Finding out you’re pregnant when you weren’t planning to be can feel overwhelming. If you’re considering abortion, you deserve clear, trustworthy information and the space to slow down before making a decision that can impact your health and future.
This guide walks through key steps to help you make an informed decision if you’re considering abortion. Keep reading to learn more.
Why Taking Time Matters
An unexpected pregnancy is a significant moment in your life. Many women tell us they feel torn between practical concerns like finances or relationships and deeper questions about their health and future. Those mixed emotions are normal.
Giving yourself time to understand your situation helps ensure your decision is truly yours. Pausing to gather information can bring clarity and confidence, no matter what you decide.
Step 1: Get an Ultrasound
An ultrasound is one of the most important first steps before considering abortion. It provides critical information about your pregnancy that cannot be confirmed by a home test alone.
How Far Along Am I?
It’s important to know how far along you are because the abortion pill is FDA approved only through 10 weeks of pregnancy.[1] In California, abortion is legal up until viability, which is around 24 weeks.[2][3] An ultrasound confirms how far along you are so you can understand what options are medically available.
Miscarriage and Ectopic Pregnancy
An ultrasound also shows whether the pregnancy is developing inside the uterus. About 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies naturally end in miscarriage.[4] A small number of pregnancies implant outside the uterus in what’s called an ectopic pregnancy. The abortion pill does not treat ectopic pregnancies, which can be dangerous if left untreated.[5]
If your ultrasound shows a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, abortion is no longer the decision in front of you. Different medical care is needed.
CAPS provides free ultrasounds, so you can get clear answers about your pregnancy. Contact us to see if you qualify.
Step 2: Get Tested for STIs and STDs
Getting tested for STIs and STDs is another important step before abortion. Untreated infections can increase the risk of complications, including Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which may affect future fertility.[6]
A simple, confidential STI/STD test helps protect your long term reproductive health. Skipping this step could put your body at unnecessary risk.
At CAPS, we offer low to no-cost STI and STD testing and treatment in a private, supportive environment, so you can protect your health! Click the button below to schedule an appointment.
Step 3: Explore All Your Options
Making an informed decision means understanding all your options, including abortion, adoption, and parenting. Each path comes with different emotional, physical, and financial considerations.
Taking time to explore these options does not commit you to any one choice. It simply gives you the full picture so you can decide what aligns best with your values, circumstances, and future goals.
CAPS provides unbiased information to help you explore each option without pressure.
Step 4: Talk With Someone You Trust
Big decisions are rarely meant to be made alone. Talking with someone you trust can help you process your thoughts and emotions. It’s especially helpful if they’ve experienced unplanned pregnancy or abortion before. They’ll be able to give you practical advice.
If you don’t feel safe or comfortable confiding in someone you know, our patient care specialists at CAPS are here to listen, answer questions, and provide accurate information in a judgment free setting.
Step 5: Think About Your Future
Your future likely plays a major role in your decision. You may be thinking about school, work, finances, relationships, or long term health.
Ask yourself:
- What choice aligns with my long term goals?
- How will this decision affect me emotionally and physically?
- What support will I need moving forward?
Reflection, journaling, or talking with a trusted person can help you clarify what matters most to you.
Considering Abortion in San Diego, California? Get the Facts at CAPS.
If you’re considering abortion in San Diego, California, CAPS is here to help you get the facts and understand your options. We offer:
- Free and Low-Cost Services: Pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STI/STD testing and treatment.
- Confidential Support: A safe space to ask questions and explore your options without pressure.
- Personalized Guidance: Information tailored to your situation, free from bias.
Our goal is not to rush you, but to support you with accurate information and compassionate care. Give us a call at (619) 337-8080 or schedule your appointment online today.
Please be aware that CAPS does not provide or refer for abortion services.
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
- 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
- Breborowicz, G. (2001, January). Limits of fetal viability and its enhancement. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11753511/
- 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