Question 1

Do you perform or refer for abortions?

Accepted Answer

Willow Women's Center does not perform nor refer for abortions. We do provide no-cost medical services and information so you have what you need to make the best possible decision, and our center does not financially profit from the choice you make.

Question 2

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

You are more than welcome to bring a trusted friend, family member, or your partner with you to your appointment at Willow.

Question 3

What if I don't have insurance, or I'm under my parent's insurance?

Accepted Answer

Because all of the services offered by Willow Women's Center are free, we do not have to report anything to an insurance company. This way, no matter your financial circumstances, you can receive the services and resources you need at our center.

Question 4

If I'm under 18, do I need to bring a parent with me?

Accepted Answer

Willow Women's Center serves women of all ages with no-cost services and resources. If you are under 18, you do not need to bring a parent with you. All of our services are confidential so no one will find out until you are ready to tell them. Our main priority is making sure you are healthy and informed about the options you have.

Question 5

How much do your services cost?

Accepted Answer

All of the services provided by Willow Women's Center are at no cost. We do not charge so that every woman who might be unexpectedly pregnant can get the information she needs to make the best possible decision for herself.

Question 6

What are the signs of an STD?

Accepted Answer

While there are a few known Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) symptoms, like painful urination and unusual discharge, STIs are symptom-less the majority of the time. This does not mean they cannot cause harm to you. At Willow Women's Center, we can test for the two most common STIs in the United States: Chlamydia and Gonorrhea at no cost to you. We can refer you for testing of other STIs and refer for treatment, if necessary.

Question 7

Why do I need an ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

While a positive pregnancy test indicates you are pregnant, it does not confirm a pregnancy by medical standards. An ultrasound will do that, as well as tell you how far along you are, where the pregnancy is located, and whether it is viable. This is all valuable information to help you stay healthy as you consider your options. Willow Women's Center offers no-cost, limited obstetrical ultrasounds to those who have had positive pregnancy tests at our center.

Question 8

How do I know if I am pregnant?

Accepted Answer

The most common sign of pregnancy is a missed period, though there are others like: a sudden onset of fatigue, tender or swollen breasts, nausea or vomiting, and food cravings or aversions. There is no single symptom that guarantees you are pregnant, which is why it's important to take a pregnancy test and have an ultrasound performed. Both of these services are offered at no cost at Willow Women's Center.

Question 9

What are the abortion pills?

Accepted Answer

The abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion, is a two-pill process of terminating an unwanted pregnancy.

Question 10

When can I take the abortion pill?

Accepted Answer

The abortion pill is effective in roughly the first 70 days of gestation. If your pregnancy is further along, you will likely need to end the pregnancy through a surgical abortion.

To verify the age of your pregnancy and learn more about your options, schedule an appointment for a free ultrasound today!

Question 11

How does the abortion pill work?

Accepted Answer

A medical abortion utilizes two medications, Mifepristone and Misoprostol. These two pills work together to end the pregnancy. Mifepristone is taken first and causes the body to stop producing the naturally-occurring pregnancy hormone called progesterone. Because progesterone is necessary to sustain the pregnancy, it will not survive without it.
Once the pregnancy has ended, Misoprostol is taken to cause contractions and force the pregnancy from the body.
Where does a medical abortion take place?


The first pill, Mifepristone, is often administered in a medical setting, like a doctor’s office or with an abortion provider; however, sometimes women will take the first pill at home. Misoprostol is typically taken at home, where you will expel the pregnancy. 

Women who take the abortion pill can expect to experience intense bleeding and the passing of pregnancy tissue in the form of large blood clots. These clots can sometimes be as large as a lemon.

Question 12

What are the side effects of the abortion pill?

Accepted Answer

When taking the abortion pill, one can expect to experience the following side effects:


Heavy bleeding
Cramping and abdominal pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Exhaustion

Question 13

What are the risks of the abortion pill?

Accepted Answer

While most women will experience the above side effects, some women may also experience more serious and long-term health risks in the wake of their abortions.

Some of these risks include:

Incomplete abortions
Infections
Hemorrhaging
Mental health complications

Question 14

What should I do before taking the abortion pill?

Accepted Answer

As we said, the more you know about your options, the more empowered you will be as you choose! One of the best ways to learn about your options is through an ultrasound.

Not only are ultrasounds required in some states prior to having an abortion, but they are also a great way to identify any risks you might encounter and learn about your pregnancy — including its age, viability, and location. This information will help you and your doctor determine which option is safest for you.

Question 15

What Are the Abortion Pill Side Effects?

Accepted Answer

While surgical abortions are done at a doctor’s office, abortions using the abortion pill are usually completed at home, without the immediate supervision of a doctor.

The process of completing an at-home abortion is similar to the experience of a miscarriage. As the pregnancy ends and is expelled from the uterus, women will feel intense cramping in the abdomen and pass large blood clots that contain the pregnancy tissue.

In addition to cramping and bleeding, women might experience the following side effects:

Diarrhea
Nausea
Weakness
Dizziness
Fever/chills
Vomiting 
Headaches

Question 16

What are the risks associated with the abortion pill?

Accepted Answer

While the side effects of the abortion pill should cease within days, the abortion pill may also be accompanied by some long-term, severe health risks, including: 

Prolonged bleeding and hemorrhaging 
Infections and sepsis 
Mental health issues1
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (for patients who are infected with Chlamydia)2

How can I avoid long-term health risks? 

Many of the severe, and potentially fatal, health risks related to the abortion pill can be avoided by undergoing essential pre-abortion screenings, such as an ultrasound scan and STI testing.