Abortion… Before You Decide

An unexpected pregnancy can feel really scary and overwhelming. Suddenly, your world has turned upside-down, and you have some big decisions to make in the middle of some pretty big emotions. Abortion, adoption, having and raising the baby – each of your options might seem completely overwhelming at this moment.

Before you decide anything, and no matter how alone you might feel, we want to remind you that you don’t have to do this on your own.

Our staff is available to listen and provide answers to your medical or other questions in a safe, loving environment. We won’t ever tell you what to do. But we’ll give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.

If you’re considering abortion, you probably have some questions.

What are the types of abortion?

There are two basic types of abortion: medical and surgical. Medical abortions are an option fairly early in the pregnancy. These involve taking pills that block the hormones necessary to continue the pregnancy. Surgical abortions are operations that are performed in a doctor’s office or clinic. A local anesthetic is typically offered to reduce pain, however, sedation may also be available.

Medical:

Plan B – Called the “morning-after pill.” It’s classified as an emergency contraceptive and can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. This type of pill is designed to prevent the egg and sperm from meeting or the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterine wall, which would cause a very early abortion. However, it won’t end a pregnancy that has attached to the uterus. Plan B doesn’t protect against STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), and it can have some side effects. They may include lower abdominal pain, nausea, headache, and dizziness. Women who experience severe abdominal pain after taking the drug may have an ectopic pregnancy and should seek immediate medical help.

RU486 – Commonly referred to as the abortion pill. It can be taken up to 10 weeks after the last menstrual period (LMP). It’s a three-step process that involves a pill that cuts off the flow of hormones to the uterus and causes the embryo’s death. Followed by a pill that induces cramping to expel the embryo from the body, and then a follow-up examination to confirm that the abortion occurs. There are risks and side effects with this — severe cramping and bleeding, nausea and vomiting, and infection are some of the possible risks and side effects. And some women may still need a surgical abortion to complete the process due to the failure rate of the pill.

Online Abortion Pills – Sometimes referred to as Plan C. Buying and selling abortion pills online is not approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Because they’re outside the FDA procedures and safeguards, there’s no guarantee what these pills actually contain, so you don’t know exactly what you’re taking. Buying abortion pills online or following instructions online for inducing your own abortion with any sort of supplements or medicines is very dangerous — and it may or may not end a pregnancy.

Surgical:

Suction Aspiration – (Up to 14 weeks LMP) This involves stretching the cervix open with dilating rods. It’s usually painful so a local anesthetic is typically injected directly into the cervix beforehand. A vacuum device is then inserted inside the uterus to remove the fetus. Just like with any surgery, there are risks and side effects.

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) – (15 – 24 weeks LMP) Because this procedure is done later in a pregnancy, sedation is commonly used. The cervix is dilated and forceps are used to help remove the fetus. Because the pregnancy is more advanced and the procedure is more invasive, the risks and side effects increase.

So what are the physical risks?

Any medical or surgical procedure has potential risks. Some risks with abortion include heavy bleeding, cramping, nausea, infection, tissue retention from an incomplete procedure, and an inability to carry future pregnancies in the case of organ damage.

Are there emotional risks?

As with any other major life event, not every woman is affected in the same way. There could be lasting emotional, relational, or mental health effects. Some women connect clinical depression and anxiety, substance use and alcohol abuse, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) to their abortion experience. And scientific evidence indicates that it’s more likely to cause negative psychological outcomes than either miscarriage or carrying an unexpected pregnancy to term. Some research indicates that couples who choose to end their pregnancy go on to have problems in their relationships related to the abortion.

So what’s the first thing to do?

The first step is making sure you’re really pregnant. We can help you with this. We provide complimentary, lab-quality pregnancy testing. And on top of that, we can provide a complimentary ultrasound to confirm if it’s even a viable pregnancy, meaning that it’s located in the uterus and there’s a heartbeat. In addition, it reveals how far along you are which is important to determine the type of abortion procedure you would be looking at.

You might feel like you have to make a decision right this second. Or maybe someone else is pressuring you to make a quick decision. But an important thing to remember is — you don’t have to decide today. It’s OK to take some time and catch your breath, then research all your options, gathering information and making a decision that is best for you. An unexpected pregnancy is a lot to take in, but you don’t have to face this alone. Remember, we’re here for you.

And if you’ve already had an abortion and you’re struggling with emotional or relational issues, we have staff who know what that’s like, who can listen, and direct you to tangible things that may help.

Call us today and schedule a visit at no cost to you.

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I Don’t Want Another Abortion

November 11, 2025

Learning you’re unexpectedly pregnant can bring up complicated emotions, uncertainty, fear, or even exhaustion if you’ve faced this situation before. You may know that you don’t want another abortion, but still wonder what options exist for your future. At Collage, we provide free and confidential support so you can explore your choices in a compassionate environment. Whether you want to understand what parenting or adoption could look like or simply need someone to listen, you’re not alone. Schedule a free appointment today to learn how we can help. Exploring Parenting Parenting can feel like an enormous responsibility, especially if your finances, relationships, or housing situation are uncertain. Many women ask themselves: “Can I really do this on my own?” “Where will I find the help I need?” “What kind of future can I provide for my child?” These are real and valid questions. At Collage, we’ll help you identify the resources and support available in your community. From offering a warm, supportive presence as you explore this option to providing referrals for resources like housing or childcare support, we’ll ensure you’re not facing these challenges alone. Parenting can be both demanding and deeply rewarding. With encouragement, community connections, and the right information, you can feel more confident in providing a stable, nurturing environment for your child. Understanding Adoption If parenting doesn’t feel like the right fit for your current situation, adoption offers another path forward, one rooted in hope and love. You remain in control of the process, deciding how involved you wish to be in your child’s life. You can select from multiple adoption plans depending on your comfort level: Open adoption: Allows for ongoing communication and contact between you, your child, and the adoptive family. Semi-open adoption: Offers limited contact through a third party, maintaining privacy while keeping some connection. Closed adoption: Protects complete confidentiality with no exchange of identifying information. Financial support is available throughout the adoption process. You’ll never pay for legal or medical services related to adoption. Best of all, adoption agencies can help ensure your needs are met and your wishes are respected every step of the way. Adoption is not an easy decision, but for some women, it brings a sense of peace and purpose, knowing their child is loved and cared for in a stable environment. We can discuss this option with you and offer referrals to reputable agencies so you feel informed. Taking the Next Step Your situation is unique, and so is your decision. Whether you’re considering parenting or adoption or simply need time to process your feelings, Collage is here to provide information and encouragement. We’re available to answer questions, explain your options, and connect you with trusted community resources, all at no cost and in a confidential setting. Schedule your free appointment today to start finding clarity and peace of mind. FAQ: Is it normal to feel uncertain about my decision? Yes. Many women experience mixed emotions when facing an unexpected pregnancy. It’s okay to take time and talk through your options before deciding. What if I don’t think I can afford to parent? We can connect you with programs and community partners that provide material and emotional support, so you will feel more equipped to parent if you choose to. How does adoption work? You remain in control. You’ll choose the family and the level of contact and receive guidance from trusted professionals who handle the legal and practical aspects of the process. Are services at Collage really free? Yes. All services are completely free and confidential. Your privacy and comfort are our priority. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.

What Can Guys Do with an Unexpected Pregnancy?

By Kirsten Berns • October 28, 2025

Finding out your partner is unexpectedly pregnant can change everything in an instant. You may feel shocked, worried, or unsure about your role. Those feelings are normal. What matters most is how you respond in this moment and what steps you take next. At Collage, we provide no-cost and confidential services for women and men walking through unexpected pregnancies. Schedule an appointment to learn how we can support you—you don’t have to carry the weight of this situation alone. Understanding Your Own Feelings Before you can support your partner, it’s important to process what you’re experiencing. Talking with a trusted friend, family member, or mentor can help you sort through your emotions and understand what this news means. Showing your partner that you are engaging with your own feelings demonstrates that you are taking the pregnancy seriously. Walking With Her Your partner may be feeling the same uncertainty and fear that you are. One of the most powerful things you can do is simply be present. Attend appointments with her, listen when she shares her concerns, and offer support, like running errands or helping with everyday tasks. These small actions communicate that she is not facing this alone. Learning Together Getting informed is one of the best steps you can take together. At Collage, we provide option information so you and your partner can learn more about parenting, adoption, and abortion. Our staff will answer questions and help you understand what each option may look like. Having reliable, unbiased information allows you to approach this decision more confidently. Taking the Next Step This is not something you have to figure out overnight. Unexpected pregnancies can feel overwhelming, but there are resources, support, and people who care about both of you. Collage is here to listen, guide, and provide clarity when you need it most. Request your no-cost and confidential appointment today. Moving forward together can make all the difference. FAQ: What role should I play if my partner is pregnant? Listening, staying present, and supporting her as she makes decisions is crucial. You don’t have to have every answer, but being by her side matters. Can I attend appointments with her? Yes, and many women appreciate having their partner there. It shows support and can help both of you learn about options together. What if my partner chooses parenting and I don’t feel ready to be a dad? It’s normal to feel unprepared. Talking through your concerns with someone you trust and learning about options can help you move forward with more clarity. Does Collage provide abortions? Collage does not provide or refer for abortions. However, we do provide no-cost pre-abortion screenings, confidential services, accurate information, and compassionate support so you and your partner can make informed decisions.

How Will Abortion Affect Me Mentally?

September 24, 2025

When considering abortion, it’s natural to wonder how the decision could affect your mental health. While every woman’s experience is different, being aware of possible emotional impacts and taking time to reflect on your circumstances can help you make an informed choice. At Collage, we provide free, confidential support so you don’t have to navigate these questions alone. Our staff is here to listen, answer your questions, and connect you with the resources you need as you process your options. Contact us to schedule your appointment today. What Research Suggests Research has shown that abortion can lead to a range of emotional responses. The American Psychological Association notes that some women experience grief, sadness, or even clinically significant issues like depression and anxiety afterward. Certain factors may make these outcomes more likely, such as: A history of mental health challenges Pressure from others to make a decision Lack of support or secrecy about the pregnancy Strong personal, cultural, or spiritual beliefs Wanting to continue the pregnancy but feeling unable to Recognizing how these factors may apply to your situation can help you prepare and seek support. You Have Other Options You are the one who will live with this decision, so it’s important not to rush. Confirming your pregnancy with a lab- quality test and ultrasound can provide clarity and help you understand your options, which include parenting and adoption. Speaking with a counselor or a healthcare professional can also give you space to process your feelings without judgment. We’re Here for You At Collage, we offer free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and confidential consultations so you can explore your options with accurate information and compassionate support. Schedule your free appointment today. You deserve the time, space, and care to make a confident decision with your mental health top of mind. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do provide pre-abortion screenings.