Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to most commonly asked questions here.
Who is Care Net of Puget Sound?
Who is Care Net of Puget Sound?
We are a network of pregnancy and family resource centers providing compassionate, practical care since 1982. Through 8 clinics located throughout King and Pierce counties, we offer no-cost, non-judgmental care to women and families in need. All our services are free and confidential.
What services do you offer?
We offer:
- Free pregnancy tests
- Viability ultrasounds
- Pregnancy options consultations (educating clients on abortion, adoption, and parenting as requested)
- Parenting support and material assistance
- Childbirth education classes
- Dad support
- Relationship education for youth/schools
- Support after abortion
- Support for abortion pill reversal
- Pregnancy and infant loss support
Click on any of the services above to learn more.
Are your centers medical clinics?
All our locations are healthcare facilities as defined by WA State RCW 70.02.010. We have over 30 licensed medical professionals who provide care to clients and serve under the guidance of two OB/GYNs. We also provide non-medical services such as parenting support, dad support, education for youth/schools, post-abortive support and support after pregnancy and infant loss. Depending on what services you are looking for, your appointment may or may not involve a meeting with one of our medical staff.
Do you accept walk-ins?
We welcome walk-ins at any of our locations during our hours of operation. If possible, it’s best to schedule an appointment to ensure we can serve you as efficiently as possible. You can do so by clicking here.
What to expect at your pregnancy consultation.
During a pregnancy consultation/pregnancy test at Care Net of Puget Sound, you will meet with one of our client advocates for an initial intake. If you’re still deciding what to do with your pregnancy, your client advocate will help you explore all your options (parenting, abortion, adoption) in a safe, non-judgmental environment. You’ll have a chance to ask questions and then we’ll run a medical-grade urine pregnancy test.
What kind of ultrasounds do you offer?
We offer limited OB/viability ultrasounds which are designed to do three things:
- See if the pregnancy is in the uterus
- Detect the heartbeat (if present)
- Date the pregnancy
Every ultrasound is reviewed by one of our medical directors (OB/GYNs). Everyone who performs ultrasounds in our centers is a licensed medical professional who has gone through a national training program and performed at least 50 supervised scans before they are authorized to scan independently. To learn more about the importance of viability ultrasounds, visit our webpage here.
How do you protect client information? Is my information all confidential?
We deeply value our clients’ privacy, and all our systems and centers are designed to protect client and patient privacy and personal health information. Clients can trust their information will be held in the strictest confidence just as it would be at any other medical facility. We will never sell or give away our clients’ personal health information or use this information against our clients. To learn more about how we care for clients visit our Commitment to Care page.
I’m a minor. Will my parents know I came in for services?
While there are cases (abuse or sex trafficking for example) where we are mandated to report to the authorities, we do not reveal our clients’ information no matter their age without their express consent.
What do I need to bring to an appointment?
For an in-center appointment, please bring a valid form of photo ID (driver’s license, school ID, passport etc.). That’s all! Please feel free to bring a support person to your appointment if that is what will make you most comfortable.
How can I contact your team?
You can contact us any time through our 24/7 helpline by calling or texting 877-668-2566. You can also visit our “Contact Us” page and send us a message that way.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Visit our Schedule An Appointment page.
Looking specifically for dad support, support after abortion, pregnancy and infant loss support or school relationship education? Click the service you’re interested in above.
Cost and Insurance
What do your services cost?
Our services are completely free! And we don't bill insurance. YOU and YOUR needs are our number one priority.
Do you require insurance?
No, we do not. We do not bill insurance companies for any of our services. Clients are all offered the same compassionate care at no cost – no matter their financial/insurance status.
Why are all your services free?
All our services are free thanks to the financial support of our generous donors. Because of individuals and organizations, we have never charged a client a dime for services since we opened in 1982!
Pregnancy and Common Questions
How do I know if I’m pregnant?
First you can take a pregnancy test. While store-bought pregnancy tests aren’t always accurate (learn why here), this is an easy first step. You can pick up a pregnancy test at the store, but you can also schedule a free pregnancy test at one of our 8 clinics. Click here to schedule your free consultation (no insurance needed).
Early pregnancy symptoms include missed period, tender/swollen breasts, nausea with or without vomiting, increased urination, or fatigue.
How do I know how far along in my pregnancy I am?
An ultrasound is the most reliable way to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy and will help you determine what options are available to you. Learn more about the importance of viability ultrasounds by clicking here or schedule your viability ultrasound at one of our centers here.
What are my pregnancy options?
Parenting: Whether you’re looking at parenting as a single mom/dad, co-parenting with a partner, engaged or married, we offer free parenting resources from the day you find out you are pregnant until your child(ren) turn(s) 4 years old! Learn more here.
Abortion: Depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, the types of abortion available to you might vary. Learn more by clicking here.
Adoption: There are a lot of misconceptions around adoption and what it may look like. Learn more about the basics of adoption options here.
If you’re still deciding what to do with your pregnancy, your client advocate will help you explore all your options (parenting, abortion, adoption) in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Schedule a free pregnancy consultation, today.
How many weeks into pregnancy do I have to make my decision?
If you’re looking for an abortion, your options will be determined by how far along you are in your pregnancy. Abortion pills are recommended for use within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Beyond that, your options include surgical abortion. Learn more about the option of abortion by clicking here.
Whether you’re considering abortion, adoption, or parenting, we can talk you through each option in a non-judgmental, supportive, and confidential space. We do not charge for any of our services or sell/refer for abortions, so you do not have to worry about being pressured into a decision. Schedule an appointment here.
What is an ectopic pregnancy and how do I know if I have one?
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that implants outside of the uterus – most commonly in the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancy is rare (about 1 in 50) but a serious condition in which the pregnancy cannot be sustained, and the life of the mother is at risk if not treated.
Common symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are:
- Severe lower stomach pain, especially on one side
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding
- Shoulder pain
- Feeling weak, dizzy, or fainting
If you are experiencing severe pain or bleeding, you need to go to the nearest emergency room immediately. At Care Net of Puget Sound, we offer viability ultrasounds free of charge. Our medical team will help identify if your pregnancy is in the uterus. If your pregnancy is not in the uterus, we offer referrals so you can know for sure if you have an ectopic pregnancy and get proper treatment.
Learn more about ectopic pregnancies by clicking here.
General Abortion Questions
What is the abortion pill (also called a medication/chemical abortion)?
The Abortion Pill is generally more than just one pill. It is two different medications (mifepristone and misoprostol) taken to end an early pregnancy (10 weeks or less). It is also referred to as a chemical abortion, medication abortion, or DIY abortion.
Is the abortion pill the same thing as emergency contraception (Plan B)?
No. These are two different types of medications. Plan B is designed to prevent pregnancy within 72 hours of having unprotected sex. The abortion pill (generally more than one pill), is intended to end an early, confirmed pregnancy (10 weeks or less). Learn more about the differences between Plan B and the Abortion Pill by reading our blog article here.
What are the risks associated with the abortion pill?
Some of the risks associated with the abortion pill are...
- Heavy bleeding (2-7% of the time, requiring a surgical procedure to end the pregnancy or stop the bleeding)
- Cramping and vaginal bleeding
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Fever/chills
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
Learn more about the safety of the abortion pill by clicking here.
Should I have an ultrasound prior to taking the abortion pill?
We recommend everyone have an ultrasound before ending or terminating a pregnancy for a few reasons. First, ultrasound is the most reliable way to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy (which will impact the effectiveness of an abortion). Additionally, an ultrasound is the only way to confirm you do not have an ectopic pregnancy which is a serious, life-threatening case where a pregnancy occurs outside of the uterus.
To learn more about the importance of ultrasound, click here.
To schedule a no-cost viability ultrasound at one of our clinics, click here.
Does Care Net of Puget Sound offer abortions?
Care Net of Puget Sound does not offer or refer for abortions. Instead, we offer a safe place where women can explore all their pregnancy options without pressure with people who do not profit from your decision. After visiting our center, clients know that whatever decision they make, they are cared for and welcomed to come back to our center at any time.
Who can I talk to after I’ve had an abortion?
We have a team of women and men dedicated to caring for individuals who have experienced an abortion. Experiencing an abortion can cause a wide variety of emotions, and we are here to help you process them. Learn more about our post-abortive support by clicking here.
What is the abortion pill reversal? Is it legit?
Abortion Pill Reversal is a safe and completely natural way to try to reverse the effects of the first pill of a medical abortion. The regimen of progesterone works to reverse the effects of the first abortion pill and save the pregnancy with a 64-68% success rate.
Progesterone has been safely used in pregnancies for over 50 years. You have the right to change your mind, even if someone told you that you have to complete your abortion. Even if you already started the abortion pill process, reversal may still be a choice for you. Click here to learn more.
Mobile Clinic Questions
What is a Mobile Clinic
A mobile clinic is a van or RV that has been modified to serve as a medical clinic. Care Net utilizes mobile clinics to help serve clients who otherwise might have a difficult time being able to access one of our brick-and-mortar locations due to transportation or other barriers. It also serves as a tool to help us assess areas of need in consideration for future clinic locations.
Our mobile clinic is staffed with client advocates and medical professionals so you can find the same viability ultrasounds and pregnancy tests and consultations on board that you would at one of our other locations!
What should I expect?
Your appointment at a Mobile Clinic will be very much like an appointment at one of our brick-and-mortar locations! We are able to offer most of the same services, including pregnancy testing and consultations, limited STD/STI testing and viability ultrasounds. You will receive the same compassionate, confidential care as any of our medical clinics.
Where does the Mobile Clinic park?
Our current mobile clinic locations are listed on our scheduling page here. Our team works hard to identify high-needs areas. We partner with other agencies and sometimes churches that have safe, accessible parking for the mobile clinic as well as our clients. These partnerships also provide us with an address to make it easy for clients to find us.
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
Absolutely you can! You are welcomed to bring your support person, partner or friend to the appointment if that is what would make you feel more comfortable.