Frequently Asked
Questions
How much do your services cost?
All of our services are free. There are no fees or insurance paperwork involved.
Are you a medical clinic?
Yes! Options PRC is a medical clinic under the direction of Dr. Shane Gjesdal, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN provider in Oregon. We have a team of medical providers, including Registered Nurses, who provide additional oversight to the clinic. You will meet with one of our nursing team members during a visit to our clinic.
Do you provide abortions?
We do not provide or refer for abortion services (medical, chemical or the abortion pill). We do provide evidence-based information about abortion procedures and the risks involved. We suggest you start with a pregnancy test to determine if you are pregnant. You may find you don’t need an abortion. We can help, request an appointment to find out.
When should I take a pregnancy test?
Pregnancy tests are most accurate when taken at least one week after your missed period. Pregnancy tests measure the amount of the hormone hCG in your urine which increases every day after fertilization.
What is the abortion pill?
The “abortion pill” generally refers to a combination of two medications that are used to cause an abortion. This is FDA-approved for use in women in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Click here for more information on abortion.
Can I order the abortion pill online?
The medications administered are highly regulated by the FDA due to the potential for very serious side effects. Previously, because of the risk, the FDA required a woman to have a doctor’s oversight. In order to obtain the medications, she needed to visit a hospital, clinic, or medical office. In July of 2020, due to COVID-19, a federal judge (without any medical training) suspended that rule. Healthcare providers nationwide are now allowed to mail or deliver the abortion pill to patients without a medical evaluation for the remainder of the COVID-19 public health emergency. However, they must comply with the respective state rules on abortion. Before ordering the abortion pill, contact us for a free ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and find out how far along you are. You should not take the abortion pill if the pregnancy occurs outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy) or if you are more than 70 days past your last menstrual period. An ultrasound is the only way to confirm viability and gestation.
Is the morning after pill the same as the abortion pill?
The morning after pill is not the same as the abortion pill. The morning after pill is a medication that is taken after sexual activity to decrease the chance of becoming pregnant. It is not a reliable form of birth control and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. The morning after pill is taken to delay ovulation, not to end a pregnancy. As with all other medication there are potential side effects. Options does not offer the morning after pill but recommends making an appointment with our staff to discuss your options.
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
We know that finding out that you’re pregnant can be extremely stressful and understand that you might want to bring someone to be with you. In accordance with our policies guests are able to attend at the discretion of the staff and if permitted, can attend after testing and confidential health history information is discussed.
Will my insurance, parents, or school find out about my appointment?
At Options we have a strict policy on confidentiality. Your information will be kept private and will not be released to anyone unless you have given written consent or if we are required by law to release the information. Since all of our services are free, insurance is not required and will therefore not be notified.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
The only thing you need to bring with you is a photo ID. If you are coming in for a pregnancy test, be prepared to provide a urine sample after you complete our intake paperwork.
Are there any medical risks for abortion?
With all medical procedures there are potential risks. Click here for more information.
When should I get an ultrasound?
Ultrasounds are needed to determine viability, location, and estimated gestational age after a positive pregnancy test. Viability is determined by the presence of a heartbeat. A heartbeat begins 21 days after conception and is detected on ultrasound as early as 6 weeks. Because the embryo is so small at this stage, an ultrasound should be scheduled no earlier than 6 weeks from the last menstrual period. If the pregnancy is earlier than 6 weeks, it may not be possible to see the embryo on the ultrasound and take the proper measurements. A repeat ultrasound may be required in this case.
If I had a negative test at home, could I still be pregnant?
Yes, it is possible to be pregnant even though you have had a negative home pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are designed to detect HCG in your urine. If it is an early pregnancy, it could be that the test is unable to detect low levels of HCG, therefore showing up as negative. HCG hormone increases as your pregnancy progresses and will be able to be detected on most pregnancy tests the first day of a missed period. If symptoms continue, we encourage you to call and schedule a test at Options.