Abortion services
14Feb-24

Understanding Your Rights: Access to Abortion Services in California

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties. In California, where the fight for reproductive rights has been fiercely waged and secured, understanding your access to safe and legal abortion care is crucial. This blog aims to navigate you through the legalities, available options, and support systems in the state, empowering you to make informed decisions.

 

California’s Strong Stance on Reproductive Freedom:

Abortion Services

California stands as a lighthouse of reproductive freedom in the United States. In 1969, four years before Roe v. Wade, the California Supreme Court recognized the right to abortion under the state constitution, solidifying it as a fundamental right. Even after the recent overturn of Roe v. Wade at the federal level, Californians retain this vital right, offering a haven for individuals seeking abortion care.

 

Navigating Your Abortion Options:

  • Medication Abortion: This safe and effective option, available up to 10 weeks of pregnancy, involves taking two medications to end the pregnancy in the comfort of your own home. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional to ensure its suitability for your situation.
  • Surgical Abortion: This minor surgical procedure, conducted in a clinic setting, is available up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. It’s crucial to remember that viability, the point at which a fetus could potentially survive outside the womb, plays a role in later-term abortions. After viability, abortion is only permitted in California if deemed necessary to protect the pregnant person’s life or health by a medical professional.

Key Features of California’s Abortion Laws:

 

Abortion Services

 

  • No Mandatory Waiting Periods: Unlike some states, California mandates no unnecessary delays. You can schedule your abortion as soon as you’re ready, without additional hurdles.
  • No Parental Consent Required: Minors seeking abortion services have the right to confidential care, meaning parental consent is not mandatory. This empowers young individuals to make informed decisions regarding their bodies and futures.
  • Public Funding Options: In specific situations involving rape, incest, or health risks, financial assistance through Medical is available. This ensures cost doesn’t become a barrier to accessing essential care.
  • Variety of Providers: Hospitals, clinics, and licensed healthcare professionals offer abortion services, ensuring accessibility across the state. This allows you to choose a provider that best suits your needs and preferences.

Beyond Legalities: Support and Resources:

While understanding the legal landscape is crucial, remember you’re not alone on this journey. Countless individuals and organizations within California actively support your right to choose:

  • Counseling and Emotional Support: Many clinics and organizations offer confidential counseling services to guide you through the emotional aspects of your decision. Talking to a supportive professional can alleviate anxieties and provide clarity.
  • Financial Assistance: Several organizations, including National Network of Abortion Funds and Planned Parenthood, offer financial assistance to individuals facing cost barriers. Don’t let financial concerns impede your access to essential care.
  • Community Support: Online forums and communities connect individuals facing similar experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding. These platforms offer peer support and valuable insights from others who have walked a similar path.

Empowering Yourself:

Knowledge is power. By understanding your rights, available options, and support systems, you can navigate this sensitive journey with confidence. Remember, you have the right to make informed decisions about your body and your future. California stands as a champion of reproductive rights, and countless resources are available to support you every step of the way

need for safe abortions
22Jun-23

The Importance of Confidentiality in Abortion Care: Protecting Women’s Privacy and Safety

 

Abortion always remains in the headlines as a controversial topic. Its sensitivity keeps it surrounded by stigma and judgment. Women who seek abortion care may face several challenges, including social pressure, legal restrictions, and financial hardships. The main concern for women is the need for confidentiality in abortion care. Also, it is essential for protecting women’s rights, privacy, and safety. 

There is no doubt in saying that keeping the patient’s information private and secure is a fundamental principle of healthcare clinics. Her Smart Choice Women’s Health Clinic also keeps this principle on the top of its services lists. Women who seek abortion may have a fear of judgment or violence from the opposition (who oppose abortion). Therefore, most women want to keep their information confidential. 

 

The Importance Of Confidentiality In Abortion Care

importance of confidential abortions

Confidentiality Builds Trust: It is an essential aspect to build trust between patients and the abortion counselor. Most of women are often vulnerable while seeking an abortion. They may feel anxious and depressed about their decision. So, they need to build their trust in their counselor to keep their information private and secure. Even the counselor helps you to share your feelings and experiences without any fear, this stronger counselor-patient relationship. 

 

Confidentiality Protects Privacy: For protecting the privacy of women, confidentiality plays an important role. Women may face stigma and discrimination from their communities or families while seeking an abortion. Maybe a woman has to face violence and judgment also. But, confidentiality keeps all your personal information secure to your healthcare providers. This will keep you protected from any potential harm or harassment. 

 

Confidentiality Reduces Stigma: In many societies, abortion still seems as a stigma that keeps women of that place uncomfortable while seeking an abortion. As a result, women always stay in fear of being judged by society and the people around them. Confidentiality works here in reducing the stigma by providing a safe and supportive environment to women considering abortion. If she feels secure then she can make an informed decision about abortion. 

 

Confidentiality Encourages Honesty: Encouraging honesty is the next important aspect while giving abortion counseling. Women may have emotional and psychological needs that are complex. For that, they will provide an environment where they can share their feelings and experiences without any fear of judgment. Once a woman knows their information is secure and confidential, they are more honest and opens up to her counselor. As a result, it brings good outcomes for the patient and their growth. 

 

The Role Of Healthcare Providers in Ensuring Confidentiality

women's health clinic

 

Healthcare providers also have a significant role in ensuring confidentiality in abortion care. They keep the information safe by following certain steps, such as using a secure health record system, limiting patient access, and ensuring no one obtains the patient’s information without consent. Healthcare providers ensure that their staff is well-trained and experienced in keeping the process and details confidential. They understand the importance of protecting information. 

 

Here is the outline of a few roles for healthcare providers: 

  • Healthcare providers may have legal and ethical resources to maintain patient confidentiality. 
  • A provider must ensure to keep the patient’s information private or not disclose it to unauthorized individuals. 
  • A provider should obtain written consent from patients before sharing their medical information with a third person or party. 
  • Healthcare providers can use secure communication channels when transmitting patient information electronically. 
  • A provider must ensure that patient records are stored in a safe place and can be accessed only by authorized personnel. 
  • Providers must implement accurate measurements to protect patient information from theft, loss, or any kind of unauthorized access. 
  • Healthcare providers may also have to put clear policies and procedures in place for handling patient information. 
  • They must be aware if anyone breaches the patient’s information and lodge a complaint against them. 
  • They may encourage patients to ask questions related to their (patient) rights and raise concerns if needed. 

 

Conclusion 

After reading the entire blog, you learn about the importance of confidentiality in abortion counseling. If the patient builds trust with their healthcare provider, only then can they can make an informed decision about abortion or birth control. Here you will also get to know about the role of the healthcare provider in following the listed methods and securing the information of patients. This will help you in understanding the trust that is building in abortion with the provider.

Category: Abortion
psychological effects of abortion
17Mar-23

Psychological Effects of Abortion: Debunking the Myths

Abortion has been a controversial issue, both within society and the medical community, for decades. While the debate around the legality of abortion is an important one, there is an equally important discussion that needs to be had about the psychological effects of abortion on women and society.

 

These psychological effects can be both positive and negative and can have a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities. 

In this blog post, we will explore the psychological effects of abortion on women and society and how they can manifest in different ways.

Abortion Myths Are Far-Reaching And Profound

 

abortion myths

From the short-term emotional and mental repercussions that women might experience to the long-term impact it can have on societal attitudes and perceptions, the psychological effects of abortion are both varied and complex.

Every woman’s experience is unique, and no two women may have the same reactions. Nevertheless, there are some common psychological effects of abortion that are important to mention.

It is believed that a woman who has had an abortion may experience a range of emotions, ranging from 

  • Guilt and shame to relief and sadness.
  • There is also often a feeling of loss and grief associated with abortion, as the woman may feel as though she has “lost” a potential child. 
  • Women who have undergone abortions may experience feelings of isolation and loneliness, especially if they feel as though they are not supported by those around them.

 

It is also believed that the psychological effects of abortion can have a profound impact on the way women view themselves and their society.

 

  • Women who have had an abortion may feel as though they are not worthy of love or respect from their peers or society at large.
  • Women who have had an abortion may be more likely to experience feelings of inadequacy and self-loathing, as well as feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

 

👉 “The Turnaway Study conducted at the University of California, San Francisco, shows that women experience harm from being denied a wanted abortion.* These findings have far-reaching implications for lawmakers, judges, health agencies and others as they consider policies that restrict abortion access.”



Debunking the Abortion Myths

 

busting abortion myths blog image

Regardless of these prevalent myths, research has shown that access to safe, legal abortion has widespread and lasting benefits for women, their families, and their communities.

  • Makes Women Decision Maker

Allowing women to make their own decisions regarding their reproductive health not only benefits them directly but also helps promote healthy families and communities.

The research is clear: When women have access to safe and legal abortion, they are more likely to complete their education, enter the workforce, and go on to become financially independent. 

As a result, they are more likely to experience greater economic stability and mobility, and to have healthier relationships with their partners and families.

  • Healthier Pregnancies in the Future

The research also shows that when women have access to safe and legal abortion, they are more likely to use contraception and to space their pregnancies, enabling them to have healthier pregnancies and healthier babies. 

This has positive implications for the health of both mother and child.

Access to safe and legal abortion improves the lives of entire communities. It helps to reduce poverty and improve public health, making communities safer and more economically stable. This is especially true in areas where access to contraception is limited, and where the cost of unsafe abortions can be prohibitive.

  • Positive Implications for the Environment

Research has also found that access to safe and legal abortion can have positive implications for the environment. 

By reducing the number of unwanted births, it helps reduce the impact of overpopulation on the planet’s resources, which in turn helps reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental pollutants. 

Moreover, it helps decrease the need for resources like food, water, and energy, further contributing to a more sustainable future. Consequently, abortion not only helps improve the quality of life for women but also helps preserve the environment for future generations.

Final Verdict

In sum, it is clear that access to safe and legal abortion has widespread and lasting benefits. By allowing women to make their own decisions about their reproductive health, we not only benefit them directly but also help to promote healthier families and communities.

For more information, you can contact a women’s healthcare provider near you.

 

Category: Abortion
women's reproductive rights
10Mar-23

Women’s Reproductive Rights: A Must-Address Issue on International Women’s Day

The struggle for women’s empowerment has been long and hard-fought, with generations of brave and outspoken women paving the way for greater equality in society.

 

From the suffrage movement to the #MeToo movement, women have made remarkable strides in terms of rights and opportunities.

 

Despite the progress that has been made, there is still a lot that needs to be done.

 

One of the concerns in this regard is women’s reproductive rights. As we celebrate Women’s Day this year, it is essential to also take a stand to fight for women’s reproductive rights.

 

Let’s Make This Women’s Day Count For Women’s Reproductive Rights

 

People from all around the world should come together to recognize the power of women and their rights. We should celebrate the hard-fought battles and progress made in terms of gender equality and look to the future to empower women and protect their reproductive rights.

 

Those who don’t know reproductive rights refer to the rights of individuals to determine freely and responsibly whether they want to keep a child or not and to have the information and means to do so.

 

From fighting for equal pay to defending access to healthcare, it’s time to stand together and honor the struggles and successes of women everywhere.

 

Roe v. Wade Is A Grave Danger to Women’s Reproductive Choices

women's reproductive rights

In recent years, the right of women to access reproductive health services has come under attack in the United States. 

 

Laws have been proposed and implemented that limit or deny women access to reproductive health services such as abortion, contraception, and prenatal care. 

 

This has been particularly detrimental to low-income women and women of color.

 

Her Smart Choice believes reproductive rights are fundamental human rights

women's reproductive rights

 

At Her Smart Choice we believe

 

  • Reproductive rights are essential for achieving gender equality and empowering women to take control of their lives. 

 

  • Reproductive rights empower women to determine their reproductive health and to make decisions about when and how often they will have children.

 

  • They also allow women to make decisions about their sexuality, relationships, and reproductive health without fear of coercion or discrimination.

 

We must ensure that laws are not passed that limit or deny women access to reproductive health services. People should stand up for policies and programs that provide women with the education and information they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

 

Let’s Join Hands Together

 

We can join the fight for women’s reproductive rights by supporting organizations that are fighting for women’s rights and lobbying our representatives to support policies that protect women’s reproductive rights. We can also volunteer with organizations that are working to provide reproductive health services to women in need.

 

Let’s stand up for the right of women to access reproductive health services and to make decisions about their reproductive health free from discrimination and coercion. 

 

We must be relentless in our efforts to protect and respect their decisions, and to empower them to make their own choices about pregnancy, birth control, and abortion. 

 

We must strive for equality and justice so that all women can access the care they need and the respect they deserve. 

 

We all should use this day as an opportunity to come together and fight for women’s reproductive rights.

 

This Women’s Day, let’s commit to fighting for women’s reproductive rights.

 

Category: Blog, Women's Health

How Do Women Feel After A Pregnancy Termination?

Did you know most women DO NOT regret their decision to terminate a pregnancy and are no more likely to experience mental health problems than women who carry an unplanned pregnancy to term?

 

What if you’ve already made your decision, but you are still not sure about your emotional health after the procedure? And you wonder, what will you possibly feel after pregnancy termination?

  1. The most common emotional reactions after pregnancy termination are minimal or none as it’s a personal choice. 
  2. A small group of women may feel relief, transient guilt, sadness, and a sense of loss.
  3. There is no good evidence from large surveys that choosing to terminate an unwanted pregnancy places a woman at higher risk of subsequent depression than choosing to deliver an unwanted baby.
  4. The percentage of women who regret carrying and delivering an unwanted pregnancy is very high.

The type of abortion procedure you have depends on a few factors, including how far along you are in your pregnancy, your medical suitability, which procedures are available in your area, and your preferences. A health care provider can also discuss the options with you to help you make an informed decision.

 

To schedule an appointment, please Click Here

 

How Do Women Feel After A Pregnancy Termination?

 

For additional information, please visit hersmartchoice.com. 

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Her Smart Choice
Your Life. Your Decision. Your Smart Ch♀ice.

 

Category: Abortion, Abortion pillsPost Date: January 18, 2020

What Should You Look For In An Abortion?

We understand it is difficult to know that you are pregnant and not ready! If you have made your decision to terminate or thinking about terminating your pregnancy, here are a few major factors you want to consider:

  • Is it safe?
  • What methods are available?
  • Will I be able to have kids in the future?
  • How much pain or bleeding will I have?
  • Where can I get the procedure done?
  • What are my benefit and expected outcomes?
  • What does it cost?.
  • What is the difference between Medical and Surgical Abortion?

Many women have questions about what is true or not based on what they have heard about abortion:

  • MYTH 1: Abortion is dangerous. 

♀ FACT: Legal abortion is one of the safest medical procedures available today. While abortion does have some risks, on the whole, carrying a pregnancy and giving birth have been found to be riskier than having an abortion. It is important to know that abortion performed by someone who is not trained (for example, by a woman herself or someone who is not a health care provider) may not be safe and can lead to serious complications, including bleeding, infection, infertility, and even death.

 

  • MYTH 2: Abortion will make me infertile. 

♀ FACT: When an abortion is performed safely by someone who has the training, it does not lead to difficulty getting pregnant in the future.

 

  • MYTH 3: Abortion increases the risk of breast cancer.

♀ FACT: Several studies have conclusively shown that having an abortion does not increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

 

  • PROBABLE MYTH 4: Abortion increases my chance of miscarriage in the future. 

♀ FACT: A number of well-designed studies have found that early abortions do not increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, or other complications with future pregnancies.

Your health care provider is the best source of information for questions and concerns related to your medical problem. 

What Should I Look For In An Abortion?

What Should I Look For In An Abortion?

 

To schedule an appointment, please Click Here

 

For additional information, please visit hersmartchoice.com. 

 

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Her Smart Choice
Your Life. Your Decision. Your Smart Ch♀ice.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

 

Category: Abortion, Abortion pillsPost Date: January 8, 2020

Which Type of Abortion is Right for You?

Did you know 1 in 4 women in the US will have an abortion by the age of 45?

There are two different ways an abortion can be performed in an OB/GYN’s office.

  1. The first is a medical abortion – meaning the abortion or pregnancy termination is completed by taking pills orally.
  2. The second is a surgical abortion. It’s performed as a standard surgical procedure called a D&C (Dilatation and Curettage) at a clinic or hospital.

 

 

 

The type of procedure you choose depends on several factors, including:

  • How far along you are in your pregnancy?
  • Which procedures are available in your area? 
  • What are your personal preferences?

 

Options available may be different at different stages of pregnancy. 

You might choose a medication abortion if you are less than ten weeks and wish to avoid an invasive procedure and anesthesia and prefer the privacy of being at home when you pass the pregnancy.

 

Which Type Of Abortion Is Right For You? Abortion Pills or Surgical Abortion

Which Type Of Abortion Is Right For You?

 

The benefits of medical abortion are (abortion pills):

  • No instruments or suction will be used, so you will not be exposed to the chance of cervical injury and uterine perforation that rarely occur with surgical abortion.
  • There is a very small likelihood of infection after medical abortion.
  • You will be at home during the actual abortion process. 

If you are more than ten weeks pregnant, you might consider a surgical or aspirational abortion. This process takes place at a clinic or hospital under anesthesia. The abortion will be completed in one to two days. The time spent in the clinic is generally three to six hours.

The benefits of surgical abortion are:

  • It can be performed later in the pregnancy than a medical abortion.
  • It usually involves only one visit to the clinic.
  • There’s usually less bleeding and cramping than with a medical abortion.

 

To schedule an appointment, please Click Here

 

For additional information, please visit hersmartchoice.com. 

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Her Smart Choice
Your Life. Your Decision. Your Smart Ch♀ice.

 

Category: Abortion, Abortion pills, Surgical AbortionPost Date: December 28, 2019

Is Abortion Right For Me?

Her Smart Choice Women’s Health Center Educational Series Presents ‘Is Abortion Right For Me?’

 

Worldwide, the estimated rate for abortion between 2010 and 2014 was 35 out of 1000 women (3.5%)  ages 15 to 44. The rate in resource-rich countries was 27 per 1000 (2.7%) and in resource-limited countries was 37 per 1000 (3.7%). 

The highest rate was in the Caribbean with 65 per 1000 (6.5%), and the lowest rate was in North America 17 per 1000 (1.7%)  and northern or western Europe 18 per 1000 (1.8%). 

 

An estimated 25% of all pregnancies worldwide ended in induced abortion. Similarly, in the United States, close to one in four women will have an abortion during her reproductive life. Using standards set by the World Health Organization, abortion is considered medically safe when recommended methods are used by trained persons. Having an abortion does not make it harder to get pregnant again. Abortions do not harm your health, and they do not harm the health of your future babies.

If you are pregnant and considering an abortion, only you can know if the decision is right for you. It is your fundamental right to choose. You may or may not want to talk to a friend or family member, your partner, or someone else you trust. 

You can always talk to a supportive health care provider or clinics that provide abortion services. It is often helpful to share your thoughts and feelings about this decision with people who will support you no matter what you decide. Asking others for their input may be helpful, but if you feel that someone is not letting you make your own decision or is trying to force you to make a particular decision, we recommend seeking additional help from a clinic or hospital. 

 

Is Abortion Right For Me?

Schedule an appointment to discuss the options available to you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For additional information, please visit www.HerSmartChoice.com. 

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Her Smart Choice
Your Life. Your Decision. Your Smart Ch♀ice.

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Category: Abortion pillsPost Date: December 26, 2019

Is Abortion Safe?

Did you know over 99.75% of abortions do not cause major medical problems? 

In the early 1970s, the Population Council and CDC conducted a significant study on abortion safety; they concluded that abortion was considerably safer than continuing a pregnancy to delivery. By 1975, the Institute of Medicine had concluded that the public health benefits of abortion were well established. 

 

 

Recently, researchers at UC-San Francisco used California Medicaid data on 54,911 abortions to see how many women had an emergency room visit or hospitalization as a result. The overall complication rate was 2% and most complications were minor. Only 0.03% of patients were transferred by ambulance to an emergency department on the day of the abortion.

So, if you are still asking: “Is abortion safe?,” here are a few more helpful points.

  1. A medical abortion that is performed in the United States in an Ob/Gyn’s office is safe and effective care. 
  2. 3 in 10 women in the U.S. will have an abortion by the time they are 45 years old. 
  3. Complications for all abortions are rare and safer when performed earlier in gestation. 
  4. While any type of procedure carries associated risks that no medical procedure is 100% safe. The possibility of any major complication occurring in a hospital is 0.31% while the risk of minor complications such as an infection or failure from medicine is about 2-5%.  
  5. Abortion is very common. In the hands of an experienced physician, it is 99.7% safe while giving birth is 14 times riskier than having an abortion.

 

For additional information, please visit www.HerSmartChoice.com.
To Schedule an Appointment; Click Here

 

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Your Life. Your Decision. Your Smart Ch♀ice.

 

#hersmartchoice #hscmc #abortion #abortionsafe #yourchoice #yourbody #obgyn #isabortionsafe #contraception #gynecology #womenshealth #obstetrics  #gynecologist #contraceptive #pregnancyprevention #doctor #medicationabortion #medicalabortion #surgicalabortion #feminist #righttochose #mybodymychoice

 

 

 

Category: AbortionPost Date: December 23, 2019

What are the Common Reasons For Choosing an Abortion?

Did you know, according to the National Center on Health Statistics that almost half of the pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned?
And many will get pregnant while using birth control?
For every 100 women who rely on the pill for one year, nine will get pregnant; and for every 100 women who rely on condoms for one year, nearly 20 will get pregnant.

For additional information, please visit www.HerSmartChoice.com.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel, BLOG, or Facebook Page (HerSmartChoice) or follow us on Twitter (@4hersmartchoice) or Instagram (hersmartchoice) to be notified when our next educational episode is live and to see more videos like this one.

 

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Category: Abortion, Abortion pillsPost Date: December 6, 2019
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