Accessing Abortion in Tampa Bay

To get a copy of this zine, created by TBAF Volunteers, please email info@tbafund.com. Information listed in the zine is also listed below.

PLANNING FOR YOUR ABORTION

Where is my appointment?: ______________________________________
When is my appointment?: _______________________________________
Cost/Financial Assistance: ________________________________________
Do I need/have a ride?: ___________________________________________
Do I need/have childcare?: _______________________________________
How much time can I take off work?: _____________________________
Do I have a safe place to recover?: ________________________________
Who can I call for support?: _______________________________________

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF

Remember that everyone’s experience is different.

This booklet is not medical or legal advice, but instead some helpful tips pulled together from multiple resources. Of course- follow your own medical care plan and contact your doctor or emergency medical services in case of an emergency.

Please reach out to Tampa Bay Abortion Fund if you need additional practical, logistical, or financial support for your abortion: 727.314.3956 or tbafund.com

All sources and links from this booklet can be found at:

https://linktr.ee/TampaAbortion

AN OPTION: ABORTION

If you found out that you’re pregnant, and you want more information about abortion…

“Medication abortion, also known as the “abortion pill,” is when you take medicines that you get from a trained doctor or nurse to end an early pregnancy. In-clinic abortion is done in a health center by a trained doctor or nurse. Both kinds of abortion are safe and effective.”

You can also read more by visiting:

Abortion is safe and effective. Abortion is legal. Abortion is healthcare.

HOW TO FIND A CLINIC

Some trusted resources for finding an abortion clinic near you, include:

➤ ineedana.com
➤ Text “hello” to 202.883.4620
➤ plannedparenthood.org
➤ National Abortion Federation Referral Line: 877.257.0012

_{For non-clinic/other options:}

SELF-MANAGED ABORTION

For information on what is Self-Managed Abortion, or if it is an option available to you:

➤ plancpills.org
➤ aidaccess.org
➤ abortionpillinfo.org

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST OPTION FOR YOURSELF

There are multiple things to consider, but first is: what you’re comfortable with. When trying to decide whether a medication abortion or procedural/surgical abortion is best for you, some things to consider include:

➤ Do you have time off of work?
➤ Do you have/need childcare?
➤ Do you have a place to rest safely?
➤ Do you have someone to drive you?
➤ Do you have financial restrictions?
➤ What options are available near you?

It can also be helpful to have a support person during your abortion. If possible, have a friend stay with you, or have someone you trust be available by phone/text.

Some useful things to have on hand during your medication abortion or after your surgical abortion can include:

Comfy/loose-fitting clothes
Quick/easy snacks
Menstrual Pads
Heating pad
Water
Ginger Candies
Thermometer
Medication/Ibuprofen

“WHAT IF I NEED ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE?”

Visit https://abortionfunds.org/need-abortion/ to find abortion funds that can help with financial, logistical, and/or practical support needs.

TBAF can help in the Tampa Bay Area. Call 727.314.3956 for assistance.

OTHER HELPLINES:

National Abortion Federation:
(for financial assistance, information, & other resources)
Contact 800.772.9100 or prochoice.org/patients/naf-hotline

Repro Legal Helpline:
(for questions about your legal rights and self-managed abortion)
Contact 844.868.2812 or reprolegalhelpline.org/sma-contact-the-helpline

*If you are under 18 years old and are unable to get parental consent, visit: tbafund.com/JudicialBypass

WHAT TO EXPECT: MEDICATION ABORTION

Medication abortions are induced with pills. There are two kinds of pills, misoprostol and mifepristone. During your appointment at the clinic, the doctor will give you one pill of mifepristone. You’ll take this in the clinic. Then, you’ll take the second round of pills, misoprostol, at home. How many misoprostol pills you take will depend on how far along you are. Make sure you follow the doctor’s instructions carefully, timing the doses and taking them correctly makes this method more effective. Medication abortion is most effective if you are less than 12 weeks pregnant.

WHAT TO EXPECT: PROCEDURAL ABORTION

Simply speaking, a procedural abortion (also known as “surgical” although there is no surgery) is when an instrument is inserted into the uterus and the contents of the pregnancy are removed. You may or may not be given anesthesia, depending on the type of procedure and how far along in the pregnancy you are. There are a few kinds of abortion methods that fall into this category, and they are all safe. Which kind of abortion you choose all depends on your personal preference and situation. Most surgical abortions only take about 5-10 minutes, while a medication abortion may take up to 24 hours to complete. The clinic can help you decide which kind of abortion is best for you.

Read more from National Abortion Federation & Planned Parenthood by visiting the links on https://linktr.ee/TampaAbortion

DURING/AFTER YOUR ABORTION

If you choose a procedural/surgical abortion, talk to your provider about the specifics of your appointment. Typical instructions may include:

Have menstrual pads, ibuprofen, and thermometer at home.
Nothing to eat or drink 3 hours before your appointment.
Shower/bathe the morning of your appointment.
Wear a comfy, loose fitting 2-piece outfit.
Bring your photo ID and your payment.
Notify the staff of any medications you take.
Plan to be in the clinic for approximately 4 hours.
Some clinics do not allow children/infants.
Be prepared to make a follow-up appointment.
Plan to have someone to drive you home.
If you are under 18-years-old: bring your parent/legal guardian and your birth certificate. (*If you are not able or wanting to get parental consent, please visit tbafund.com/JudicialBypass for more information.)

After your abortion, you may want to consider the following:
(& you may be able to get financial assistance too!)

Morning-After Pill (All pregnancy-capable people should have this on hand for emergencies)
Birth Control/Contraceptives

NOTES/JOURNAL

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This booklet was put together & printed by volunteers with TBAF.
Visit tbafund.com for more!

BIBLIOGRAPHY

All sources and links can be found @ https://linktr.ee/TampaAbortion

SUPPORT LINES

Miscarriage & Abortion Hotline
833.246.2632 or mahotline.org
For support to self-manage your miscarriage or abortion, call or text the M+A Hotline.

Reprocare Healthline
833.226.7821 or abortionhotline.org
Provides support to people having abortions with pills at home. The healthline operates 7 days a week and provides peer-based, trauma- informed emotional support.

Connect & Breathe
866.647.1764 or connectandbreathe.org
Connect & Breathe is an after-abortion nonjudgemental talkline.

Exhale
617.749.2948 or exhaleprovoice.org
Exhale offers a confidential, free, national textline that provides emotional support, resources and information.

None of this information is legal or medical advice.