FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1) I already bought a pregnancy test from Wal-Mart. Why do I need to come in and be tested with you? The pregnancy tests offered by Pregnancy Help meet Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) standards for medically-accurate urine tests with instant results. The tests are accurate as early as two weeks after conception, usually before a missed period. At our center, pregnancy tests are generally up to 99% accurate and:
- are done in a private setting
- results will be known during your appointment, and
- can usually be taken before you miss your period
2) I am 16. Does a parent have to come with me for my appointment? No, you may come in to Pregnancy Help alone. Even though you are a minor, you have the right to confidential help, except in those cases where mandatory reporting applies, such as suicide risk. We will not provide your records to any person without written authorization from you.
3) I had sex last night and I think the condom broke. Can I come in today for a pregnancy test? The hormones in your body that result in a positive pregnancy test can’t be detected until two weeks after fertilization. You need to wait until after that period of time then call Pregnancy Help and we’ll set an appointment for a test.
4) Can I just come in whenever, or do I need an appointment? Pregnancy Help wants to make sure we have a special time set aside to talk with you, so it’s usually best to have an appointment. However, if you are unable to make an appointment, you may walk in Monday – Friday between 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
5) Can I bring someone with me? Absolutely: it’s important to have the support of friends or family during an uncertain time.
6) Do I need to bring anything with me to an appointment? No. One of Pregnancy Help’s client advocates will complete a confidential intake form with you. No insurance is required and all services are free.
7) Will Pregnancy Help center tell anyone that I came in for a pregnancy test? Any and all information shared with Pregnancy Help will be kept in the strictest confidence except as required by New York law or as required for the protection of yourself or others. You don’t have to worry if your family or friends will find out. We’ll do everything we can to protect your privacy.
8) I think I’m pregnant, but I’m on the pill. What should I do? It is rare but possible to get pregnant on the pill. You will need to take a lab quality urine test, and if it is positive, you will want to confirm pregnancy with an ultrasound. Pregnancy Help can help you get a free ultrasound.
9) How can I go see a doctor if I don’t have any insurance? There are options available for people who need care even if they don’t have insurance. Pregnancy Help will provide you with a free pregnancy test and if necessary will help you get a free ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy. If you qualify, we can help you apply for Medicaid, plus, we maintain a database of all income-based medical clinics in our area.
10) What does “after abortion help” mean? The process of recovering from an abortion is different for everyone. Pregnancy Help offers support for women who have terminated one or more pregnancies, whether it was a recent abortion or many years ago. You can receive help in a group setting or one-on-one with a trained peer counselor.
11) If I’ve already had an abortion, what can you do to help me? You may be wondering, “Why do I need help after my abortion experience?” Many women, and even men, have come to Pregnancy Help for support. They realize they can’t deal with all of the unexpected consequences on their own. We are here no matter what choices you’ve made.
12) How do I know if I’ve been exposed to an STD? If you’ve been sexually intimate orally, anally or vaginally, you may have put yourself at risk for an STD. It’s really that simple. Since there are many types of STDs, it is important that you be tested regularly. Hormonal birth control (pill, patch, or implant) or mechanical birth control (IUD or vaginal ring) do not prevent the transmission of STDs. Pregnancy Help can give you more information on STDs and help you get tested.
13) Can a condom protect me from an STD/STI? Condoms can only reduce the chance of infection with STDs like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Herpes and HPV are found on the external genitalia, a place condoms don’t cover. The only guaranteed protection from these two STDs is refraining from any genital to genital or oral to genital contact. Pregnancy Help can answer your questions about STDs.
14) Can I get the morning-after pill at the Pregnancy Help center? The Pregnancy Help center does not offer the morning-after pill, or Plan B.
15) I don’t live near New York. Where can I go to find a pregnancy center near me? Option Line is available 24/7 by calling 800-395-4357. You can visit their website www.optionline.org to search for a center in your area that can assist you.
16) Can I get an abortion at Pregnancy Help? Pregnancy Help does not perform or refer for an abortion. We do, however, provide pregnancy options counseling. Call us for help.