May 28, 2020

Getting an Abortion During COVID-19

With stay-in-place orders, social distancing rules, and businesses on lockdown, our nation is panicked about COVID-19. For many, the fear is real, but other parts of the country haven’t been affected as much. Doctors aren’t sure how the virus is spread or how many people actually have it. What should you do if you discover an unexpected pregnancy during the outbreak? Should you get an abortion during COVID-19?

Do I have COVID-19?

The only way to know if you have COVID-19 is to test for the virus. However, coronavirus test kits are limited, and in some cases, are giving false-negative results. The following symptoms are associated with COVID-19. Do you have any of these?

• Fever
• Cough
• Trouble breathing with a feeling of heaviness or pain in your chest
• Not able to respond to others
• Bluish lips or face

Pregnant or not, the virus can have severe consequences, and you need to be proactive. If you are experiencing the last two signs, particularly, you need to dial 911 immediately.

Pregnancy and COVID-19

Studies are ongoing, but there isn’t a lot of information available. At this point, most data regarding pregnancy and contracting COVID-19 comes from China. From everything we know, it’s unlikely for a pregnant woman to pass the virus to her fetus during pregnancy. A recent study in Los Angeles included 134 pregnant women who tested positive for the disease. More than 82% of the women had symptoms. Of those who have already given birth, none of their babies were infected.

Because pregnancy can change a woman’s immune system, a pregnant woman appears to be at higher risk for complications and more likely to be hospitalized if she’s contracted the virus. Regular complications from the flu, such as dehydration and pneumonia, can be severe with COVID-19. In some cases, even fatal.

Getting an abortion during COVID-19

Life has a way of complicating itself. In addition to a national pandemic, workers have lost jobs. If you are struggling financially because the company you worked for went into lockdown, an unplanned pregnancy may seem impossible at this time. We understand. You feel the only way out of the situation is to have an immediate abortion. However, we encourage you not to decide out of fear and panic. You have options. The cases of COVID-19 are decreasing daily, businesses are reopening, and companies are making concessions for those out of work.

If you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms such as a fever, or trouble breathing, a reputable doctor often postpones medical procedures. The stay-in-place order has made it very difficult to move around. Again, we do not want you to decide without the vital health information you need. Abortion is a serious medical procedure, and you should be informed entirely before having one.

The social distancing rule has also made it difficult for all of us. If you are feeling like you are facing your unplanned pregnancy alone because you have no one around you, we are here for you. We never want you to feel alone. You do not have to face your pregnancy and the subsequent decision you make by yourself. Let’s sit down and talk about your life, your options, and your future.

Questions about your pregnancy

If you are not sure what to do about your unexpected pregnancy, contact Woman’s New Life Clinic. We recommend three steps before you make any decision:

• Take an in-clinic pregnancy test
• Have an ultrasound to find out how far along you are in your pregnancy
• Talk about your options

Make an appointment with a member of our staff. We can discuss abortion procedures and your future. We’re here to answer all of your questions.