Thinking about scheduling an abortion and unsure what to know before you make a decision? It’s important to make sure you have accurate information first. This decision affects not only your physical health, but your mental health and your emotional well-being as well.

In North Carolina, there are specific laws and medical guidelines that shape what happens before an abortion appointment. Understanding these can help you make a thoughtful, informed decision and protect your health.

If you’re considering abortion, it’s important to know all the facts.

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Know Your Rights Before Scheduling

Before anything else, it’s important to understand this: no one has the right to pressure you into an abortion. Your consent must be voluntary.

In North Carolina, the law requires informed consent, meaning you must receive certain information and have time to consider it before proceeding. North Carolina General Statute § 90-21.82 requires that consent be given freely and without coercion (North Carolina General Assembly, 2023).

You have the right to:

Ask questions and receive clear answers
Take time to make your decision
Leave an appointment at any time
Change your mind before the procedure

If You Are Under 18

Minors generally need parental consent to obtain an abortion. However, North Carolina allows a judicial bypass, where a judge can authorize the procedure without parental involvement (Guttmacher Institute, 2024).

North Carolina Laws and Timing Requirements

Understanding the timeline is key before scheduling an appointment.

In North Carolina:

Most abortions are limited to 12 weeks of pregnancy (Guttmacher Institute, 2024)
A 72-hour waiting period is required after counseling before the procedure North Carolina General Statute § 90-21.82
An in-person consultation and informed consent process must take place
An ultrasound is required before the abortion (NC Department of Health and Human Services, 2023)

Because of these requirements, you will likely need at least two appointments.

How to Research an Abortion Clinic

Not all clinics offer the same level of care. Taking time to research a provider is imperative to protecting your health.

Before scheduling, consider:

Is the provider a licensed physician?
Does the clinic explain risks and alternatives clearly?
What are their emergency procedures?
Do they provide follow-up care?

North Carolina law requires that you be told the name of the physician performing the procedure ahead of time, giving you the opportunity to verify credentials North Carolina General Statute § 90-21.82 (North Carolina General Assembly, 2023).

You can also check:

State medical board records
Online reviews (read critically)
Whether the clinic answers your questions without rushing you

Important Medical Tests Before an Abortion

Certain medical tests are important to help reduce risks and guide safe care.

1. Ultrasound

An ultrasound:

Confirms how far along the pregnancy is
Helps rule out an ectopic pregnancy, a serious condition where the pregnancy develops outside the uterus

Ultrasound is required in North Carolina before an abortion (NC DHHS, 2023).

2. STI Testing

Testing for infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea is important because untreated infections can increase the risk of complications after a procedure (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022).

3. Blood Type (Rh Factor)

A blood test determines if you are Rh-negative. If so, you may need an injection to prevent complications in future pregnancies (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2020).

4. Hemoglobin or Iron Levels

Checking for anemia is important, since low iron levels can increase the risks associated with bleeding (World Health Organization, 2022).

Understanding Types of Abortion and Risks

There are two main types of abortion, and each comes with different medical considerations.

Medication Abortion (Abortion Pill)

This method uses medication in early pregnancy. Possible risks according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA, 2023) include:

Heavy and/or prolonged bleeding
Cramping
Infection
Incomplete abortion requiring follow-up care

Surgical (In-Clinic) Abortion

This procedure is performed in a clinical setting. Possible risks according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022) include:

Infection
Bleeding
Reaction to anesthesia
Injury to the uterus or cervix

Planning for Aftercare

Before scheduling, think about what you’ll need afterward.

You should:

Arrange transportation home if needed
Have a safe place to rest
Understand warning signs of complications

Call a healthcare provider if you experience:

Fever
Severe abdominal pain
Heavy or prolonged bleeding

Emergency care should be sought immediately if symptoms are severe.

What If You Change Your Mind?

It’s completely okay to change your mind at any point before the procedure.

The required 72-hour waiting period in North Carolina gives you time to think through your decision North Carolina General Statute § 90-21.82 (North Carolina General Assembly, 2023).

If you decide not to proceed:

You can cancel your appointment
You can explore other options
You can seek medical care and support

Regret your decision to take the abortion pill? It may not be too late to stop the process. Contact the Abortion Pill Reversal Network for more information about the abortion pill reversal process, which is the protocol used to reverse the effects of the first abortion pill. Time is of the essence, so reach out immediately, before you take the second pill.

If you’ve already started a medication abortion and have health concerns, contact your provider or head to the emergency room right away.

How Can Hope’s Pathway Chatham Help?

Making a pregnancy decision can feel overwhelming, especially when that pregnancy is unplanned or you find yourself without support. But taking time to understand your rights, your health, and your options can help you move forward with clarity.

You deserve:

Accurate information
Respect and support
Safe medical care
The freedom to make your own decision

Hope’s Pathway Chatham is a pregnancy help ministry supporting women, men, and families facing an unplanned pregnancy in Siler City and the larger Chatham County area of North Carolina. We provide medically-accurate and evidence-based information to help you understand all your options, so that you can make an informed decision. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and explore your options without fear of judgment. Make an appointment today.