Can You Still Get An Abortion in NJ?

If you think you might be unexpectedly pregnant, you may be fearful about your options. Perhaps you're feeling confused following the recent Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

First, take a deep breath—there is help and hope available to you, and you don't have to navigate this alone. You may be considering abortion—take a moment to find out all the facts about each pregnancy option available in New Jersey so you can make a confident, informed decision.

In New Jersey state law, abortion is legal for any reason, at any stage of pregnancy. This includes the abortion pill (also known as medical or medication abortion) and surgical abortion (in-clinic procedure).

What abortion method may be medically appropriate for each unique situation depends on several factors, including how far along your pregnancy is and what other medical complications may be present. Abortion procedures and methods may also vary widely in cost and associated risks.

As you consider your options and navigate your pregnancy decision, prioritize your health and safety by finding out the facts about your unique medical needs. This may determine what options are available to you, and you can help protect your long-term health by staying informed.

Any abortion method is a serious medical procedure and has associated physical risks and side effects.

Medical abortion, commonly known as the abortion pill, is a series of two separate doses. The use of these pills to terminate early pregnancies is only used for up to 10 weeks gestational age.

Because taking these pills past the recommended point in pregnancy may result in negative long-term health effects or infection, it is vital for you to verify with a medical professional through ultrasound how far along you are before taking the abortion pill.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the following may be possible physical risks of the abortion pill:

• Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
• An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn't work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

Another method of abortion, typically used for the termination of pregnancies past 10 weeks, is known as surgical abortion. This in-clinic procedure may vary depending on how far along the pregnancy is, though most involve some type of sedation and are done by a physician or can be done by an abortion provider.

One of the more common surgical abortion methods is known as dilation & curettage (D&C). In this procedure, a physician uses medication or medical instruments to open (or dilate) the cervix and then uses tools such as a curette to scrape or suction the fetus and surrounding tissue out of the uterus.

Surgical abortion procedures typically carry higher monetary costs due to the more involved, serious nature of such methods.

The Mayo Clinic lists the following as physical risks of surgical abortion procedures:

• Passing blood clots that are larger than a lemon for more than two hours
• Bleeding that is heavy enough that you have to change your pad twice in one hour for two hours straight
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Fever
• Pain or cramping that gets worse instead of better, especially after 48 hours
• Pregnancy symptoms that persist after one week

As you navigate your pregnancy decision, be sure to prioritize your health by making an informed choice. Are you confident of how far along your pregnancy is, and what options may be available to you? Have you discussed these options with a medical professional? Are you aware of any existing medical complications?

The best way to be sure of the answers to these questions is through an ultrasound.

An ultrasound exam is performed by a trusted medical professional, and it can help you answer critical details about your pregnancy, such as:

• How far along you are (and what options are available to you at this stage)
• If the pregnancy is viable (or if miscarriage care is more appropriate for your situation)
• If the pregnancy is located in the uterus (or if you are at risk of ectopic pregnancy)

The answers to these questions are imperative for you to know before you make your next medical steps. You don't want to leave medical complications untreated or risk making a choice that may be detrimental to your long-term health.

At Choices Options for Women, we can help you navigate your pregnancy decision by providing an ultrasound appointment with a member of our professional medical staff at no cost to you. Get peace of mind and your questions answered through a confidential, free appointment.

Schedule your appointment today—the choice is yours, but we can help.