I'm Pregnant.
Now What?
If you know you're pregnant, you have the right to know what your options are in Grand Rapids—abortion, adoption, or parenting.
What's Next
If you know you are pregnant but are unsure of what to do, we are here to help.
Here’s what to expect from your appointment with Alpha Grand Rapids:
Contact Us
If you think you might be pregnant, the first step is to contact us. You can call or send us a message to schedule an appointment or stop in anytime during our business hours. Please remember that a photo ID is required before any services can be provided.
Come in for A Visit
Parking is available on-site at our center. For bus or taxi information, see our contact page. Enter through the front door, facing Division Avenue, by pressing the grey button. If you have an appointment, check in with our receptionist at the front desk to let her know you have arrived. If you do not have an appointment, simply let our receptionist know that you would like a pregnancy test and she will guide you through what is needed. You will receive an intake form to complete and be seated in our waiting room until a trained staff member is available for the next steps.
Receive a Test
Even if you know you are pregnant, we will administer a free pregnancy test to confirm for our records. A staff member will guide you through the necessary paperwork before providing instructions on how to take a pregnancy test. The pregnancy tests at Alpha Grand Rapids are urine tests, and results are ready in approximately five minutes. The staff member will explain your results to you.
Ultrasounds
Alpha Grand Rapids provides limited ultrasounds. We conduct them to determine the age and viability of the baby—they do not replace regular OB/GYN appointments and they are not for specifying gender. A staff member will work with you to determine if you are eligible for an ultrasound.
Come in for A Visit
Parking is available on-site at our center. For bus or taxi information, see our contact page. Enter through the front door, facing Division Avenue, by pressing the grey button. If you have an appointment, check in with our receptionist at the front desk to let her know you have arrived. If you do not have an appointment, simply let our receptionist know that you would like a pregnancy test and she will guide you through what is needed. You will receive an intake form to complete and be seated in our waiting room until a trained staff member is available for the next steps.
Receive a Test
Even if you know you are pregnant, we will administer a free pregnancy test to confirm for our records. A staff member will guide you through the necessary paperwork before providing instructions on how to take a pregnancy test. The pregnancy tests at Alpha Grand Rapids are urine tests, and results are ready in approximately five minutes. The staff member will explain your results to you.
Ultrasounds
Alpha Grand Rapids provides limited ultrasounds. We conduct them to determine the age and viability of the baby—they do not replace regular OB/GYN appointments and they are not for specifying gender. A staff member will work with you to determine if you are eligible for an ultrasound.
Your Options
Abortion
- Abortion pills are only effective before eight weeks gestation. Two pills need to be taken—one to stop the development of the pregnancy, and the other to cause contractions to expel the fetus. Common side effects include cramping and bleeding. Complications include impartial abortion, which can cause a serious infection. Abortion pills should be taken under medical supervision.
- Surgical abortion can happen at any gestational stage in the state of Michigan. A surgical abortion is an outpatient procedure, typically done under sedation. In the procedure, your cervix will be dilated and suction will be used to expel the fetus from the uterus. Common side effects of this procedure include cramping and bleeding, but serious complications can occur like an incomplete abortion or damage to the cervix or uterus.
Adoption
If you choose to place your child for adoption, we can support you in this decision and have community partners who can help you navigate the adoption process. Keep in mind that adoption is not “giving up” your child—you have the authority to choose how active you want to be in your child’s life moving forward, and you have a say in who will adopt your child. Our team is happy to talk through adoption options with you, ensuring that both you and your child are well cared for in the process.
Parenting
If you choose to continue the pregnancy and parent your child, Alpha Grand Rapids is here to support you. From mentorship to support groups to material resources, we want to help you be the best parent you can be. We can also connect you with community partners that help with housing, employment, and anything else you might need.
About Alpha
If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, Alpha Grand Rapids is here to support you. It’s about you. We value your privacy, your safety, and your right to choose. Our goal is to provide a place where you can receive expert, personalized care, both during the decision-making phase of your pregnancy and beyond. We will stick with you through our long-term services, which provide education, encouragement, necessary items, and a place to belong. Learn more about these programs by visiting our Services, Women’s Center, or Men’s Center pages.
FAQ
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring a photo ID (driver’s license, student ID, passport, etc.) with you to your first appointment.
Can I bring my partner or support person with me to my appointment?
Yes, you are more than welcome to bring your partner or other support person with you to your appointment.
What should I do before my first appointment?
Try to come to your medical appointment with a full bladder so we can administer a urine pregnancy test. We will also ask you about the date of your last menstrual period.
I have had an abortion. What do I do?
If you have taken one or both of the abortion pills and have questions, concerns, or regrets, please contact us right away. If you are experiencing symptoms such as severe bleeding, go to the nearest emergency department immediately. An abortion is different than a miscarriage—please specify this to the emergency department so they know how to best care for you. We also recommend aftercare following an abortion to ensure that you have fully passed the pregnancy and that you aren’t at risk of infection.
Contact us if you would like support in processing an abortion experience. We can connect you to people and organizations in our community that will listen to your story and walk alongside you as you move forward.
I already took a pregnancy test at home—why do I need another one?
It is our policy that a pregnancy test is completed on-site with our trained medical professionals during a medical appointment. There is no charge for pregnancy tests or any other services provided at AGR.
I'm considering abortion. Can I still come to Alpha?
Yes, you are welcome to come to Alpha Grand Rapids for a medical appointment if you are considering abortion. We promise to provide nonjudgmental, compassionate care. Our team is here to provide information about your pregnancy, answer questions, and offer support while you decide what to do next. While we do not provide or refer for abortions at Alpha, we are committed to giving you a safe space to learn more about your options.
I'm overwhelmed and don't know what to do—can you help me?
Absolutely—we understand this is a challenging time and you’re facing a lot of unknowns. You can come to us with all your questions and concerns and we’ll address them for you. We can also connect you to additional resources through our community partners if you are in an unsafe situation, need housing, or need more stable employment.
You Are Not Alone
Our medical team is here to help you. Schedule a free appointment with us or visit our clinic today.