NO WOMAN SHOULD BE MADE TO FEEL THAT ABORTION IS HER ONLY OPTION. NO WOMAN SHOULD BE MADE TO FEEL THAT KILLING HER CHILD WILL SOLVE HER PROBLEMS.

Important Things to Know Before Having an Abortion

Name of the doctor performing the abortion  

Many abortion clinics will not offer you the doctor's name unless you request it. This is important information in case of complications or injury resulting from the abortion. In addition, ask yourself, would you want to have surgery without knowing the name or any information about the doctor?  

Qualifications of the doctor performing the abortion  

Strangely, most state regulations do not require that doctors performing an abortion specialize in obstetrics or gynecology. It is important to determine what, if any, specialized training your doctor has received in this area of medicine.  

History of the doctor performing the abortion  

Malpractice suits which have been settled are a matter of public record. This information can be obtained by calling your state Health Claims Arbitration Office under the Department of the Attorney General. This will help you get some background information on the doctor that will be treating you. In this regard, it is also important to determine if the doctor has visiting privileges at a local hospital, in the event follow-up care is needed.  

Availability of pre- and post-abortion counseling  

Before and after counseling is an important part of your overall care. Look for an abortion provider who is respectful of the emotional issues involved in your decision and who will inform you about the physical and emotional risks you may encounter from the surgery. If these services are not offered to you at the abortion clinic, you might want to consider other options.  

Abortion is an "elective" surgery  

Because abortion is elective surgery, take your time and consider all your options. You have the right to change your mind at any time right up until the abortion has begun. No one should try to convince you to go through the abortion if you still have questions or would like some time to reconsider.  

Know your legal rights after an abortion  

An abortion clinic might insist that a patient sign a release form that will not hold the clinic or the doctor liable for injuries, which might occur because of the abortion. Know that this document has no legal authority. If you are injured during the abortion, you retain your right to receive financial compensation in a court of law, regardless of what you signed.  

If you are considering abortion, you need to know your legal rights.

1. You have the right to insist that your abortion be performed by a physician licensed to practice in your state.
2. You have the right to verify that your physician has malpractice insurance to compensate you or a spouse/relative in case you are injured, killed, or sexually assaulted during the procedure.
3. You have the right to know whether your physician has any pending or unpaid claims for medical malpractice, personal injury, or wrongful death.
4. You have the right to insist that if you are injured you will be immediately transferred by ambulance to the nearest emergency facility.
5. You have the right to seek financial compensation for injuries inflicted upon you by the clinic or doctor-even if you sign a document at the clinic saying you will not hold them responsible for such injuries.

Above information taken from: Life Dynamics Incorporated, PO Box 2226, Denton, TX 76202

If you still choose an abortion, be sure to protect yourself and ask the abortion provider these questions:

1. Is whole blood available in case a transfusion is necessary?
2. Do you have resuscitation equipment available?
3. Are you equipped to treat convulsions or cardiac arrest?
4. Is the doctor board certified?
5. Does the doctor have hospital admitting privileges at the local hospital?
6. Do they counsel about fetal development and will they show you your fetus using an ultrasound?
7. Do they offer counseling for post-abortion trauma, emotional stress or depression?

NO PERSON other than the pregnant girl or woman can consent for an abortion. You cannot be forced to have an abortion by anyone, regardless of age or circumstance.

A coerced guilt-prompted abortion may produce long-term negative effects for the mother in months and years to come. It is important to weigh the consequences seriously before making that decision.