Abortion… Before You Decide

September 3, 2020

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. 

July 2, 2025
If you’re in your second trimester (between 13 and 26 weeks of pregnancy), you might be asking, What now? Maybe you just found out you’re pregnant, or maybe this stage of pregnancy is bringing new questions or emotions. No matter where you are in your journey, Collage is here to offer support, information, and a safe place to talk through your options. Understanding Abortion Laws in Nebraska In Nebraska, abortion is not permitted after 12 weeks gestation, with limited exceptions. If you’re considering abortion and believe you may be near or past this point, it’s important to have an ultrasound to confirm how far along you are. If you’re unsure how far along you are, Collage offers no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to provide the medical information you need to understand your next steps. Exploring Your Other Pregnancy Options If abortion is not an option or you’re unsure what’s next, you still have choices. We can talk with you more about each of them. Parenting Parenting might feel like something you’re not ready for or even impossible right now. But with the right support, it may be more achievable than you think. You don’t have to have all the answers today. At Collage, we can connect you with local resources, parenting classes, and support systems that can help you prepare, step by step. You won’t be alone. Adoption If parenting doesn’t seem like the right fit for your current season, adoption is another option that gives you the ability to make a thoughtful plan for your child. Today’s adoption process puts you in control of key decisions, including:  Choosing the adoptive family Deciding how much (if any) communication you’d like to have Creating a plan that reflects your goals and values We offer adoption referrals and a confidential space to explore what this might look like for you—no pressure, just information and support. You’re Not Alone Navigating pregnancy in the second trimester can feel heavy, but you don’t have to walk through it by yourself. At Collage, you’ll find compassionate care, medical services, and honest answers to your questions. Schedule your no-cost appointment today. We’re here to listen and support through this process.
June 4, 2025
An unexpected pregnancy can leave you with more questions than answers. Especially when friends are urging you to choose abortion, you may be more confused than ever. While their advice might come from care or fear, it’s essential to remember this is your pregnancy, future, and choice. At Collage, we’re here to help you navigate this pressure and find a path that feels right for you so that you can feel informed and confident about your decision. Reach out to us today for no-cost support. Listen to Your Instincts Your friends might be an important part of your life, but your instincts matter most. If abortion doesn’t feel right, take a moment to ask: What’s holding me back? Maybe you’re picturing parenting your child or are curious about adoption. It’s also important to keep in mind that abortion is a serious procedure that your friends may not fully grasp the details of. Physical and emotional risks are involved, making it a more complex decision. Your hesitation is a sign to slow down and explore, not to rush into a choice you’re not ready for. Talk It Out If your friends keep pressing, try a gentle conversation. Let them know you understand they’re worried, you’re not sure about abortion yet. Ask what’s driving their advice. Maybe they’re scared about your finances or future. Maybe they’re simply telling you what they’d do in your situation, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Understanding their side can ease tension without giving in. If they won’t respect your space, set boundaries and let them know you need time to think. You don’t owe them an immediate answer. Find Your Support Surround yourself with people who’ll lift you up, not pull you down. Write down your thoughts or talk to someone neutral. You can find a counselor or even online spaces where you can share your heart with those who won’t push one option over another. Even a trusted family member, a mentor, or a place like Collage can offer perspective without strings. You deserve to make this decision with clear facts and a steady heart, not under pressure. Help is Available If your friends are pushing abortion but you’re not ready, Collage is here with no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds, and pregnancy options education to help you decide what’s next. Our trained team offers confidential support to explore parenting, adoption, or abortion without pressure. Contact us for a no-cost appointment today. You deserve to choose your own path.
May 21, 2025
An unexpected pregnancy can flip your world upside down, and the urge to keep it under wraps might hit hard. Maybe you’re thinking abortion could erase the situation quietly.
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