If you are considering abortion, Charis Center is a great place to learn more information about that option. It’s important to remember that abortion is a medical procedure. Take the time to get the facts. You owe it to yourself to make an informed decision.
Are you really pregnant? Charis Center offers pregnancy confirmation and ultrasounds.
How far along are you? The length of your pregnancy determines the type and cost of an abortion procedure. Only an ultrasound can determine that information.
What type of abortion procedure is available to you? The gestational age determines the type of abortion procedure: Medical (chemical) abortion; Suction Aspiration or Vacuum Aspiration surgical abortion; D & C (Dilation & Curettage) surgical abortion; D & E (Dilation and Evacuation) surgical abortion.
Are there any short-term or long-term risks to consider? As with any medical procedure, abortion presents potential risks. It is very important to be fully informed and consider the risks prior to a medical or surgical abortion procedure.
What are your rights as a patient? Charis Center is here to help you understand what those are and to help you know all your options.
Voluntary and Informed Consent:
Did you know in Oklahoma, an abortion cannot be performed on you without your voluntary and informed consent?
This means that no one, regardless of his/her relationship to you, can force you to have abortion against your will. If you feel threatened or pressured into having an abortion you don’t want, you have the right to contact any local or state law enforcement agency to receive protection, whether you were threatened or actually suffered from physical abuse or violence.
Additionally, an abortion facility cannot legally perform, induce, prescribe, or refer you for an abortion without your voluntary and informed consent. By law, every abortion facility must post a sign that provides this information for patients.
The abortion facility must also provide you with the following information at least 72 hours before an abortion:
- The name of the physician who will perform the abortion
- The medical risks associated with the particular abortion procedure to be employed
- The probable gestational age of the unborn child at the time the abortion is to be performed
- The medical risks associated with carrying your child to term, availability of free ultrasound imaging, and heart tone monitoring facilities
- Medical assistance benefits may be available for prenatal care, childbirth, and neonatal care
- The father is liable to assist in the support of your child
- You have the option to review printed materials provided by the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision, which include a Resource directory and Information Booklet
- You have the option to review the material via the Internet, www.awomansright.org
Is the Potential Abortion Provider Qualified?
Find out the name of the doctor who will perform your abortion procedure, and confirm that he or she is a licensed physician and a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist. Call and ask if the doctor has appropriate privileges to admit you to a hospital in the event that there is an emergency. Also, many states maintain public records about past medical malpractice judgment settlements. Call your state agency (medical licensing board) to see if the doctor has been involved in any medical malpractice suits.
Call our 24-hour hotline 580.786.6000 to discuss your situation or to make an appointment. You are not alone and we are here to help you make the best and most informed decision.
We do not provide or refer clients for services that render the termination or endangerment of human life.