Facing an unexpected pregnancy can feel overwhelming. If you’re considering abortion, it may seem like a quick solution—but it’s also a deeply personal decision that can affect your physical health, emotional well-being, and future.
Before making a choice, it’s important to slow down and gather accurate medical information. This article outlines key steps to help you make an informed decision about your pregnancy.
Why Your Decision Matters
An unexpected pregnancy is life-changing, no matter what you decide. Many women have questions about their health, relationships, finances, and future goals.
It’s completely normal to feel fear, confusion, pressure, or uncertainty. Taking time to understand your situation and options can help ensure your decision aligns with your values, health, and long-term well-being.
Step 1: Receive an Ultrasound
Before considering abortion, it’s important to receive a medical-grade ultrasound. An ultrasound confirms:
- Whether the pregnancy is viable
- How far along you are
- Whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus
How Far Along Am I?
Gestational age directly affects which options may be available and the level of medical risk involved. The abortion pill (mifepristone and misoprostol) is FDA-approved only up to 10 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period.[1] Abortions performed later in pregnancy generally carry higher risks and costs.
Currently, abortion is legal in North Carolina until 12 weeks of pregnancy.[2] In North Carolina, the law requires an ultrasound before an abortion.
Miscarriage and Ectopic Pregnancy
- Miscarriage: About 10–20% of known pregnancies end naturally in miscarriage.[3]
- Ectopic Pregnancy: Approximately 1–2% of pregnancies are ectopic, meaning they develop outside the uterus.[4] Ectopic pregnancies are medical emergencies and cannot be treated with abortion pills. Taking abortion drugs in this situation may delay critical care and increase health risks.
If an ultrasound reveals a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, abortion is no longer applicable.
Life Care Pregnancy Center offers free limited ultrasounds. Contact us today to learn if you qualify and get answers.
Step 2: Get Tested for STDs
Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is an important step before considering abortion.
Undiagnosed STIs—such as chlamydia or gonorrhea—can increase the risk of complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), when abortion procedures are performed.[5] PID can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, or future ectopic pregnancies.
A quick and confidential STI test helps protect your reproductive health.
At Life Care Pregnancy Center, we provide STI testing and treatment referrals.
Step 3: Explore All Your Options
The best way to make an informed decision is to understand all of your options:
- Abortion
- Parenting
- Adoption
Each option carries different emotional, physical, and financial considerations. At Life Care Pregnancy Center, we offer nonjudgmental decision making support to help you explore what fits your life, circumstances, and goals—without pressure.
Step 4: Get Advice from Someone You Trust
Talking with someone you trust—such as a close friend, family member, or mentor—can provide perspective and support during this decision.
If sharing with someone in your life feels unsafe or uncomfortable, our compassionate advocates at Life Care Pregnancy Center are here to listen confidentially, answer your questions, and provide factual information in a supportive environment.
Step 5: Think About Your Future
This decision doesn’t just affect today—it can shape your future. Take time to reflect on how each option aligns with your hopes and plans.
Consider asking yourself:
- Does this choice support my long-term health and well-being?
- What physical or emotional effects might I experience?
- Who will support me after this decision?
Journaling, praying, or talking through your thoughts can help bring clarity. Avoid making a decision out of fear, pressure, or urgency.
Considering Abortion in Carthage, North Carolina? Get Support at Life Care Pregnancy Center.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Life Care Pregnancy Center offers free, confidential services, including:
- Pregnancy testing
- Limited ultrasounds
- STI testing and treatment
- Options education
We provide a safe, supportive space with no judgment—just personalized guidance to help you make an informed decision.
Call (910) 947-6198 or schedule your appointment online today.
Please be aware that Life Care Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Abortion Pill
- How painful is the abortion pill?
Pain levels vary. Most women experience moderate to strong cramping similar to—or more intense than—a heavy period, especially after taking misoprostol. - Can you take the abortion pill at home?
Misoprostol is typically taken at home, but prior medical screening, accurate ultrasound dating, and follow-up care are strongly recommended for safety and required per state law. - Is the abortion pill safe without an ultrasound?
An ultrasound is important to confirm how far along the pregnancy is and to rule out ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening if untreated. - What happens if the abortion pill doesn’t work?
If the abortion is incomplete or continues, additional medication or surgical intervention may be required to prevent infection or complications. - Are there alternatives to the abortion pill?
Yes. Parenting and adoption are options many women consider, and support services are available to help you understand what each path could look like for you.
Sources
- 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
- North Carolina State Law as of April 2025.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, September 8). Miscarriage. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
- 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
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, April 30). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594