Plan Your Trip
1.
Time
How long has it been?
Ovulation usually occurs around two weeks before your next period – Menstrual cycles can last between 21-35 days, though may be regular or irregular, can vary month-to-month, change over time, and be affected by things like health or stress.
It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 days (the lifespan of a sperm) for an egg to be fertilized, depending on when/whether you were ovulating.
After fertilization, it can take another 6-10 days for the fertilized egg to travel from the fallopian tube to the uterus. If it successfully implants in the uterine lining, you have will have reached pregnancy. Given this timeline, it can take up to 15 days after insemination to become pregnant.
Pregnancy tests can be effective as early as 10 days after implantation/pregnancy, but are typically most accurate after a missed period – note that these can also be used to detect ectopic pregnancies. An ultrasound is necessary to confirm whether a pregnancy is considered viable.
The morning-after pill (also known as Plan B), which can be obtained over the counter or by mail from most pharmacies, is most effective if taken within 3 days or 72 hours (by day 5 the odds of it working will be much lower).
2.
Reflection
Remember that the decision is YOURS
Sit with and consult with yourself. This decision, this experience, is different for everyone. It can be easy, difficult, heartbreaking, necessary, and everything in between. You might consider how this will affect others, for better or worse. You worry about “what if” and how you’ll feel after, if regret will follow relief. Are you feeling pressure, guilt, or obligation to do one thing or another?
Ultimately, remember that this choice is yours. Your wants, needs, life, health, body, and wellbeing are not secondary or sacrificial. You do not “owe” anyone anything.
If you know what you want to do, then take a deep breath, and remember that you are not alone.
3.
Support
Know that you are not alone and identify who to confide in
From the 1980’s to the early 2000’s over 1 million medical abortive procedures were documented each year. From 2010 – present, those numbers still hover between just under 1 million to the lowest estimate of well over 600,000 (CDC, Guttmacher, Pew). Remember that these are just the recorded cases.
Millions of individuals have found themselves in your position, and numerous support networks, groups, and hotlines have formed to offer support, comfort, reassurance, and advice.
Seek out those in your life who you can trust to be supportive, non-judgmental, discreet, and maintain your privacy – especially if you live in Texas.
4.
Laws
Check the laws in your state and those nearby
A lot of factors can affect the legality of abortions from state to state, such as your age, your health, how much time has passed, the circumstances surrounding your pregnancy, and whether a “fetal heartbeat” can be detected.
Common limitations include gestational period restrictions, requiring parental consent or notification for minors (see judicial bypass), mandatory waiting periods, mandatory counseling, ultrasound requirements, and limitations on public funding.
Common exceptions include life endangerment, r*pe, inc*st, fetal abnormalities, and maternal health (though this is often outlined in dangerously vague terms). It’s important to consult local laws and healthcare providers to understand the specific limitations and exceptions applicable in a particular region.
Although mail-order options are still available per the FDA, legal battles surrounded state attempts to restrict access are still ongoing.
5.
Options
Evaluate your options both local and elsewhere
After considering your circumstances and checking the legal restrictions/exceptions in your state and those nearby, you can better explore options available to you and determine if you’ll need to travel for the procedure.
Some options include: Clinic-based (be mindful of “fake clinics”), hospital-based (particularly for advanced stages or if specialized care is required), telemedicine (consultation through virtual platforms), and mail-order medication.
Medical approaches include: Medication, aspiration/suction, dilation and curettage (D&C), or dilation and evacuation (D&E). It is important to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate and safe method based on gestational age and individual circumstances.
6.
Healthcare
Find a facility/provider and schedule your appointment
Look for a legitimate and reputable healthcare provider or clinic. Vet bad actors by confirming that you are not dealing with a “Fake Clinic“, and ask the facility and physician to confirm their patient privacy policies.
Check whether your insurance covers some or all of the cost, and how that applies to treatment in and out of state.
During the appointment scheduling process, the healthcare provider will likely ask you questions about your health history and estimate your gestational age to determine the appropriate options for you.
Gather necessary information and documents, be prepared to provide a form ID, medical history, other medications you are taking, and insurance details (if applicable).
Remember to check whether the state has any legal pre-requisites such as mandatory counseling, and/or requires a waiting period and multiple visits prior to the procedure being performed.
*Note that proof of an appointment is usually necessary when applying for financial assistance.
7.
Needs
What are your barriers and how can you access care?
This is the big one, and where The Camping Impact really gets involved.
Unfortunately, ease of accessibility is one of the main things being chipped away at. Consider the following:
Financial Status — Do you need help affording the procedure and any associated costs? Let us know or reach out to national funds that may help.
Childcare — Can you bring your children with you? If not, ask friends, family, sitters, or other childcare providers in your area, and budget accordingly.
Receiving Mail — Mail-order medication is typically delivered in discreet packaging, but you can contact your local USPS to hold any mail addressed to you, or have it delivered to someone you trust.
Time-off Work — If you are a contract worker, you may experience loss of income while indisposed. If you are a full or part-time employee, seek legal counsel if you are concerned about wrongful termination or your leave request is denied, as there are certain federal and state protections that may apply.
Transportation & Accommodation — Determine the quickest and most affordable means of reaching your destination. Time is of the essence, but safety should also not be ignored – it’s important to have safe accommodation, ideally near to the appointment site. Read to find out how we can help!
8.
Transportation & Accomodation
How to get there and where to stay
9.
Packing
Let's review your checklist!
✓ Legal form of ID
✓ Copies of medical and legal documents
✓ Insurance information
✓ Trusted emergency contact
✓ Memorize important locations and phone numbers
✓ Pain medication/remedies
✓ Anti-nausea medication/remedies
✓ Comfortable clothes
✓ Warm socks / slippers
✓ Extra underwear
✓ Sanitary pads
✓ Heating pad / hot water bottle
✓ Blanket & pillow
✓ Comfort item
✓ Calming scents
✓ Book / activity
✓ Headphones
✓ Phone charger
✓ External battery pack
✓ A journal
✓ Tissues
✓ Snacks
✓ Plenty of water
✓ Plastic bags (for clothes or illness)
✓ Mask / sweatshirt / sunglasses (for privacy protection)
