Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Yes, we understand that unexpected pregnancies can be frightening and stressful. You are more than welcome to bring someone with you for support.

Does Bella Women's Center offer STD testing?

Yes, we offer limited STD testing and treatment in our center. If you are sexually active, it is important to regularly get tested for STDs.

How soon can I take a pregnancy test after my missed period?

It’s best to wait at least one week after your missed period for the most accurate pregnancy test results. Pregnancy tests look for hCG - the “pregnancy hormone” - to determine if you are pregnant or not. In the early stages of pregnancy, your hCG levels double every 72 hours, so you’ll receive the most accurate results after at least a week.

Do I really need an ultrasound?

Yes! If you are considering an abortion, you need an ultrasound to tell you how far along you are, where the pregnancy is located, and if the pregnancy is viable. All of these factors will determine the type of abortion procedure you can have. We offer free ultrasounds at Bella Women’s Center so you can get the answers you need to make an informed decision about your unplanned pregnancy.

Is abortion legal near Warren, Ohio?

Yes. Ohio state law restricts abortion in the following ways to protect your health and safety as you consider abortion: Women must receive state-mandated counseling and then wait 24 hours before having an abortion. Medication abortion must be provided following FDA protocols. Parents of minors must give consent prior to an abortion. Women must receive an ultrasound before receiving an abortion. Abortions after 22 weeks of gestation are only available when the woman’s life is in danger.

Can I order the abortion pill online in Warren, Ohio?

Ohio state law and FDA protocols require a doctor’s prescription for the abortion pill. This law is in place to protect women from potentially harmful pills ordered online and to make sure the abortion pill is taken during the correct window of time during pregnancy (prior to 10 weeks).

Does insurance in Ohio cover abortion procedures?

Abortion procedures will not be covered by public insurance plans and tax dollars, except in the cases of rape, incest, or life endangerment.

Can minors get abortions without parental consent?

In the state of Ohio, minors must receive parental consent before accessing an abortion. This is for the safety of the patient.

What is the Heartbeat Bill?

The Heartbeat Bill is intended to prevent abortions after a heartbeat can be detected. The bill requires the abortion provider to test for a heartbeat, inform the woman of the detection, and only provide an abortion in cases where the procedure is necessary to save the life of the mother or prevent severe physical risks.

At what point in pregnancy can a heartbeat be detected?

A heartbeat can typically be detected in a fetus between 5-8 weeks through an ultrasound scan. By just the 10th week of pregnancy, the fetus’s heart will be fully developed.

Is the Heartbeat Bill enforced?

Ohio is one of four states that have passed a Heartbeat Bill, including Arkansas, North Dakota, and Iowa. While the bill passed through the Ohio state legislature, it was paused at a federal level just days before being enforced. While the Heartbeat Bill is not currently enforced in Ohio, it is highly supported and could come into law soon. If you’re sexually active or currently seeking an abortion in the state of Ohio, it’s important to stay up-to-date on these legislations.

How do I know if my pregnancy has a heartbeat?

If you are currently experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and considering abortion, it’s important to take time to learn about the risks related to an abortion procedure and the options available to you. To find out if your pregnancy is viable (determined by heartbeat), you’ll need to access an ultrasound. Bella Women’s Center provides pregnancy healthcare services including ultrasounds, pregnancy testing, STD testing and treatment, abortion consultations, and post-abortion support, all free of charge. We are here to help you stay informed on the state’s abortion legislation and provide the information you need to know if abortion is right for you.

How long after sex should I wait to take a pregnancy test?

Before you jump to take a pregnancy test, it’s best to wait at least one week after your missed period for the most accurate results. Because pregnancy tests identify pregnancy by detecting hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) in the bloodstream, your body needs time to produce a detectable amount of the hormone.

What do I do after I take a test?

While a pregnancy test is the first step in identifying whether or not you’re pregnant, that’s just the beginning! Once you take a positive pregnancy test, it’s essential that you then schedule an appointment for an ultrasound scan. This step is critical in truly confirming your pregnancy since 25 percent of early pregnancies end in natural miscarriage. An ultrasound scan will provide you with important information regarding your pregnancy, such as its location, age, and viability. With the help of an ultrasound, our doctor will be able to identify whether your pregnancy is healthy and discover any immediate health concerns. If you’re considering abortion, accurately dating through ultrasounds is an important step in learning more about the options available to you and what the cost of the procedure might be.

What are common pregnancy symptoms?

If you’re sexually active, there’s a chance you could become pregnant, even if you’re on birth control. In addition to a missed period, these are a few common pregnancy symptoms to be on the lookout for: Common Pregnancy Symptoms: Changes in the appearance or tenderness of breasts and nipples Nausea Vomiting Headaches Exhaustion New food cravings or aversions Sensitivity to smells Mood swings For many, positive pregnancy tests bring excitement and joy, but for some, they’re accompanied by feelings of fear and anxiety. If you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and worried about what’s next, there’s help! Bella Women’s Center provides free healthcare, such as pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and STD testing, as well as options counseling and resources as you discover which path is best for you.

What protocols are taken related to abortion procedures in Ohio?

Before accessing an abortion procedure, patients must first receive information on all of their options, in-person counseling, and undergo a 24-hour waiting period to ensure they have taken the proper time to consider their choice. Patients must obtain an ultrasound before their abortion and be given the option to view the image by the provider. Abortions cannot be performed more than 22 weeks after the last menstrual period, except in cases of life endangerment and severe health complications. FDA protocol must be used when providing a medical abortion. The abortion provider must meet state-mandated standards related to their staff members, equipment, and building.

How can I access a legal abortion in the state of Ohio?

As you can see, before accessing an abortion, it’s important to educate yourself regarding the rules and regulations that might impact you and take the necessary steps to ensure you’re within the bounds of the law. The most important step to take before you access abortion is scheduling an appointment for an ultrasound scan. Not only are ultrasounds legally required in Ohio, but they’re a vital part of gathering information on your pregnancy and unique health circumstances. Your ultrasound scan will provide you with insight into the age, location, and viability of your pregnancy — factors that could impact your abortion options and the safety of the procedure you choose.

Will My Insurance Pay for My Girlfriend's Abortion?

No, your insurance will not cover any of your girlfriend's medical costs, including abortion. Most insurance plans will allow you to add dependents to your coverage. But because there is no legal obligation between you and your girlfriend, she is likely not able to be added to your plan.

Is My Girlfriend’s Abortion Covered?

ost of the time, health insurance plans do not cover your partner unless you are legally married. Contact your insurance provider to be sure and ask any questions concerning coverage. If your insurance doesn’t cover your girlfriend, out-of-pocket costs for abortion could be very expensive.

What Are The Out-of-Pocket Costs for Abortion?

The Guttmacher Institute shares that a first-trimester abortion normally costs around $500, a second-trimester abortion up to $1,000, and a late-term abortion around $3,000 or more.

Will Ohio Medicaid pay for an abortion?

Ohio’s state insurance, referred to as Ohio Medicaid, is government-funded and does not include abortion services in its coverage, aside from cases of rape, incest, or imminent health risks to the mother. However, you still have options! Local health centers like Bella Women’s Center provide other reproductive healthcare services to you at no cost and will help you navigate the finances surrounding your pregnancy options.

How much is an out-of-pocket abortion?

Unless you have private insurance that covers abortion, abortions at Planned Parenthood and other local abortion clinics are not free. The out-of-pocket expense for abortion in Ohio can start around $500 and can reach several thousands of dollars depending on the stage of the pregnancy.

What hidden costs come with abortion?

In addition to the base cost of abortion, there are also some hidden costs you should be aware of before scheduling your abortion appointment. Because Ohio abortion providers are required to test for a heartbeat prior to an abortion, most women will be required to get an ultrasound before an abortion. In addition to ensuring that there is a heartbeat and the pregnancy is viable, ultrasounds can provide you with important information that will help you make an informed pregnancy decision. The stage of the pregnancy and its location will determine what kind of abortion you’re eligible for and what the costs will be. While an ultrasound is an essential pre-abortion step, it will likely be an additional cost on your bill at an abortion clinic. There are, however, many local health clinics, like Bella Women’s Center, that can provide ultrasounds at no cost. While they may not be financial in nature, it’s important to understand the cost of longterm mental health risks associated with abortion. Post-abortive women have reported an increase in feelings of anxiety and depression. Because these lasting mental health issues can impact relationships, jobs, and the ability to connect with future children, it’s okay to take time to consider your decision carefully.

How long after sex should I wait to take a pregnancy test?

Before you jump to take a pregnancy test, it’s best to wait at least one week after your missed period for the most accurate results. Because pregnancy tests identify pregnancy by detecting hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) in the bloodstream, your body needs time to produce a detectable amount of the hormone.

What are common pregnancy symptoms?

If you’re sexually active, there’s a chance you could become pregnant, even if you’re on birth control. In addition to a missed period, these are a few common pregnancy symptoms to be on the lookout for: Common Pregnancy Symptoms: Changes in the appearance or tenderness of breasts and nipples Nausea Vomiting Headaches Exhaustion New food cravings or aversions Sensitivity to smells Mood swings For many, positive pregnancy tests bring excitement and joy, but for some, they’re accompanied by feelings of fear and anxiety.

What Are The Out-of-Pocket Costs for Abortion?

The Guttmacher Institute shares that a first-trimester abortion normally costs around $500, a second-trimester abortion up to $1,000, and a late-term abortion around $3,000 or more. Abortion costs without insurance coverage are not cheap, plus there are other costs not factored into the abortion costs, including pre- and post-abortion appointments and any money your partner would lose taking days off of work. Why Abortion Costs Vary The cost of your girlfriend’s abortion could vary depending on different factors, including… Your abortion provider How far along the pregnancy is (which determines what abortion procedure you have) What state you live in (costs vary from state to state) Medical abortion is generally intended for women who are 10 weeks pregnant or earlier, making your partner ineligible for the abortion pill if she is further along. She can confirm this important detail of her pregnancy with lab-quality pregnancy testing and an ultrasound at our center, free of charge.

Does Ohio Medicaid pay for Abortion?

Most of the time, Ohio Medicaid (government-funded insurance) does not cover abortion costs unless you have private insurance. Ohio Medicaid and other public funding don’t cover the costs for abortions unless in the case of reported rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. In addition, health plans offered in the state’s health exchange under the Affordable Care Act can only cover abortion in cases of life endangerment, or in cases of rape or incest.

What are the Different Types of Abortion?

Depending on how early in the pregnancy you are, there are two types of abortion: one is induced by a pill up to 10 weeks gestation (medical abortion) and one requires a procedure at a clinic (a surgical abortion).

What is a Medical Abortion?

Medical abortion is available only if you are in your first trimester. It begins with taking a drug called mifepristone, which acts as an antiprogesterone. It blocks the placenta and uterus from receiving progesterone so that the pregnancy cannot progress. After taking mifepristone, the next step is to expel the pregnancy tissue from the uterus, which is where the second pill, misoprostol, comes in about 48 hours later.

How Does Surgical Abortion Work?

Although medication abortion is most popular for the first trimester, surgical abortions can also happen in the first trimester, but they occur within a clinic. However, if the pregnancy is farther along than 12 weeks, the cervix has to be softened, usually by tablets taken by mouth or inserted into the vagina, or a special tool that is left in to widen the cervix before the procedure can take place 1-2 days later. Suction is then used to remove the pregnancy and placenta. The leftover pregnancy tissues are cleaned with a medical tool called a curette, which looks like a long thick needle.

What Are the Signs of an Incomplete Abortion?

Possible signs of incomplete abortion are vomiting or severe abdominal pain. This sort of abortion complication can be detrimental to your health if not taken care of properly and right away.

What is an Incomplete Abortion?

Both medical and surgical abortion procedures work to terminate and remove all parts of the pregnancy. An incomplete abortion occurs when an abortion is not done correctly, where the remaining contents are left within the womb and cause serious pain and side effects. It’s vital to confirm an incomplete abortion, as these risks can even become deadly. A doctor can confirm this for you with an ultrasound. If you had a medical abortion and the abortion is not complete, a doctor may have you take another dose of misoprostol to contract your uterus again.

Women's Health & Unplanned Pregnancy FAQ

Q: How do I know if I’m pregnant?

If you have recently had unprotected sex or some sort of birth control failure, there is a possibility that you could be pregnant. The best way to find out for sure is to take a pregnancy test and follow it up with a limited ultrasound. We offer both, free of charge, in our center. Even before taking a test, however, you can look for early signs of pregnancy which include: nausea fatigue a missed period swollen breasts frequent urination certain food aversions or cravings cramping or spotting If you notice any of these symptoms, you might be pregnant. We recommend contacting us to schedule an appointment for a free pregnancy test.

Q: How much will my appointment cost?

Bella’s sponsors are dedicated to ensuring every woman has access to safe reproductive health services, and that she is aware of all the options available to her. Because of this, we are able to offer each of our services completely free of charge.

Q: Is it possible to be pregnant and have an STD?

Yes, it is possible to be pregnant and have an STD. In fact,it is dangerous and can be very harmful to your body if you have an STD while pregnant, or when pursuing an abortive procedure. If you think you maybe pregnant, call to schedule an appointment to receive free STD testing and treatment.

Q: Will my insurance company find out about my appointment?

Since we value your privacy, your appointment will be completely confidential. There is no need to present insurance information to receive our services, as all our services at Bella are completely free of charge.

Q: What if I don’t know my next steps?

That’s okay. It is completely normal for a woman confronted with an unexpected pregnancy to be unsure in regards to what comes next. Fortunately, we are experienced in helping women in your position. We are equipped with the latest information and most trustworthy services to help you navigate the next steps in your journey. We can advise you about your options, and help you feel empowered to make the best decision for yourself.

Q: Do you offer free pregnancy testing?

Yes, like all of our services, our pregnancy testing is completely free and confidential. The tests we use are hospital-grade, or 99 percent accurate, and are capable of detecting your pregnancy as soon as seven days after a missed period.

Q: When do I need to have an ultrasound?

After you have a positive pregnancy test result, the next step is to have an ultrasound. A limited ultrasound will confirm the pregnancy and it will date the pregnancy in regards to gestational age. This crucial information serves as a guide to help you as you consider your pregnancy options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I’m pregnant?

It’s important to understand that only a licensed physician can diagnose pregnancy. If you have had sex or have pregnancy symptoms, you can come to Bella for free pregnancy testing by a medical professional. If your pregnancy test reads positive, you may qualify for a limited obstetric ultrasound exam performed free of charge by a medical professional under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician to determine if you have a viable intrauterine pregnancy. The ultrasound scan will be read by a licensed physician to confirm your pregnancy.

How much will my appointment cost?

Because Bella is a non-profit organization financially supported by hundreds of caring individuals, businesses, and community groups who want women to have access to respectful evidence-based sexual healthcare services, we offer our services at no cost to those we serve.

Is it possible to be pregnant and have an STD?

Yes, it is possible to be pregnant and have an STD. It can be very harmful to your body if you have an STD while pregnant, or when pursuing an abortion procedure. If you think you may be pregnant, call to schedule an appointment to receive limited STD testing and treatment. We care about you.

Will my insurance company find out about my appointment?

We are a medical center under Ohio state’s privacy and security regulations. Your appointment at Bella will be confidential as allowed by state law. Insurance is not needed as all our services are free.

What if I don’t know my next steps?

It’s okay not to know your next steps. We are here for you. We’re experienced and equipped with the information and resources you need so that you can make the best choices for you.

Do you offer free pregnancy testing?

Our pregnancy testing is free and confidential, as Ohio regulations allow. Our hospital-grade tests may detect your pregnancy as soon as seven days after a missed period.

When do I need to have an ultrasound?

Only a licensed physician can diagnose pregnancy. If your pregnancy test reads positive, you may qualify for a limited obstetric ultrasound exam performed by a medical professional under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician. This medical exam aims to provide the necessary evidence to the physician to confirm pregnancy viability.

Should I have an ultrasound if I’m considering an abortion?

When considering an abortion, an obstetric limited ultrasound exam performed by a medical professional under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician to determine if you have a viable pregnancy may be beneficial. Our nurse will discuss this more when you come in. We make no money from your choices. We provide free sexual healthcare services so you can get the answers and resources you need to make informed decisions.