Knowledge is power, and we want to empower you to be confident in all of your pregnancy, abortion, and parenting decisions. Abortion is not just a simple procedure. It has side effects and potential risks.
We are here to help you sort through all of your questions and concerns. Our center offers peer counseling, consultations with healthcare professionals, and accurate information about all of your pregnancy options, STD risks, fetal development, and parenting.
Abortion Education
The Abortion Pill (RU-486, Mifepristone, Misoprostol)
Before taking what is commonly known as “the abortion pill,” you should understand what it is, what it could mean to your health, and how it works. Call for an appointment and one of our staff will be happy to discuss it with you, confirm if you’re pregnant, and advise you on your options.
The abortion pill procedure
The abortion pill is a combination of two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol. It is only approved for use in women up to 10 weeks after their last menstrual period. The procedure may require three office visits. On the first visit, the woman is given a drug (mifepristone) to end the pregnancy. Approximately two days later, she is given a second drug (misoprostol), which causes cramps and bleeding to expel the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. The last visit is a follow-up ultrasound to determine if the procedure has been completed.
Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy
The abortion pill will not work in the case of an ectopic pregnancy. This is a potentially life-threatening condition in which the pregnancy is outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. If not diagnosed early, the tube may burst, causing internal bleeding, and in some cases, death.
What is the abortion pill?
“The abortion pill” is actually a combination of two drugs — mifepristone and misoprostol — that cause early abortion. It should not be used if it has been more than 10 weeks since your last period. It is NOT the same as the “morning after pill.”
How does it work?
The first pill, mifepristone, is taken orally and blocks the hormone progesterone needed to maintain the pregnancy. The second medication, misoprostol, is taken 24 to 72 hours later, causing the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
Things to consider
A medical abortion may require three visits to a healthcare provider. Most medical abortions using mifepristone and misoprostol are completed within two weeks, but some can take up to three or even four weeks. Side effects include heavy bleeding, headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and cramping. Serious complications may also occur. If this method fails, a surgical abortion will be required.
Morning After Pill (Plan B)
Before taking the Morning After Pill (Plan B), you should understand what it is, what it could mean to your health, and how it works. Call for an appointment and one of our staff will be happy to discuss it with you, confirm if you’re pregnant, and advise you on your options.
What is it?
The “morning after pill” is a large dose of oral contraceptive. Known as Plan B, the pill is actually two tablets, one taken within 72 hours of intercourse and the second 12 hours later. It is NOT the same as “the abortion pill” discussed above.
How does it work?
Plan B is believed to act as an emergency contraceptive principally by preventing ovulation or fertilization. In addition, it may inhibit implantation. It is not effective once the process of implantation has begun.
Things to consider
- Emergency contraception is not effective if a woman is already pregnant. If you are not sure if you are pregnant, contact us for free pregnancy testing.
- Plan B does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases. If you have concerns about STDs, we can assist with testing and treatment.
- The most common side effects in the Plan B clinical trial were nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, and menstrual changes. The manufacturer does not recommend Plan B for routine use as a contraceptive.
Parenting Education
Earn While You Learn (EWYL) Parenting Program
The EWYL program is an educational tool that has helped almost 1000 parents since 2010. It is a one-on-one program where mentors are paired with a mom or dad, and the mom or dad is encouraged to choose a topic of interest.
There are hundreds of topics to choose from, so you will likely find information on a topic you are interested in. After every class, parents receive Family Bucks credits and get to spend or save whatever they have earned.
The program has grown tremendously, so we started group classes which enable us to incorporate everyone. When mentors are at capacity, parents who sign up for the program start their classes in the group. Life is hard enough without having to go it alone. Won’t you join us?
Encouraging Parents Together
“Encouraging Parents Together” is a group class that has been well-attended for over 25 years. These expectant moms earn a brand-new portable crib after their 4th monthly meeting.
There is always something fun going on. Sometimes there are guest speakers, and sometimes the class is more hands-on with interactive lessons to aid in various areas of life.
One thing that has been integrated into this time slot is the 24/7 Dad class for all dads. After their 4th monthly meeting, the dads earn either a toddler bed, baby monitor, or car seat.
Call 812-234-8059 to sign up for both programs in Terre Haute.
Go to our Parenting page to see the specifics about class schedules.