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Considering the abortion pill? 5 reasons to start here before visiting a CVS or Planned Parenthood

Writer's picture: First Step Women's CenterFirst Step Women's Center

As a woman, few things feel more overwhelming than navigating an unexpected pregnancy. And in today's world, there is the added pressure of trying to process everyone's opinions regarding women's reproductive rights and bodily autonomy. You may even feel rushed to make a decision quickly. 


Deciding where to seek help first is crucial; your choices can impact your life and have long-term effects such as regret or future health concerns. If you are considering abortion or the abortion pill and your search includes CVS or Planned Parenthood, start with a free appointment with us. We are a free women’s center dedicated to helping women get the answers and support they need through pregnancy decisions and beyond. No pressure. No cost. Just care. 


Here are five compelling reasons why we are the best first step on your journey.


  1. Free Services

strong black woman posing in front of orange background

Not sure if you are pregnant or if the pregnancy is viable or if you are at risk for a natural miscarriage? Start with us! Pregnancy testing is free, and the results are quick. We provide onsite lab-grade pregnancy tests at no cost to you. If the test is positive, we can offer a free ultrasound to confirm how far along you are and if the pregnancy is viable. This information is vital as it can influence the type and cost of an abortion. 


While CVS and other pharmacies offer over-the-counter pregnancy tests, they lack comprehensive follow-up care and confirmation. Planned Parenthood charges a small fee for pregnancy tests as well.


  1. Medical Guidance

Discussing your options and health history with a licensed medical professional before deciding is essential. Every woman's body and experience are unique; your health and safety should always come first. We offer no-cost appointments with a medical professional where you can discuss your medical history, any medications you are on, and allergies to mifepristone or misoprostol, the two most common drugs in the abortion pill regimen. We also confirm a viable pregnancy. It’s also important to rule out an ectopic pregnancy, get tested for STDs, and find out if you are Rh-negative.


While CVS is a great option for general health needs, they do not provide consultations on pregnancy or abortion, what to expect if you take abortion pills, side effects, or go over your health history and eligibility. Planned Parenthood offers consultations but often requires payment before speaking with a medical professional. We believe you deserve these critical consultations at no cost, ensuring you receive the necessary information to make an informed decision regarding your pregnancy.


  1. Pressure-Free

We believe women deserve to make decisions without coercion or a sales pitch. Abortion is big business, but we put women first here. We don’t profit from your reproductive health decisions which means we don’t provide or perform abortion services here. Instead, we offer all the answers you need to make an informed and empowered choice on your own. This means we help individuals not only know what the medical options are but also the local free resources available.


You are more than a number. You will always be treated with respect and kindness here.


  1. Caring Staff

Our dedicated team offers compassionate, nonjudgmental care and many of us have been in your shoes. We understand the emotional and physical complexities of an unexpected pregnancy and are here to support you every step of the way. Our professionally trained staff listens, understands, and provides the care and guidance you need without bias. This supportive environment can significantly affect how you experience and handle this challenging time.


Need someone in your corner? Contact us today for a free consultation.


  1. Additional Community Referrals and Resources

Beyond medical services, we offer a wealth of additional aid and resources at no cost. We connect you with local support networks, provide counseling services, and offer practical assistance such as baby supplies, parenting classes, and financial aid programs. This holistic approach ensures you are informed about your medical options and supported in every aspect of your pregnancy journey. 


Choosing where to seek help first is critical in navigating an unexpected pregnancy. Starting at our pro-woman, nonprofit holistic health organization ensures you receive comprehensive, unbiased support and care without the pressure of profit-driven services free of charge. Take the first step towards making an informed decision by scheduling a free consultation and ultrasound with us today.


We're here to support you every step of the way!

 
 
 

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Monday: 9am-4:30pm

Tuesday: By phone only

Wednesday: 11am-4:30pm

Thursday: 9am-4:30pm

Friday: Closed

First Step Women's Center in Springfield, Illinois is committed to providing you with everything you need to make an informed pregnancy decision. We believe women and men have a right to get evidence-based information from a resource that will not profit from the choices and pregnancy decisions they make. All our services are free and confidential. 

Please note that we can only provide telehealth services to individuals located in Illinois and can provide a state ID. If you do not have a license or identification that shows you are an Illinois resident, we can still provide in-person care at no cost to you.

 

First Step Women's Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit in the state of Illinois. The information on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be substituted for medical or legal advice. We are committed to protecting your health information. Please be aware that communicating via unencrypted text messaging or messaging services has some level of risk of being read by a 3rd party. While we do not provide or refer for abortion services, we can answer your questions about side effects, what to expect, and more. Contact us to learn more. We proudly serve in Springfield, Farmingdale, Sherman, Riverton, Buffalo, Cantrall, IL and the surrounding areas.

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