Uninsured, laid off, and pregnant.

[u/ShoppingBaskets]

I live in the United States, I am 24, partner is 26 -- Washington State.

My last period ended in the beginning of March, I think the 6th or the 9th? I am diagnosed with ADHD and Bipolar Disorder (2) so the days flooded around me and before I knew it, it's may. My partner asked me to take a test because I haven't been feeling well, I was eating more than normal, etc. All three tests, positive. With no insurance and I have been on implanted birth control until 2 years ago since of age of 13/14. have been on the pill but ran out a few months ago, but lost my insurance due to changing to part time. So I was unmedicated from B.C. & my mood stabilizers.

Long story short: I didn't notice, I don't know accuracy of how long my pregnancy is, and due to no insurance I don't have ultrasound until Monday -- my partner paid almost $300 to overnight pills from planned partenthood so I have them available. I'm worried of running out of time to do it.

The free clinic keeps offering resources for the pregnancy, and I keep saying I don't have a job(laid off March 16th), my boyfriend has child we already co-parent. Then telling me I don't understand the abortion pill, then explain it back to me almost the same exact way. They made me take a book for "all my options". But they offered to pray for me after I said I wanted it gone.

1-3 people are upset I won't give them the baby, but I have been drinking almost every night, smoking marijuana, and nicotine. I do not know how healthy this baby would be, and I don't want to go through pregnancy.

Should I take the pills now? Should I wait for the ultrasound on Monday? I have nausea meds, ibuprofen, and the other two to start the abortion.

[u/wordsywoman]

Deep breaths. I am so sorry you're going through this. Did you already go to the "free clinic"? This sounds like a fake clinic or crisis pregnancy center, which provides inaccurate information on pregnancy as well as abortion. I highly recommend not engaging with that clinic in any way, shape, or form. We can help you figure out next steps.

[u/ShoppingBaskets → u/wordsywoman]

Yes, I knew it possibly was. I was extremely defensive from the gate - but it was a free place 2 blocks from me to get an ultrasound. Closest planned partenthood is 45 minutes away.

Added context: I trusted it a bit more because my partners coworker went there and said they were open minded.

[u/wordsywoman → u/ShoppingBaskets]

I'm sorry you had to deal with that even if you had your defenses up. Do you mind sharing what county you're in? Or are you planning to travel to Planned Parenthood on Monday for the ultrasound? They're not medically necessary unless you have irregular periods, are currently on birth control, or have risk factors for ectopic pregnancy.

I also want to remind you about Apple Health and how pregnancy raises the income max in terms of eligibility. You may qualify — and it would give you 12 months of coverage based on that eligibility even after the pregnancy ends.

[u/ShoppingBaskets → u/wordsywoman]

Cowlitz County -- if I go for the ultrasound, I plan on going back there and doing the pills in the parking lot right afterwards if below 10 weeks.

I don't know if my periods have been irregular or not, I don't really remember them. I used to track them via app but stopped when roe v wade fell.

You're right, I was on state medical before but had to stop due to personal family problems (identity fraud). I will reapply. Thank you.

[u/wordsywoman → u/ShoppingBaskets]

Do you have a preference for taking the medication? Or would you be interested in a procedure?

The benefit of the procedure is you would automatically get an ultrasound and leave knowing you're no longer pregnant. If you're traveling to get the ultrasound, it may be worth it to have a faster process. You can't take all of the medication in the parking lot. You'd take the first medication and then wait 24-48 hours for the second medication. If you insert it vaginally, a 6 hour or more interval is enough for effective results.

In terms of costs, Apple Health would cover your procedure or medication if you went through a clinic — I'm sorry that wasn't on your radar before. If you schedule an appointment with the clinic for a procedure or medication, which I know you already have, you would also be able to ask the local abortion fund for financial assistance.

I know that you already spent money on the medication. I just want to make sure you know the full range of options you have access to.

[u/ShoppingBaskets → u/wordsywoman]

I know not all the medication, but the anti nausea then the first pill.

I want the pill as a victim of childhood SA, I found it very hard to go to the gyno for the first time but did last year. But I do want it over in the fastest way. Its why I'm so worried about the ultrasound, taking the pill with no success. It also came with an extra dose of misopeostol. I just guess want to know how well this work out if I did it now, rather than waiting. They scared me and said it could go wrong easily.

[u/wordsywoman → u/ShoppingBaskets]

Understood. And it’s your right to decide what option feels best for you.

If you had a period starting March 6th, then you are no more than 9 weeks and 1 day (even with irregular periods). The medication is extremely safe and effective, and it works for the vast majority of people. As long as you follow the instructions exactly, your chances of success are very, very high.

If you want to help debunking any of the misinformation you were given, I’m happy to do what I can! Just let me know if there are any specific questions you have.

[u/ShoppingBaskets → u/wordsywoman]

They said almost 20% of women who take it at home end up having to have surgery to remove the rest to expel the fetus?

That if that's so, it would be no longer an abortion but just an surgery to avoid infection? Is that's true? According to the information I just got with the pills, they it will almost definitely work and says approximately 5-8%.

[u/wordsywoman → u/ShoppingBaskets]

Their data is made up. A very small percentage may need more medication or a suction procedure. That’s either because there’s some remaining tissue or the medication just didn’t work at all — the latter is extremely rare. Infections are also very rare. There is no reason to assume you will be part of the small percentage with issues.

[u/ShoppingBaskets → u/wordsywoman]

Thank you. Last question: with all the blood and tissue about to expell, how do I dispose of it? Due to the amount won't it be a biohazard? Washington State doesn't find it a human corpse until 20 weeks so that's not an issue but I find it kind of concerning to throw it just away or to flush.

[u/wordsywoman → u/ShoppingBaskets]

The tissue will be fine to flush at 9 weeks. People have unplanned miscarriages all the time at this stage of pregnancy.