Is Abortion an Option? What You Need to Know

Avail NYC exists to be a safe haven for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy or seeking support after an abortion. We are not a medical provider.

Many birth control methods bill themselves as “99.9 percent effective,” which can sound like foolproof protection against pregnancy. What these statistics don’t reveal is that their success rate is calculated under ideal circumstances—and that 0.01 percent failure rate means that even with perfect use, one in 100 women using that method will become pregnant every year. If you’re that one woman in 100 (or even 1 in 1,000), these failure and success statistics will quickly grow meaningless upon the reality you’re facing.

Dealing with an unexpected pregnancy can be a scary prospect, especially if you don’t have a strong family network and aren’t sure you can count on your friends for support. Read on for some guidance on what you’ll need to do when facing an unexpected pregnancy in New York City.

Have You Confirmed Your Pregnancy?

Before you begin to panic at the sight of a faint line on a home pregnancy test, you’ll want to confirm your pregnancy with a medical-grade test to ensure you’re not just worrying yourself over nothing. Home pregnancy tests may claim a certain accuracy threshold, but factors like how much water you’ve had to drink, what time you’re taking the test, what stage you are in your menstrual cycle, and what other medications (like antibiotics or supplements) you’re taking can all impact the accuracy of a home pregnancy test.

A medical-grade pregnancy test can confirm the presence of the hormone hCG, giving you the information you need to proceed in the decision-making process.

Is Your Pregnancy Viable?

While confirming your pregnancy is an important first step to take before making any decisions, you’ll next want to confirm viability before going forward. Between 15 and 25 percent of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, which is defined as the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks (or about the five-month mark).

Having a prenatal ultrasound can ensure your pregnancy is viable and “date” the fetus so that you know exactly how far along you are. Having a firm due date can give you more information to make the rest of the decisions you’re facing.

Are You Confident in Your Decision-Making Process?

Feelings of anxiety and uncertainty are magnified when the pregnancy is unplanned and you’re unsure of the options you have. If you don’t have a strong network of friends or non-judgmental family members to talk you through your options, it can be tough to make a decision you feel confident about.

If you just need someone to talk to, Avail NYC is here to provide unbiased information so you can make the best decision for YOU. We offer free self-administered pregnancy tests, referral ultrasounds for those that qualify, and many other resources. Ask us about our decision-making process and talk to a client advocate today. We have both virtual and in-person appointments available.

Avail NYC exists to be a safe haven for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy or seeking support after an abortion. We are not a medical provider.