In this section, you will find information and answers to many questions you may have about abortion. However, if you decide to have an abortion, your abortion provider is your best source of full and detailed information.

You can also call the National Abortion Federation's toll-free hotline at 1-800-772-9100 for unbiased information in English and Spanish about abortion and pregnancy options. The hotline operates Monday through Friday from 6 am to 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 7 am to 3 pm (Colorado time).

Abortion is one of the safest types of medical procedures. Complications from having a first-trimester abortion are considerably less frequent and serious than those associated with giving birth. In addition, there is no evidence of long-term problems (for example, with childbearing) for women who have had abortions.

Before any abortion procedure, you should expect to go through the following steps at the clinic:

•	Have an ultrasound done (to make sure you are pregnant and to tell how far along your pregnancy is)
•	Give your complete medical history
•	Talk about your choices with a staff person
•	Have lab work done (this could include blood tests, STD tests and/or a Pap test)
•	Have a pelvic exam

The clinic will give you all of the information you need about the procedure, pain relief methods, side effects, recovery and follow-up care. They should also offer you information about birth control methods and emergency contraception (EC). Finally, you should discuss with a staff person any concerns or questions you might have.

Please note that many abortion providers do not offer every abortion method listed.