As of February 10, 2023, abortion is legal until viability in Wyoming (around 24 weeks of pregnancy). While abortion is legal through both the first and second trimesters in Wyoming, you could be going out of state for a late-term abortion or due to location reasons.
Here are three things to know first:
1. The Status of Your Pregnancy
It’s critical to know the status of your pregnancy before traveling for an abortion.
You should confirm your pregnancy’s location and whether or not it’s progressing normally. If your pregnancy is ectopic (located outside the uterus) or you’ve miscarried, an abortion would not be the next course of medical action.
Secondly, you should find out how far along you are. This will determine the type of procedure an abortion provider would recommend, legal options, and the price.
We provide ultrasounds at no cost to help you learn the status of your pregnancy.
2. If You Have Any Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
STIs are very common and easily spread through sex. Before traveling out of state for an abortion, ensure you’ve received STI/STD screening. This will enable you to receive treatment and protect your long-term sexual health.
When the normal barrier created by the cervix is disturbed during abortion, it raises the chances of spreading an existing infection deeper into the reproductive system. This can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and cause permanent damage.
The good news is this risk can be lessened with regular STI testing and necessary treatment. We offer this at our center at no cost to you.
3. Information About the Abortion Procedure
Traveling for an abortion procedure without an idea of what to expect can be nerve-wracking. Make sure you understand the procedure, risks, and follow-up care plan.
If you’re seeking a surgical abortion, your cervix will be dilated (sometimes in advance) and you’ll need to choose between local anesthesia or sedation. You should learn the specifics of the appointment. You will not be able to drive right after being sedated, which means you’d need to bring someone with you.
According to Mayo Clinic, the risks of dilation and curettage surgical abortion include: perforation of the uterus, scar tissue on the uterine wall, damage to the cervix, and infection. If anything goes wrong and you need emergency care, make sure you have a plan in place.
Find out if the abortion provider has hospital admitting privileges just in case.
You will also want to learn about any necessary follow-up appointments or any warning signs for when to seek medical care as you’re recovering.
Pre-Abortion Checklist
We have a pre-abortion checklist with more details to ensure you protect your health and safety. Schedule a no-cost, pre-abortion consultation for pregnancy testing, STI testing, an ultrasound, and information about abortion.
While we do not refer for or perform abortions, our services are designed to empower you to make an informed and confident decision.