How to have an abortion as a teenager

You might be in shock after discovering an unplanned pregnancy. Perhaps you're not ready for motherhood, or your health may not be able to support a healthy pregnancy. If abortion is the route you need to consider, it's important to be aware of potential impacts and to prioritize your health and safety above all else.

Confirm that you're pregnant. Missing a period is a common early sign of pregnancy, though it's not always definitive. You might suspect you’re pregnant if your period is late, especially when accompanied by symptoms such as nausea or breast tenderness. If you think you might be pregnant, you should take a home pregnancy test. Many pregnancy tests are considered highly accurate and are readily available at pharmacies.

• If you're still in school, the school's health office may provide pregnancy test kits for you.
• If the test result is positive, you should visit a doctor for a more accurate diagnosis. While home pregnancy tests are reliable, medical tests conducted by a doctor in a clinic are the best way to confirm your pregnancy. It’s important to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Think about the safety of revealing your pregnancy. If your family or the community you're a part of is extremely conservative, disclosing that you're pregnant might put you in danger, especially if you're considering an abortion. Avoid putting yourself in a situation where you could face physical abuse, verbal harassment, or be thrown out of your home, especially if you suspect such outcomes are possible.

• If you're nervous about telling your family, consider pretending you're going on a “camping trip” or “vacation” while secretly getting the abortion. (Think of a trustworthy friend who could accompany you and serve as a witness). Be cautious when signing any paperwork, and make it clear to the clinic that you don’t want your family or primary doctor to be informed.
• It's possible that you'll feel unwell after the procedure. People around you may mistake your condition for a cold or the flu.

Consult with a doctor if it feels safe. After your pregnancy has been confirmed by a doctor, you'll likely have many questions. A doctor can be a valuable source of support. Pregnancy will bring significant changes to your body, so it's important to ask your doctor about what to expect, even if you don’t intend to carry the pregnancy to term.

• Your doctor will perform an examination and may order blood tests or an ultrasound.
• Ask your doctor to estimate how far along you are. Many areas have laws that either allow or prohibit abortion depending on the stage of pregnancy. Typically, abortion is safest during the first trimester.

Evaluate your options. It's natural to feel scared and confused when you unexpectedly find out you're pregnant. Take a few days to consider your choices. If you have a trustworthy friend or relative, don't hesitate to seek their advice. The most important thing is that you make a decision that’s best for your well-being and health.

• You generally have three main options: becoming a mother, placing the baby for adoption, or having an abortion.
• Even if you're already sure about what you want to do, speaking with a counselor can still be helpful. They can assist you in preparing for what may happen next. Many women's health centers offer counseling for those uncertain about whether or not to terminate the pregnancy, and they can provide support if you're thinking about keeping the baby but lack financial or emotional resources.
• If possible, you should talk with your partner and weigh the options together. Ultimately, however, the decision is yours to make.

Find an appropriate healthcare facility. Once you've made the decision to undergo an abortion, it’s important to ensure that the procedure takes place at a safe and hygienic medical facility. Your gynecologist might perform the procedure, but if they don’t, ask for a referral to a trusted clinic.

• In the U.S., Planned Parenthood is an excellent resource. This organization offers comprehensive reproductive health services and can be supportive, even if you choose to continue the pregnancy.
• Make sure the facility you’re contacting actually provides abortion services. Some family planning organizations may try to scare you or deceive you into thinking abortion isn't an option. A quick phone call should clarify their services.
• There are two primary methods of abortion: surgical abortion and medication abortion prescribed by a doctor. Once you identify a clinic with abortion services, discuss both options with them.
• Ask the clinic about abortion laws in your area. Some clinics may require parental consent or permission from a guardian before performing an abortion on a minor. However, in some cases, you can seek a court order to bypass this requirement. Be sure to ask the clinic about the regulations specific to your location.

Talk to your parents. If you're under 18, you may need your parents' consent to undergo an abortion, depending on where you live. You can inquire with a medical center about the laws in your area. In any case, it’s probably a good idea to discuss it with your parents. Hopefully, they will be a supportive resource for you.

• Choose the right time and place to talk to your parents. You need a private, undisturbed setting. Ask your parents if this is a good time to talk to ensure they are not distracted.
• Try to stay calm and be honest. Express your feelings and needs clearly.

Arrange for the procedure without parental consent. Many places require parental consent, but you can still have a legal abortion without your parents' approval. If your parents won't sign the consent form, or if you're too afraid to tell them, you may need a judicial bypass. In this case, a court will grant approval in place of your parents.

• Family planning centers can provide information on obtaining a court approval and assist you with the process. You can also call a national abortion helpline, which can guide you through the necessary steps.
• The parental consent rule doesn't apply if you're married, have children, or in case of an emergency.

Find someone to support you. If talking to your parents is not an option, seek out someone you can trust to confide in. Even if you've already made the decision to have an abortion, this can still be an emotionally overwhelming experience. Having a support system during this difficult time will be incredibly helpful. Stay calm and rational when you speak to them, and let them know you need their help.

• Try to find a trusted relative or friend who can accompany you to the medical facility. You may need help after the procedure – you should not drive home if you’ve been sedated, and you may need someone to comfort you through this tough time.

Prepare for the procedure. Before heading to the clinic, it’s important to know the cost of the procedure. In the U.S., the average cost of an abortion is around $800. Surgical abortions can cost up to $1,500 for a procedure during the first trimester. It's best to prepare and figure out how you will cover these costs to reduce stress on the day of the procedure.

• Many medical centers offer a sliding scale for fees. This means your income and financial situation will be considered when determining the cost. In most cases, the fee will be significantly reduced.
• If you can’t pay in full upfront, ask the doctor if payment plans are available.
• Try to schedule the procedure on a day when you don’t have to work or go to school, so you have at least one full day to rest and recover.

Know what to expect. Before going to the hospital, you should be informed whether you’ll be taking medication or undergoing a surgical abortion. Medication abortion is typically used for pregnancies under 9 weeks and is effective up to 97% of the time.

• If you undergo a surgical abortion, it’s important to be informed about the procedure. There are two types of abortion surgeries: suction abortion and D&E (dilation and evacuation). Ask your doctor which procedure you’ll be having.
• Before both procedures, you may be given medication to help you relax. For a suction abortion, the doctor will perform an exam and numb the cervix, after which the fetus will be suctioned out using a vacuum device. This procedure typically takes 5-10 minutes, but allow extra time for paperwork and consultations with the doctor before and after the procedure.
• A D&E procedure also begins with the doctor checking the cervix and administering a local anesthetic. The cervix will be dilated with medication or fluids, and then a vacuum instrument will be used to clean out the uterus. This procedure takes about 20 minutes due to the preparation time required for the cervix.

Understand the physical recovery process. After an abortion, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions during recovery. You may experience bleeding or cramping in the uterus for up to a week after the procedure. The doctor might prescribe pain relievers to help you manage physical discomfort.

• You will also be given antibiotics to prevent infection.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience heavy bleeding or severe cramps. You should also reach out if you develop a fever in the days following the procedure or if you notice thick, foul-smelling vaginal discharge.

Recognize your emotions. It’s normal to have mixed emotions after an abortion. Some people feel almost a sense of relief, while others may experience more complex emotions like sadness, grief, or confusion. Whatever you're feeling, give yourself the time and space to process.

• Abortion is a deeply personal experience. Don’t feel ashamed if you become emotional afterward. It’s important to understand and accept your feelings.

Seek help. While emotional reactions after an abortion are common, it’s important to ensure your mental well-being is also healing. This is especially critical if you're a teenager, as you’ve already gone through many changes in your life. If you find that feelings of sadness, guilt, or anger persist, it might be time to seek help.

• Sometimes, talking with family or friends can bring relief, but other times, it can make things feel worse. In such cases, ask your doctor to recommend a counselor or a support group. Remember, you are not alone.