Your state has an abortion ban? Here’s what to do!

ByJacqueline Sanchez, MD

It seems like passing laws implementing an abortion ban has become the new “it” thing. Your state’s just not cool if it hasn’t taken a basic human right from it’s female residents, and frankly, how embarrassing for you. (Please note the dripping sarcasm.)

And if you’re scared, I welcome you to the club. All of these bans — whether they are 15-week or total abortion bans — are terrifying. You see, history screams at us that these laws won’t actually stop abortions. They will, however, end safe, legal abortions. These bans completely strip away a pregnant person’s autonomy. And they will also increase the burden on clinics, increase travel to other states for procedures, and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations like people of color and those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged. Also, let’s not mince words here — women will die. Women have been seeking terminations of pregnancy since time immemorial, and we’re not going to stop now. So what can you do to protect yourself?

You are NOT looking to get pregnant.

  • Seek birth control! Like, now. I love long-acting reversible contraceptives like IUDs, implants and the Depo shot because you set it and forget it, some for even 7-12 years.
  • If you don’t like hormonal options, use condoms EVERY TIME. You can even look into natural family planning like the rhythm method, where you avoid intercourse or use condoms when you’re ovulating and most fertile.
  • If you’re done with childbearing, sterilization is also an option! My favorite method is by laparoscopic bilateral salpingectomy!
  • If you’re had unprotected sex, contraception failure, used birth control incorrectly or have been sexually assaulted and weren’t on a method — emergency contraception may be an option for you! Emergency contraception (EC) can prevent up to over 95% of pregnancies when taken within 5 days after intercourse. Check out nurx.com for available options.
  • If it’s possible, keep track of your menstrual cycle to know when you should test for pregnancy.

You are pregnant and want an abortion.

  • Time is of the essence! Seek immediate services as this ban will increase the burden on clinics (i.e. wait times). There may also be a mandatory waiting period in your state, which will further delay your abortion. For example, Florida has a mandatory 24-hour wait period between initial consultation and procedure. So make sure you’re aware of all the laws!
  • There are a lot of options online to help with at-home medication abortion. Medication abortion is a safe option up until ~10 weeks. Check out mychoix.co, plancpills.org, abortioncarenetwork.org and abortionfinder.org for more information!

You are pregnant and you may terminate if there is a genetic anomaly.

Every “why” that a pregnant person has to want to seek an abortion is incredibly valid. However, this scenario in which someone would terminate if the fetus has an anomaly or the pregnancy is life-threatening really angers me in the context of an abortion ban. Total abortion bans are inhumane, but 15-week abortion bans are especially cruel. I say this because there are conditions that are not discovered until well after 15 weeks.

For example, Ob/Gyn’s screen for the fetus’s risk of an open neural tube defect (think spina bifida) starting at 15 weeks. And depending on your physician, detailed ultrasounds of the baby’s anatomy are not done until ~17 weeks gestational age. So you could very well be walking around thinking that there is nothing wrong, when in reality, BAM! baby has limb-body wall complex; or BAM! baby has fluid around its heart and in its lungs and will not survive the whole pregnancy. And now you can’t seek an abortion. Like I said, this is cruel. With that, what are the limited tests you can do?

  • Speak to your Ob/Gyn about cell-free fetal DNA screening as early as 9-10 weeks to estimate baby’s risk of Down syndrome, and two lethal trisomies: 13 and 18. This screen also tells you baby’s sex. If this test is abnormal, seek definitive fetal genetic testing with chorionic villus sampling between 10 and 13 weeks.
  • Also, have an US at 12-14 weeks to evaluate for early structural anomalies.

I dream of a time when Roe v. Wade is uncontested, and a woman’s right to choose is the law of the land. Until then, do what you can to protect yourself and lean on each other. We’re in this together!

If you’re in the Miami area and are looking for a new Ob/Gyn to talk to about these topics, you can always make an appointment with me by calling the clinic or booking online. I explore this and other subjects on my Instagram, so make sure to follow along!

Disclaimer: All content is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis or medication treatment of a qualified physician. Should the reader have any health concerns, promptly seek a consultation with your physician.