Considering Abortion? Key Steps to Make an Informed Decision

Facing an unexpected pregnancy can feel overwhelming. Abortion may seem like a quick and private solution, but it’s a deeply personal choice that can shape your future. You owe it to yourself to make an informed and empowered decision.

This article outlines critical steps to help you make an informed decision if you’re considering abortion. Keep reading to learn more.

Why Your Decision Matters

An unexpected pregnancy is a life-changing event, no matter what you choose. Many women come to us with questions about their relationships, health, and how their decision will impact their future. 

It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions. That’s why taking time to reflect is so important. Slow down, take a deep breath, and let’s walk through what you need to consider.

Step 1: Receive an Ultrasound

Before moving forward with abortion, it’s important to receive an ultrasound to determine how far along you are and whether you’re at risk for a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

How Far Along Am I?

It’s important to know how far along you are because the abortion pill is only FDA-approved for pregnancies up to 10 weeks gestation (or 70 days or less since the first day of your last menstrual period).[1] Additionally, state laws vary on how far along you can receive an abortion.

States Where Abortion is Illegal or Restricted:

States Where Abortion is Legal:

*Viability refers to the point in pregnancy when a fetus is developed enough to survive outside the womb with medical help. It occurs at approximately 24 weeks of pregnancy.[22]

Viability

The ultrasound can show if your pregnancy is viable by detecting the fetal heartbeat. If it cannot be detected, it may indicate that a miscarriage (spontaneous loss of a pregnancy) is occurring. This requires alternative medical care. 10-20% of known pregnancies naturally end in miscarriage.[23]

A lack of heartbeat could also mean that the pregnancy is growing in another location, which is known as ectopic pregnancy. This is a life-threatening situation that requires emergency care. Not only can ectopic pregnancies be life-threatening, but the abortion pill doesn’t treat them.[24]

If you’re experiencing a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, abortion is no longer an option to consider.

ICU Mobile provides free ultrasounds in our mobile medical units! Click the button below to find a location near you.

*Important note: Please be aware that this article is not meant to substitute for medical advice or treatment. The purpose of our limited ultrasound exams is to identify a pregnancy inside the uterus, detect the fetal heartbeat, and estimate how far along you are. If there is no detectable heartbeat, it may indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is occurring. If we cannot detect a fetal heartbeat during your appointment, we will provide appropriate referrals for follow-up care and treatment.

Step 2: Get Tested for STDs

Before considering abortion, it’s critical to get tested for STDs.

Having an untreated STD during an abortion can increase the risk of complications like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which may lead to infertility.[25]

A simple STD test can help you make an informed decision. Skipping this step could put your long-term reproductive health at risk.

Step 3: Explore All Your Options

The best way to make an informed decision is to explore all of your options: abortion, adoption, and parenting. Each has its own implications for your emotional, physical, and financial future. Take time to explore what each path might mean for you.

ICU Mobile is here to help you weigh these options and answer your questions without judgment.

Step 4: Get Advice from Someone You Trust

When facing a big decision, it’s always smart to get advice from someone you trust. It’s especially helpful if they’ve experienced unplanned pregnancy or abortion before. They’ll be able to give you practical advice.

Don’t feel safe confiding in someone you know? That’s ok. ICU Mobile can help. Our compassionate client advocates are here to listen to you, answer your questions, and provide the unbiased information you need to make the best decision for your health and future.

Step 5: Think About Your Future

Your future is likely at the heart of your decision. Whether you’re focused on career goals, financial stability, or personal relationships, an unexpected pregnancy can feel like a roadblock. 

Ask yourself:

• How will my choice align with my long-term goals?
• What emotional or physical impacts might I face?
• Who can I trust to support me through this?

Taking time to reflect ensures you’re not reacting out of fear or pressure. Journaling, talking to a trusted friend, or meeting with a client advocate at ICU Mobile can help you figure out your priorities.

Considering Abortion? Get the Facts at ICU Mobile.

If you’re considering abortion, ICU Mobile is here to help you make a fully informed decision. We offer:

• Free Services: Pregnancy tests and ultrasounds.
• Confidential Support: A safe space to ask questions and explore your options without pressure.
• Personalized Guidance: Information tailored to your situation, free from bias.

Don’t wait to get the care you deserve. Give us a call at (877) 231-2005 or schedule your appointment online today. Our mobile medical units are ready to serve you.

Please be aware that ICU Mobile does not provide or refer for abortion services.

Sources

1. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2025, January 17). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
2. Alabama Legislature. (2025, February 4). House Bill 50. https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/files/pdf/SearchableInstruments/2025RS/HB50-int.pdf  
3. Arkansas General Assembly. Arkansas Unborn Child Protection Act (SB6). Arkansas State Legislature. (2021, February 9, 2021). https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Home/FTPDocument?path=%2FBills%2F2021R%2FPublic%2FSB6.pdf  
4. The Florida Senate. (2023, April 14). SB 300: Pregnancy and Parenting Support. https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/300  
5. Georgia General Assembly. (2019, May 7). House Bill 481. https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20192020/187013   
6.  Indiana State Medical Association. (2023, August 23). Abortion law in effect after IN Supreme Court denies rehearing. https://ismanet.org/ISMA/Resources/e-Reports/8-23-23/Abortion_law_in_effect.aspx  
7. Commonwealth of Kentucky Office of the Attorney General. (2022, June 24). Human Life Protection Act. Attorney General Daniel Cameron. https://www.ag.ky.gov/Press%20Release%20Attachments/Human%20Life%20Protection%20Act%20Advisory.pdf   
8. Michael Watson, Secretary of State. (2022, June 27). Mississippi Abortion Notice Published in Administrative Bulletin. https://www.sos.ms.gov/press/mississippi-abortion-notice-published-administrative-bulletin  
9. North Carolina General Assembly. (2023, May 4). SENATE BILL 20 RATIFIED BILL. https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2023/Bills/Senate/PDF/S20v5.pdf   
10. Oklahoma House of Representatives. (2022, March 21). HB4327 Floor Amendment 8 Bill Summary. https://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2021-22%20SUPPORT%20DOCUMENTS/BILLSUM/House/HB4327%20FA8%20BILLSUM.PDF  
11. Tennessee General Assembly. (2022, June). Human Life Protection Act.  https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1029&GA=111  
12. Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2022, August 25). Health and Safety Code Chapter 170A. Performance of Abortion.  https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.170A.htm 
13. Texas Constitution and Statutes. (2021, September 1). Health and Safety Code Chapter 171. Abortion. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/pdf/HS.171.pdf 
14. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes. Arizona Abortion Laws. (2024, November 5). https://www.azag.gov/issues/reproductive-rights/laws     
15. Executive Department, State of California. (2019, May 31). Proclamation on Reproductive Freedom. https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Proclamation-on-Reproductive-Freedom.pdf   
16. Hawaii State Legislature. (2023). H.B. NO. 1491. https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/bills/SB1491_.HTM     
17. Illinois General Assembly. (2023, February 15). HB2606. https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/103/HB/10300HB2606.htm  
18. Kansas State Legislature. (2022). Article 67. ABORTION. https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/statute/065_000_0000_chapter/065_067_0000_article/065_067_0003_section/065_067_0003_k/  
19. Michigan Legislature. (2023). House Bill 4949. https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2023-HB-4949  
20. Ohio Secretary of State. (2023, December 7). Article I, Section 22 — Ohio Constitution: The Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety. Ohio Laws & Administrative Code. https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-constitution/section-1.22 
21. Pennsylvania General Assembly. (2025, January 8). House Bill 26. https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb26  
22. Breborowicz, G. (2001, January). Limits of fetal viability and its enhancement. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11753511/  
23. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, September 8). Miscarriage. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
24. FDA. (2025, February 11). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
25. Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594