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Morning After Pills

Plan B One-Step

Plan B One-Step® is one tablet with a hormone called levonorgestrel. It works by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary. Plan B One-Step® may also prevent the fertilization of an egg (the uniting of sperm with the egg) or prevent the attachment (implantation)of a fertilized egg to the uterus (womb). It should not be used as regular birth control, as it is not as effective1.

Ella

Ella (ulipristal acetate) works by delaying or preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). It is also possible that Ella works by preventing attachment of a fertilized egg to the wall inside the uterus2.

  1. https://www.planbonestep.com/about-plan-b-one-step/how-does-it-work.aspx
  2.  https://www.ellanow.com/downloads/ella-brochure.pdf – “How Ella Works” section

Abortion

We provide free diagnostic services to aid you in your abortion or pregnancy decisions. In order to know which type of abortion you are eligible for, you should have an ultrasound exam to confirm viability and determine the gestational age of your pregnancy. This will determine the type and cost of your abortion.  Network Medical does not benefit financially from any choice.  We do not perform abortion or place children for adoption.  We do provide valuable and important pre-termination services if you are considering abortion at no cost.  The choice is yours.

The Abortion Pill: RU-486

RU-486 is not a morning after pill3. It is a medical abortion procedure approved by the FDA to use through 7 weeks of pregnancy (49 days), though some abortion clinics use through the 9th week of pregnancy (63 days). (See ‘What are the most common types of abortions’ on this site.)

  1. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm111323.htm

Questions about abortion:

The most common types of abortion are RU-486 (the abortion pill), suction/vacuum aspiration, and dilation & curettage/evacuation.

What type of abortion am I eligible for if I am up to 9 weeks pregnant?

You are eligible for RU-486: Mifepristone (Mifeprex) and Misoprostol, commonly called the abortion pill. Mifepristone is given orally during your first office visit. Mifepristone blocks progesterone from the uterine lining, causing the fetus to die. This may cause contractions to expel the fetus.Misoprostol tablets are given orally or inserted vaginally during the second office visit which occurs 36 to 48 hours later.You will return home where the misoprostol will start contractions and expel the fetus. This may occur within a few hours or in some cases up to two weeks after taking the misoprostol.

A physical exam is given two weeks later to ensure the abortion was complete and that there are no immediate complications.

Are there any possible side effects from taking the abortion pill?
  • The procedure is unsuccessful approximately 8-10% of the time, thus requiring an additional surgical abortion procedure to complete the termination
  • Cramping
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Infection
  • Not advised for women who have anemia, bleeding disorders, liver or kidney disease, seizure disorder, acute inflammatory bowel disease, or use an intrauterine device (IUD)
What does fetal development look like at 5-9 weeks?
  • Heart begins to beat, brain and spinal cord develop
  • Hands and feet are forming
  • Every essential organ has begun to form
  • Bones begin to form, muscles can contract

Medical citation: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/unplannedpregnancy/medicalabortions.html
Fetal Development citation: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prenatal-care/PR00112

What type of abortion am I eligible for if I am up to 12 weeks pregnant?

You are eligible for Suction Aspiration or Vacuum Aspiration. A patient will lie on her back with feet in stirrups and a speculum is inserted to open the vagina. A local anesthetic is administered to her cervix. Then, a tenaculum [a slender sharp pointed hook attached to a handle, and used mainly in surgery for seizing and holding parts] is used to hold the cervix in place for the cervix to be dilated by cone shaped rods.

When the cervix is wide enough, a cannula, which is a long plastic tube connected to a suction device, is inserted into the uterus to suction out the fetus and placenta.

The procedure usually lasts 10-15 minutes, but recovery may require staying at the clinic for a few hours.

Are there any possible side effects from a suction or vacuum aspiration abortion?
  • Nausea & cramping
  • Sweating
  • Feeling faint

Less frequent side effects include:

  • Possible heavy or prolong bleeding
  • Blood clots
  • Damage to the cervix
  • Perforation of the uterus
  • Infection due to retained products of conception or infection caused by a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or bacteria being introduced to the uterus can cause fever, pain, abdominal tenderness and possibly scarring
What does Fetal Development look like at 9-13 weeks?
  • Genitals have formed
  • Baby can make a fist
  • Buds for baby teeth appear

Medical citation: http://americanpregnancy.org/unplannedpregnancy/surgicalabortions.html
Fetal Development citation: http://mayoclinic.com/health/fetal-development/PR00113

What type of abortion am I eligible for if I am up to 15 weeks pregnant?

You are eligible for D&C: Dilation & Curettage. Dilation and curettage is similar to suction aspiration, except that it uses a curette: a long, looped shaped knife that scrapes the lining, placenta and fetus away from the uterus. A cannula may be inserted for a final suctioning.
This procedure usually lasts 10 minutes with a possible stay of 5 hours.

What does Fetal Development look like at 14-16 weeks?
  • Fingerprints have developed & baby begins sucking
  • Patient can feel baby start to move (fluttering)
What type of abortion am I eligible for if I am up to 9 weeks pregnant?

You are eligible for D&E: Dilation & Evacuation. In most cases, 24 hours prior to the actual procedure, the abortion provider will insert laminaria or a synthetic dilator inside the patient’s cervix.
Cone-shaped rods of increasing size are used to continue the dilation process.
The cannula is inserted to begin removing tissue away from the lining. Then using a curette, the lining is scraped to remove any residuals.
If needed, forceps may be used to remove larger parts.
The procedure normally takes about 30 minutes and is usually performed in a hospital setting because of the greater risk for complications.

Are there any possible side effects from a dilation & evacuation abortion?
  • Bleeding, nausea and cramping may occur for two weeks following the procedure.
  • Infection due to retained products of conception or infection caused by an STD or bacteria being introduced to the uterus can cause fever, pain, abdominal tenderness and possibly scarring.
  • Although rare, damage to uterine lining or cervix, perforation of the uterus, and blood clots are additional risks related to dilation and evacuation.
What does Fetal Development look like at 17-20 weeks?
  • Nails growing on fingers and toes & eyebrows and eyelashes grow
  • Patient feels baby’s movements more strongly

Medical citation: http://americanpregnancy.org/unplannedpregnancy/surgicalabortions.html
Fetal Development citation: http://mayoclinic.com/health/fetal-development/PR00114

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a stress reaction experienced after having an abortion.1

Who gets Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and what are some of the possible symptoms?

PTSD Symptoms may include:

  • Guilt
  • Anxiety
  • Suicidal Thoughts
  • Depression, numbness
  • Flashbacks to Abortion
What are some of the factors that may contribute to a woman experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
  • A crisis situation surrounding her pregnancy and/or urgency she feels when making the decision to have an abortion
  • Absence of a support system
  • Obligation to keep her pregnancy a secret
  • Denial about recognizing and resolving her sense of loss
  1.  https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/somatic-psychology/201010/post-abortion-stress-syndrome-pass-does-it-exist

 

Adoption

Network Medical connects patients to local resources and services in order to ensure that they receive support throughout and after their pregnancy. We do not have partnerships with any adoption agencies – we are objective in our adoption information and guidance.

Questions about adoption:

How can adoption be good for me and my baby?
If you are not ready to be a parent, choosing adoption is another alternative that is a win/win for you and your child.  You can plan for your baby’s future by selecting a stable, loving family to care for him or her.  After birth you can see your baby, name your baby and spend time with your baby, or not.  If you so choose, you may be able to get updates on your child’s progress or have ongoing visits throughout your child’s life while you continue your education or career goals.
Can I choose a family for my baby?
Yes, most agencies have many different families from which you can choose. These families have been screened and approved. There are additional options such as choosing a friend or someone who has been recommended to you. Your agency will discuss these options with you.
How much contact can I have with my baby after birth and after adoption?
You may have as much contact with your baby at the hospital as you desire. When planning your child’s adoption, you can choose an open adoption plan that allows ongoing visits with your child, or you can choose less open adoption that keeps you informed about your child’s progress through letters and photos.  Adoptive families respect your need to know that your child is loved and happy.  If you prefer not to have any contact with your child or the adoptive family, confidential adoption plans are also possible.
How soon after birth can my baby go to the parents I choose?
The timing of your child’s placement depends on three factors:

  • Your preference for the time of placement: Many birthmothers want their baby placed with the adoptive family directly from the hospital. Some women prefer to place their baby in temporary care while they consider their adoption decision.  Your agency can help with either option.
  • Legal aspects of adoption, which may vary from state to state
  • The cooperation of the birthfather
How much will my child know about me?
That depends on what type of adoption you choose – open, semi- open, or confidential. Also, your agency will encourage you to provide your complete medical and social history to your child, no matter what type of adoption plan you make, and in some states that information is required.  You may choose to share your identity and where you live with the adoptive family.  If you’ve made an open adoption plan, you may have ongoing, direct contact with your child and the adoptive family.  The information your child will know about the birthfather depends on his relationship with you and your counselor.  Most birthfathers give their complete medical and social history, recognizing how important it is for the child.  In some cases, the only information available about the birthfather is what the birthmother provides.
Does the birthfather have any rights?
Both you and the birthfather have rights. If you disagree about adoption or you no longer have a relationship with him, your agency will work with the birthfather and/or the courts to determine if his rights can be terminated.
Can my child find me if he/she wants to search someday?
The laws in your state determine when and how your child may have access to information in the adoption file.  Your caseworker will explain the current laws as they apply to your adoption plan.
How can I be sure my child will be well cared for?
Adoptive families approved by your agency must meet standards that are shared with you.  Your agency will make every attempt to complete a thorough assessment of potential adoptive families.  Prior to finalizing the adoption, a caseworker will make home visits to ensure the child’s well-being.  In an open adoption, you will see for yourself how well your child is cared for and how much your child is loved.
Do I need an attorney or do I pay my agency to assist me with the adoption?
In most states, you do not need an attorney and there are no costs to you.  The adoption agency will handle all of the legal details for you and birthfather.
Does the agency offer assistance with medical and living expenses while I am making an adoption plan?
Assistance with medical and living expenses is available through many agencies.  Your caseworker will tell you how your agency can help you in your particular circumstances.

Parenting

Health Insurance, medical care, material aid, financial aid, and housing may be available to you should you decide to parent. During your first appointment, Network Medical will provide you with a list of resources based on your needs.

Birth Control

The Guttmacher Institute states that fifty-one percent of women who have abortions had used a contraceptive method in the month they got pregnant, most commonly condoms (27%) or a hormonal method (17%).*  Network Medical does not provide birth control, as it is not 100% effective against unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease. Factoring individual circumstances, we will refer patients to consult with their family physician for contraceptives.
*Guttmacher Institute – July 2014 – Who has abortions?

 Network Medical provides all services at no cost to you.