Since the Supreme Court decided to overturn Roe v Wade, people have tried to figure out the law and the impact it will have on their reproductive health. It’s hard to know if you’re hearing the facts on both the news and the internet. Let’s look closer.
Fact or Fiction?
1. The U.S. Totally Banned Abortion
From marches in the streets to news articles, different sources have claimed that abortion is now illegal in every state in the U.S. That is false.
Currently, six states have no restrictions on abortion, and 18 provide abortions until viability (generally around 24 weeks). The rest of the states have some form of an abortion ban.
2. I Won’t Be Able to Get an Abortion in New York State
Each state has different abortion laws. For some states, like New York, the law hasn’t changed. Other states banned abortion altogether.
New York legalized abortion in 1970, three years before the original decision in Roe v. Wade.
3. There Are Limits to Abortion in New York
Women in New York can obtain an abortion up to 24 weeks into their pregnancy. After 24 weeks, abortion can only be performed if the health of the mother is at risk or the fetus is no longer viable (developing).
Licensed physicians in New York can prescribe medication abortion (the abortion pill) if the pregnancy is less than 10 weeks.
4. I Can’t Get An Abortion In New York if I’m From Another State
That is fiction. You can travel to New York for an abortion, but you must see a licensed or certified health care professional.
5. Abortion is 100% Safe
Like every medical procedure, abortion has mental and physical side effects and risks. The two types of abortion are medication and surgical. How far along you are in your pregnancy determines which method the doctor uses.
Before you have an abortion, it’s important to learn what you should expect. How much bleeding is too much? Will I have severe cramping? What are the signs of a failed abortion?
All of these are important questions that you must have answered before you begin an abortion.
How AscentCare Can Help
In addition to no-cost pregnancy services, such as pregnancy testing and ultrasound, AscentCare Pregnancy Services offers no-cost consultations. We can review each abortion procedure and ensure you understand the effects.
If you are faced with an unexpected pregnancy, you have three options. Let the compassionate team at AscentCare explain their services and review your options. We care about you and your reproductive health. Schedule your appointment today!