Asking for assistance

[ethniu.livejournal.com]

I'm posting here because I have nowhere else to turn. I'm currently 5-6 weeks pregnant and am looking to have an abortion. After contacting all the abortion centers within a 250 mile radius, the lowest price I could find was 658$. Traveling expenses to get to any of the other centers that have lower prices would cost more than what I'd save on the procedure itself. I've checked into that quite well. I"m currently a graduate student at a university and barely make enough to cover my rent. Thus finances being what they are, contacted the nnaf, the naf, and countercrisis as well as all the funds listed for the state of Michigan and only countercrisis offered me anything ( fifty dollars and that's still not a positive). Everywhere else I've either been denied assistance due to low funds, or I've not received an answer from my various attempts to contact them. Our local Planned Parenthood doesn't provide abortions services and the said that they were too low on funding to help me financially. I've tried getting a credit card, but my credit rating is terrible and i've had no luck so far. The midwives I've contacted in the area are all unwilling to help terminate a pregnancy at home and my own attempts using vitamin C and Dong Quai have been unsuccesful in initiating a miscarriage. In order to raise money, I"m trying to sell the only items of value that I own ( my violin and digital camera), but even if I sell them both, it'll still be 250$ or less. I"m 22 so parental permission is not a problem, but asking them for assistance is out of the question. My father is a baptist minister, and my mother is of the same mind. I've requested help from all of my friends with whom this subject is safe to discuss and one friend has told me that he probably can lend me a hundred dollars in a week or so. Thus having thoroughly examined my options, my funding resources and my timeframe, I"m going to appeal to people who support abortion as an option to help me through this. And no, I don't enjoy asking strangers for help, but at this point, I"m willing to try. I"m sure I"m probably going to get some flak for asking for help at all, but please, I'm just trying. If you don't want to help, that's fine. Just please try not to attack me, I don't think I could handle much of that right now. If you want to confirm my identity and my situation I"ll be happy to return emails or calls (email and I"ll send you my phone number). If you want to donate, I've set up a paypal account using the email ethniu82 @ hotmail.com. Any donation would be appreciated, even just a few dollars. Once I've reached the amount I need, I"ll freeze the account and return all other donations. I'll also attempt to pay back what's been given over time, but it might take a while to cover everything. Please help. This will be cross posted in as many communities as I think would be open to the idea. And if anyone wants to link to my journal, please feel free.

*EDIT*
Alright, I"m only about 150 down right now, I managed to talk my boss into giving me a 300$ advance on my pay for next month! I"m so glad things are working out. A lot of people have been supportive so thank you for everything! I might be able to make an appointment for next week. Scarily enough, yesterday i went to log into hotmail and paypal and it seemed like someone had been trying to break into my accounts, so I changed all my safety stuff and passwords. Hopefully that'll be okay after this.

Comments

[erinmdmd.livejournal.com]

Can you travel to another state? Sometimes state resrtictions drive up the cost of an abortion locally.

[ethniu.livejournal.com]

Travel expenses to get to the next closest clinic would exceed what I'd save by traveling. I've already checked.

[daisybones.livejournal.com]

also, if you can wait until you are between 8-12 weeks the cost may be lower. it was at the clinic where i used to work. you might check with your local clinics to see. in my state, medicaid covers abortion, and if you are pregnant you can get approved very quickly. it that an option for you?

[outragme-982.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure if this information is something that you still consider an option:

Angelica/Dong Quai a uterine stimulant with the ability to strengthen and coordinate contractions, to help encourage the uterus to expel it's contents. Follow the link for more information.

Black Cohosh to help the cervix relax and open. Many herbalists and midwives say it has the ability to "ripen the cervix" in preparation for childbirth. Follow the link for more information.

Blue Cohosh a uterine stimulant. With unique properties that encourage the uterus to contract. Susun Weed favors it either before menstruation is due, or at 5-6 weeks of pregnancy. Shouldn't be combined with Blue Cohosh. Follow the link for more information.

Cotton Root Bark should be used as a simple (by itself). Interferes with progesterone, and the corpus luteum. Stimulates uterine contractions. Chinese research supports these findings. Follow the link for more information.

Evening Primrose (Oenothera hookeri) may be helpful when used externally to help "ripen the cervix", this phrase is often used during the birthing process to refer to the condition of the cervix, the cervix has to dialate to allow a newborn to pass, if the cervix is not ready, midwifes has herbs they can use to help encourage the cervix to get ready. Things happen a bit differently in a herbal abortion or miscarriage, the cervix won't dialate the way it does during birth, but some of the same herbs may still help the cervix to relax and help to facilitate release of the unwanted pregnancy.

Parsley for use with other herbs or vitamin c. Good for starting a late period (when not due to pregnancy). Can be used as a pessary (vaginal suppository) to prepare the cervix for release. Follow the link for more information.

Pennyroyal One of the more toxic choices available. A herb with a long history as an abortifacient. In my opinion, there are better choices than pennyroyal. Follow the link for more information.

Pineapple (unripe)- Commonly used in tropical areas where pineapple normally grows. One lady was kind enough to send me this information:

"Pineapple is well known in my culture as being the fruit that able to end pregnancy. It is considered "sharp" thus women during their menses are discouraged to take pineapple as the bleeding will become heavier and women who are pregnant especially at the earlier stage are forbidden to take the fruit in fear of miscarriage.
However my sister had tried to end pregnancy before with 2 pineapples but did not succeed. Since she's already married, she continued her pregnancy. I took one big young pineapple for the first day eaten in intervals of 1 -2 hours but I cannot stand the stomach cramps it caused me. I also tend to develop "blisters" on my tongue cause by the "sharp and stinging" taste of the young pineapple.

Later, I was told by an elderly that it takes at least 4-5 fresh medium sized young pineapples (light yellow and hard, not juicy at all) taken raw, within 2 days along with the few glasses of pure young pineapple juice (using juice extractor, of course), for better result. I was also told that pineapple will not be able to end the pregnancy if the women has a healthy and strong uterus."

Tansy Should be used with caution, often has side effects, and is probably the most toxic herb listed here on this website. Also with a lengthy history as a herbal abortifacient. Follow the link for more information.

Vitamin C In my opinion, probably the least toxic and most effective choice available. Interferes with progesterone, works best before the 5th week of pregnancy. Follow the link for more information.

*This information can be found in it's original form at http://www.sisterzeus.com/Abortif.htm .

Sorry I can't be more helpful...

[(Anonymous)]

I've already looked through sisterzeus, and have used the vitamin C, Dong Quai combination before with good results, but I was getting nothing for quite a while and I could feel it really taxing my kidneys.

[ethniu.livejournal.com]

Sorry, I didn't log in before commenting.

[arwen-ravena.livejournal.com]

High quantities of Vitamin A will do it too.

[ethniu.livejournal.com]

I"m not sure I want to mess around with Vitamin A, it can have some nasty side effects.

[lokifin.livejournal.com]

You may still be eligible for nonsurgical abortion. Did you ask the Planned Parenthood or other clinics if they offer that? Without knowing where you are in Michigan, I couldn't find any more information for you, but if you can get either to another state or a major city you'll have more luck with affordable services. Try this site (http://www.gynpages.com/ACOL/michigan.html) for more resources.

[ethniu.livejournal.com]

I'm in the Upper peninsula of michigan, so we're pretty remote and nowhere within about 400 miles offers the nonsurgical option. Our local PP doesn't offer any abortion services. And I've already called everywhere close from gynpages. Living out in the woods really sucks right about now.

[lokifin.livejournal.com]

Honestly, I'd call the local PP back and ask for referral to another place that does offer affordable services. They will be able to tell you if you're eligible for nonsurgical abortion even if they can't give it to you themselves. They should be able to help you make an appointment with a PP in another community. Go in and ask for a session with either a doctor or a counselor. This is their business. You are not the first girl to go to them and ask for an affordable solution. Demand answers and help.

As for being so far from a place that offers RU486 or its alternative, ask the PP staff if it's possible, if you do go that option somewhere else, to do the followup visit at your local clinic so you don't have to find transportation twice.

I'm assuming that since you're in the boondocks that people tend to have cars to get from place to place. Start asking friends if they'd be willing to drive you somewhere for the day. You can get 400 miles in a day, make an appointment, and get back home if you have to and have no money for a motel. And I doubt that that's the closest cheap clinic.

I'm telling you, there are options here.

[ethniu.livejournal.com]

I know that it's technically possible to make the trip, but the gas money would be ridiculous. The next closest clinic that offers the surgical option is about 250 miles away. I don't know why they don't offer the medical option there. I'm going to call again and see if it'd be possible for them to help me find somewhere that would give RU-486 in canada.

[furrygirl.livejournal.com]

The morning after pill isn't going to do anything for you if it's been longer than 72 hours.

[ethniu.livejournal.com]

Ru-486 isn't the morning after pill, it causes a miscarriage in women up to 8 weeks pregnant.It's mifepristone followed by misoprostol. the morning after pill is a mega dose of estrogen and progesterone, you can make ec packs out of regular birth control pills.

[mandalaya.livejournal.com]

I just emailed with a colleague who is an ob-gyn in Ann Arbor, asking if she knew anyone in your area who could perform the abortion for cheaper. She doesn't, but she works at the Planned Parenthood in Ann Arbor and says they charge $320 and will accept insurance if you have it. If it's 400 miles to there, in a car that gets 20mpg, then it will take 20 gallons, or $60 each way in gas money = $440 in total costs. Still a lot, but less than $658.

I think Canada sounds like a good option to check out. I hope someone just across the line supplies medication abortion. Good luck!

[ethniu.livejournal.com]

I don't think I'd be able to do that much driving myself though, and I don't really have anyone else around that could take me. Most of my friends work full time and are students as well. I think that if the violin sells in the next couple days I'll be able to swing it here. I've had some really good people helping me out. I"m still checking on the canada thing. Right now that's my best option if it exists.

[skeptictank.livejournal.com]

I wonder if upper Wisconsin might be a better option.

[ethniu.livejournal.com]

Closest is appleton, and they're almost 500$. I"m going to check into the RU-486 option. I was told that I might be able to get someone to just prescribe it for me and then go to canada to get it filled.

[skeptictank.livejournal.com]

Well good luck, I hope it all works out for you.

[furrygirl.livejournal.com]

I personally wouldn't recommend trying an herbal abortion based on info you get online. I wouldn't even trust myself to do one, and I've read a lot about the topic in non-panicked times. If you want to go that route, please find a naturopathic practicioner who has done this before and can monitor you for signs of something going wrong. I think we can forget that just because it's "herbal", it doesn't mean it doesn't have risks. Plus, it can always end up being an incomplete abortion, which means you can get a life-threatening infection from tissue left in your uterus, and will have to get a D&C from a regular doctor.

It's weird that your Planneed Parenthood didn't tell you that there are a number of national organizations who exist to provide abotion funding and loans. I've never worked with any of them personally, but here's Google: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=abortion+access+funds

This lists a Michigan one: http://www.abortionaccess.org/viewpages.php?id=55

[ethniu.livejournal.com]

Our Planned parenthood is brutally understaffed and underfunded. They wouldn't connect me with anyone. The most help from a PP I got was from the one I called about 240 miles away. They were able to give me the number of the clinic in town. Thanks for the link though, that's one place that I haven't contacted yet.

confused

[(Anonymous)]

i have had sex a few times and never bledd b4 and i was messing around with my boyfriend and it started to hurt so i went to the bathroom had to use the rest room and blood cam out lke i was on my period again

help plz!!!!!!!!!!

Re: confused

[ethniu.livejournal.com]

Join the community and repost. Where in your cycle are you? When was your last period? How old are you? You might want to try bloodmoonherbs too.