Facing an unplanned pregnancy comes with many emotions. It is normal to feel fearful of what your next steps may be as you work to make the best decisions for your health, safety, and future.
When faced with an unexpected pregnancy, many women consider abortion as an easy way to “return to normal life.” But this choice comes with its own risks, such as long-term physical and emotional ramifications.
There is hope, help, and support as you make decisions regarding your unplanned pregnancy, including Medicaid-related resources.
Read this article for more information about Medicaid coverage.
What Does Illinois Medicaid Cover?
Illinois Healthcare and Family Services covers:
- Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility (MPE) offers temporary, outpatient health services for pregnant women.
- Moms & Babies program offers full Medicaid coverage for women during pregnancy and 12 months after giving birth, regardless of miscarriage, abortion, or adoption. This coverage encompasses a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including hospital care (including labor and delivery), primary and specialty care, and prescription drugs.
Ensure you understand the side effects and risks of abortion procedures when weighing pregnancy options.
What Are My Options?
As you explore all of your options, consider parenting or adoption. While these options may initially sound overwhelming, both come with immense support systems that can help guide you through every step of the journey. When choosing parenting or adoption, you are never alone.
For example, adoption allows you to ensure your child has a loving family, and you have the option to maintain a relationship with them. Still, you may experience feelings of loss or grief after you’ve given birth. Emotional support is available for birth parents who choose adoption.
We highly recommend exploring each one individually so you can be confident of which one best suits your situation.
Next Steps
Before making any life-altering decision, you should pursue a health screening and ultrasound. The health screening will prioritize you and your well-being, and the ultrasound will tell you your pregnancy status.
Knowing this information will help you feel empowered to make the best decision for your health and safety. We offer pregnancy tests at no cost to you. If you’ve already taken one, we highly recommend coming in for an ultrasound.
This important screening can alert you to health complications such as an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage, which could impact the procedures you are eligible for.
We also offer options consultations where you can ask questions and explore your options in a safe, supportive environment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!