This post was updated on June 30th, 2022 to reflect changes following the Supreme Court’s ruling on Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
As a reproductive health care provider, we’re committed to sharing resources to help all those seeking care find the information they need. Whether your pregnancy was planned, unexpected, or you just have questions, we’re here to help you navigate the resources available to you, depending on how you'd like to move forward. It’s your decision to make, and we want to give you the tools you need to make the one that’s best for you.
Am I pregnant?
It’s completely normal to be unsure. Here are some simple questions to help you get started:
When was your last menstrual period?
Have you had unprotected sex since your last menstrual period?
Are you currently on the pill or another form of contraception?
Have you missed any of your pills?
Is your cycle regular and suddenly irregular?
Are you on a new medication?
Taking a pregnancy test is also always a good first step, which you can find at your local drugstore or the dollar store (they’re the same tests, and just as good!). We recommend getting two tests, especially for first time testers. Today’s pregnancy tests are extremely sensitive and can detect a pregnancy up to five days before the start of your next menstrual cycle. So, if it’s positive it’s very likely you are pregnant.**
There’s a lot to take into account, which is why it’s normal to be unsure. A health care provider, especially your primary care provider or OBGYN, will be your best resource for any questions, and they can also help confirm if you are pregnant. That said, you know your body and your situation better than anyone, so take a breath, and reflect on where you’re at. This will help direct you to the best next step.
**If you've recently been pregnant, you can continue to have a positive pregnancy test for 2-4 weeks after the last day of your pregnancy, as your hormones return to non-pregnant levels. That being said, you can absolutely become pregnant in your first cycle after recently being pregnant. If you are unsure if the positive is true because of this situation, your provider will be able to complete a blood draw or ultrasound to verify your hormone levels.
I’m not sure, have questions, or just want to talk to someone
So, the pregnancy test came back positive and you're not sure where to go from here. It's normal to feel confused about how to feel or what to do next, and there are counseling resources available to talk about your options. All Options Talkline can connect you with counselors to answer your questions on abortion, adoption, parenting, infertility, or pregnancy loss in a judgment-free environment.
Phone: 1-888-493-0092 (from anywhere in the United States)
I need pregnancy support
Your primary care provider (PCP) or OBGYN will be your best health care resource during your pregnancy and can answer any questions you may have. If you don’t have a primary care provider, there are several ways to find one that’s right for you. Your insurance company should help you find providers in-network and close by. Friends and family can also be a wealth of knowledge, especially as you look to find someone who you trust and meets your needs. Some people also find doulas really helpful in their pregnancy journey (more info here). If you’re interested in working with a doula, it’s smart to connect with one early in your pregnancy. Finally, if you are uninsured and pregnant, you are eligible for Medicaid. Reach out to your local health department for help or visit healthcare.gov’s pregnancy support page.
I want an abortion
Just as it’s natural to feel confused, it’s also completely OK to confidently know that you no longer want to be pregnant, and have questions about how to get an abortion. Abortion Care Network,Hey Jane, and Power to Decide all have great resources that can help guide you through the process.
The Basics: There are two ways to get an abortion: surgically and via medication, known as medication abortion. A medication abortion is available through 10 weeks of pregnancy, while limits on a surgical abortion vary by state. Some states even allow you to use telemedicine to get an abortion, where you’ll sign up for a virtual appointment, talk to a provider from your computer or phone, and medication will be sent to you in the mail with virtual medical oversight. Go deeper → What You Need to Know About Medication Abortions.
How do I get an abortion? As you may know, political overreach and medically unnecessary regulations have made it harder to get an abortion in certain places across the country, resulting in a lot of confusion for patients. The anti-abortion crusaders’ goal is simple: to make it more difficult to get an abortion, and that’s why it’s important to follow trusted health care providers and experts to help you navigate the process.
Both AbortionFinder.org and INeedAnA.com ask for basic information to help you safely and securely find the provider that’s best for you. While Planned Parenthood is a well known abortion provider, there are hundreds of independent clinics across the country as well that provide abortion care, which will be included in these searches. Both sites will help you navigate your options based on where you live, laws in your state, and how far along you are in your pregnancy, including directing you to some combination of in-person surgical, in-person medication abortion, and virtual medication abortion options, depending on your eligibility. Both sites also walk you through other important information, such as state-specific laws that may impact when and how you get care (e.g. whether you need a parent’s approval as a minor), questions about the procedure (surgical or via pills), and more.
If you live in Colorado, California, Illinois, New Mexico, New York, or Washington and are 10 or fewer weeks pregnant, you can also check out Hey Jane, a virtual abortion clinic offering telemedicine abortion care.
How do I spot fake abortion clinics? Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation online promoting crisis pregnancy centers and fake clinics. Fake clinics use deceitful tactics to offer “pregnancy support,” all with the intention of shaming people about abortion and other reproductive health care decisions. They often pop up close to abortion clinics and during online searches for an abortion clinic as purposeful tactics to confuse people seeking care. Fake clinics are often not staffed by health care professionals, and give “free” ultrasounds, only to tell people that they are further along than they are in their pregnancy (often past the legal gestational limit in that state) as a means to discourage abortion care. Fake clinics are fueled by politics, lack health expertise, and do not have your best interest at heart. Go deeper → Learn more about fake clinics.
The good news is that every clinic on AbortionFinder.org and INeedAnA.com is verified. You can also check any clinics you may find independently using this tool to verify options.
How much will my abortion cost? Depending on your insurance, abortion care may be at least partially covered. Checking with your insurance company is a good idea. If you need help paying for your abortion, you can learn more from your local abortion fund. AbortionFinder.org and INeedAnA.com will also provide more information about insurance coverage in your state and links to specific abortion funds that may be helpful.
Will I get in trouble? State laws are changing quickly in the wake of the June 2022 Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade. Here are some resources to stay informed:
The National Abortion Federal hotline provides callers with accurate information, confidential consultation, options counseling, and referrals to providers of quality abortion care, in addition to case management services for patients with special needs and limited financial resources.
If you are concerned about being criminalized for your abortion, you can reach out to If/When/How’s Repro Legal Helpline.
I need more information. If you have questions following a miscarriage or an abortion, we urge you to contact your health care provider or call or text the M+A Hotline at (833) 246-2632.
I’d like to learn more about adoption
The all options hotline can help answer questions you may have about adoption. You can find more information about them here.
At The Pill Club, our goal is to provide the most up-to-date, objective, and research-based information to help readers make informed decisions. Articles are written by experienced contributors; they are grounded in research and evidence-based practices. All information has been fact-checked and extensively reviewed by our team of experts to ensure content is accurate and on par with current industry standards. Articles contain trusted third-party sources that are either directly linked to in the text or listed at the bottom to take readers directly to the source.