The changes in state abortion laws can be confusing. You may be worried about your pregnancy options, especially if you are considering abortion.
In Minnesota, a woman with a pregnancy that puts her in danger of death can receive an abortion. She may also receive appropriate treatment for a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
Are Elective Abortions Medically Necessary?
Many abortions are elective, meaning a woman makes a personal choice to end a pregnancy. It may also be called a voluntary abortion. This type of abortion is legal in Minnesota.
Elective abortions are not medically necessary to save the life of the woman.
However, in rare cases, a woman may seek an abortion for emergency health situations. This type of abortion is not considered elective, and many states include exceptions for abortion in life-threatening situations.
What About Ectopic Pregnancy and Miscarriage?
Ectopic pregnancies are not viable (will not develop normally) and could be life-threatening. These can happen when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube.
A clinician will recommend an emergency medical treatment if your pregnancy is ectopic. This type of procedure is not an abortion procedure because the pregnancy will not be able to survive and endangers the woman.
Miscarriage is the sudden loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. In this case, the pregnancy has already ended, and a woman would be able to receive the necessary treatment to prevent infection or potential complications.
Pregnancy-Related Deaths
Pregnancy-related deaths are rare. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that most (80%) are preventable. Starting prenatal care early, seeing a health care provider during your pregnancy, and attending postpartum visits can help to prevent and treat severe pregnancy-related complications.
The CDC lists warning signs of potential complications during pregnancy and in the year following delivery. They encourage you to seek medical care immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Headache that won’t go away or gets worse over time
- Dizziness or fainting
- Changes in your vision
- Fever of 100.4°F or higher
- Extreme swelling of your hands or face
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain or fast-beating heart
- Severe nausea and throwing up
- Severe belly pain that doesn’t go away
- Baby’s movement stopping or slowing during pregnancy
- Severe swelling, redness, or pain in your leg or arm
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking during pregnancy
- Heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge after pregnancy
- Overwhelming tiredness
How Can SouthWest Options for Women Assist Me?
If you are or think you are unexpectedly pregnant and would like more information about your pregnancy, schedule a free and confidential appointment at SouthWest Options. Whether it’s your first test or one of many, we provide free pregnancy testing.
We’ll schedule a free limited obstetrical ultrasound if your test is positive. An ultrasound detects if your pregnancy is developing inside the uterus and measures how far along you are (gestational age).
Take advantage of our free and confidential services. We’re here for you.