After Roe v. Wade enshrined abortion as a right, abortion clinics across the country sprang up. These woman-centered, explicitly feminist operations endeavored to offer exceptional support and service. And that’s exactly why they’re now under attack. The far right opposes the feminist mission of these clinics, and has gone to great lengths to make the experience of going to an abortion clinic miserable. At some clinics, there will be protesters, yelling, and strict security measures. This can make an already stressful experience even worse, causing many women to wonder whether they have to go to an abortion clinic to get an abortion.
That depends on where you live, but in some cases, you might not have to use an abortion clinic. There are two alternative options.
Telemedicine Abortion
Telemedicine abortion offers a path to having an abortion from the comfort of your own home. With this approach, you’ll get a prescription for an abortion pill, fill it at your local pharmacy, and follow up with your doctor later–either in-person or via a telemedicine appointment. Telemedicine abortion is just as safe as in-person abortion, and many people prefer it because it allows you to have an abortion on your own terms, in a way that reflects your values and respects your privacy.
Going Through a Hospital or Doctor’s Office
Depending on where you live and whom you hire as your provider, you may be able to have your doctor or a local hospital perform the procedure–particularly if the abortion is for medical reasons. Try asking your OB/GYN, or calling around to local hospitals to see which perform abortions.
Why You Might Want to Use an Abortion Clinic Anyway
It’s normal to fear the uncertain, and an abortion clinic may seem scary. But there are plenty of reasons to choose a good abortion clinic anyway, including:
- It’s almost always safer, because abortion clinics have more experience performing abortions.
- It will likely be cheaper, since you’re not paying extra for the use of a hospital.
- The procedure will be quicker, and you may get more compassionate support.
Everyone deserves a good abortion experience. So call around and ask questions as you weigh your options.
