I never walked into an abortion clinic, forced to pass protestors shouting and holding signs. I’ve never experienced a sidewalk advocate whispering prayers over me, my baby, or any of the other women lining up to be freed that day. I was never given a clipboard or asked to sign a consent form. I have never experienced sitting in an abortion clinic waiting room, hearing my name called, or witnessing my baby’s heartbeat flickering on an ultrasound screen. Instead, I walked to m

When faced with the uncertainty of an unexpected pregnancy, the decision-making process can be incredibly challenging. For women who have taken the first pill of the medical abortion regimen and are now seeking information on abortion pill reversal ( APR ), fears about complications, such as hemorrhaging, may be top of mind. As a pro-woman, nonprofit holistic health clinic, we are here to provide clear, concise, and medical guidance. Here are three things that will help you

Second Chances and New Beginnings “This couldn’t be happening again,” I thought when I started feeling nauseous for the third morning in a row. I was a week late, and I knew I needed to take a pregnancy test, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do so just yet. I finally found a good-paying job as a receptionist at my dentist’s office and a great daycare for my little girl. As hard as the past two years had been, life was finally improving. I didn’t want an abortion. I loved b

We all know how easy it is to make New Year’s resolutions—and how quickly they can fizzle out. Change feels hard, habits are stubborn, and life often gets in the way. But the truth is, resolutions aren’t about perfection—they’re about intention. By setting thoughtful, meaningful goals and breaking them into small, achievable steps, you can create real momentum and make this year one of growth, balance, and personal care. 5 Easy Resolutions and Advice for Your Year The new yea

Being pregnant around the holidays can bring about mixed emotions. Although this season can be merry and bright, it can also be complex. The complex feelings can grow, especially if you’re facing a pregnancy decision or navigating life with a new pregnancy that wasn’t originally part of your plans. The thought of a full calendar, tricky family dynamics, or perceived expectations might leave you fearful or overwhelmed. Here are a few guidelines to help you navigate this holid

It’s a common phone call around here. We get that you can feel just as lost as someone you know who is facing an unplanned pregnancy. You want to do and say the right thing, but sometimes, it’s hard to know what that is. So before anyone starts making a plan, let’s start with what not to do. Don’t Panic Saw that one coming, didn’t you? She needs you to be calm because that may be the last thing she’s feeling. If she hasn’t had a pregnancy confirmation yet (a diagnostic ob

Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs, with more than 90 million cases reported each year globally, and more than half of those cases occur in women. Gonorrhea is also very common. However, many people unknowingly spread gonorrhea because 50% of women will not experience any symptoms at all. What are the most common symptoms of chlamydia? While chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics, many women never experience any symptoms. That’s why it’s important to get tested if yo

A drugstore pregnancy test is convenient, but unless the test is negative, you’ll need proof of pregnancy to verify viability (if the...

Starting college can be an exciting time in your life, with many networking and career growth opportunities. However, college safety is...

With information and access just a click away, women facing an unexpected pregnancy often feel overwhelmed and pressured to make quick...

When it comes to sexual health, no question is off-limits—especially when it can help protect you. We understand that some topics can feel uncomfortable, but our goal is to create a safe space where you can ask anything about pregnancy, prevention, and your sexual well-being without fear or judgment. We’re here to debunk some of the most common myths about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), how to prevent them, and why taking care of yourself matters. If you think you ha

The world teaches that if we follow the rules, everything will fall into place; however, that is often not the reality we...

Finding out if you’re pregnant can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially if it's unexpected. You may feel a rush of excitement,...

If you or someone you care about is facing an unexpected pregnancy, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. With so much information (and misinformation) out there, it can be hard to know where to start. First Step Women's Center is here to help you cut through the confusion and get the facts. Let’s get into it! Cytotec (Misoprostol) Cytotec, or Misoprostol, is commonly used alongside Mifepristone in medical abortions. However, some people attempt to use Cytotec alone, which comes

Most days begin like any other, but there are the rare, trajectory-defining ones that split our lives into a before and after. The words...

An unexpected pregnancy can be one of the many reasons why life gets complicated. Perhaps this is not the right time for you to start a family. Or, maybe it's the wrong guy, or you are struggling to make ends meet financially. Regardless of where you are right now, you still have a decision to make. Whatever you choose won't be easy, but that is why we are here to help you through this process. If this pregnancy was not planned and you truly do not feel like you are ready fo

Few things in life can trigger a flood of emotions like double lines on a home pregnancy test—whether planned or unplanned. If you are navigating this journey and seeking clarity, you may have encountered online due date calculators. They’re convenient and helpful, but can they provide the most accurate information about your pregnancy? While these calculators may offer an estimate, relying on them instead of an ultrasound could lead to confusion, uncertainty, or even missing

Let’s be honest: it can be hard to tell if you’re pregnant when some period symptoms are similar to pregnancy symptoms. If you think you...

“Rates of unintended pregnancies are particularly high in young women, a finding that may be associated with their tendency not to use contraceptives correctly and/or consistently. For millennial women, busy lifestyles and associated stress may impact on daily activities, including taking an oral contraceptive pill.” — National Library of Medicine No contraceptive method is foolproof. If you think you may be unexpectedly pregnant, make an appointment today. All of First Step

Perhaps you’ve hooked up with someone whose sexual health you’re uncertain about, and you don’t know how to ask them, or you can’t ask them. To make matters worse, you think you may be pregnant. If you know how many people your partner has slept with, you can use a sexual exposure calculator to help you determine your exposure level. However, regardless of your exposure, if you think you have an STD and are wondering if it will go away on its own, it depends on the STD. This