also plan what you will do if any complications require medical attention.
Potential Risks
Every abortion procedure, whether medical or surgical, has potential risks and complications.
Medical abortions, also known as the abortion pill, include the following risks:
- Incomplete abortion–likely requiring a follow-up surgical abortion
- An ongoing, unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
If a surgical abortion is required, potential risks are:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
- Heavy bleeding
- Cramping
If any of these risks occur, you must seek medical attention right away and not wait until you return home to your state.
Have the Facts About Your Pregnancy Before You Travel
Having all the information about your pregnancy before you travel out of state is also essential.
These details about your pregnancy will help you know what options are available to you before you travel.
The good news is the tests and scans you need to get information about your pregnancy are available and provided at no cost when you visit Choices.
Conclusive Pregnancy Testing
Even if you have already taken an at-home pregnancy test, confirm your results with an in-clinic, pregnancy test. You need results you can trust.
Ultrasound Scan
If your medical-quality pregnancy test is positive, the next step is to receive an ultrasound scan. Ultrasound can verify your pregnancy and give you the essential details you need.
Learn how far along you are in your pregnancy, which determines your abortion method and if your pregnancy is viable. Up to 20% of pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. Before traveling out of state for an abortion procedure, find out if your pregnancy is growing or if you have miscarried.
The ultrasound scan can also detect if you have an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a fertilized egg begins to grow somewhere other than your uterus. This is a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical intervention to protect your health.
Know Before You Go
Knowing all you can about your pregnancy will help you know what options you have and if traveling out of state for an abortion will work for you. The staff at Choices Clinic is here to help you. Our trained team can provide you with conclusive pregnancy testing and follow-up ultrasound scan if necessary, all at no cost to you.
Contact us today to start getting the answers you need to make the decision that is best for your body and your future.