Just as abortion laws vary from state to state, so do insurance plans. It is crucial to learn your insurance coverage policies and the state’s abortion laws.
In Arkansas, abortion is illegal except when deemed necessary to save the pregnant woman’s life. If this situation does not apply to your girlfriend, she cannot have an abortion procedure in the state.
Even if she is seeking an out-of-state procedure, remember that most insurance plans will not cover these costs unless she is your wife (or, in some cases, you both are in a committed domestic partnership).
It’s crucial to note that Arkansas limits Medicaid plans to covering abortion only in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest. State insurance plans are also prohibited from covering abortion (with certain exceptions).
With this information in mind, your girlfriend should complete several safety steps before making a pregnancy decision. You both can receive no-cost, confidential services at Informed Choices Women’s Center.
Navigating an Unexpected Pregnancy
Even if your girlfriend is considering abortion, she should still take several steps to protect her health and make an educated choice. As her boyfriend, you can also do things during this process, including listening to her concerns, remaining present, and learning about her options.
Before making a pregnancy decision, your girlfriend should:
1. Make a pregnancy testing appointment with our registered nurse.
Confirming a potential pregnancy is an essential first step. Our registered nurse administers medical-grade pregnancy testing that will provide an accurate result for your girlfriend.
Your girlfriend may be eligible for a limited ultrasound if the test is positive.
2. Receive a limited ultrasound.
A positive test alone isn’t enough to confirm a pregnancy. By receiving a limited ultrasound at our center, your girlfriend will learn whether her pregnancy is viable (it is progressing in the uterus, and there is a heartbeat), where it is located, and how far along she is.
We provide limited abdominal ultrasounds up to 13 weeks gestation.
Your girlfriend needs this scan to clarify her options and detect whether she has miscarried or has an ectopic pregnancy. The latter requires emergency medical treatment to protect her health.
3. Receive STD/STI testing.
Both you and your girlfriend should receive STD/STI testing to safeguard your sexual health. Treating any STD/STIs will also prevent any long-term health problems.
It is crucial to remember that your girlfriend’s pregnancy does not prevent her from contracting an STD/STI. An untreated infection can create severe health complications.
We test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV at our center. We also provide immediate referrals for no-cost treatment as needed.
4. Discuss her options with a nurse.
Does your girlfriend know the risks and side effects of abortion? Has she learned about parenting and adoption?
Discussing these options in a safe, confidential space can help her make a confident decision. As her boyfriend, you can also learn about her options and potentially make a decision together.
This situation can feel overwhelming, but you and your girlfriend aren’t alone. We’re here for you both.
No-Cost, Confidential Services
Informed Choices Women’s Center offers clarity to you and your girlfriend during an unexpected pregnancy. Together, we’ll help you find the information needed to make a decision.
Your girlfriend can schedule a no-cost, confidential pregnancy appointment today to get started. She can also call or text our Mountain Home location at 870-424-4673 or Harrison location at 870-280-3169.
Informed Choices Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.