My Birth Control Failed: What Do I Do? - The Hope Clinic

April 28, 2023

While many women rely on birth control to prevent pregnancy, the truth is that it isn’t always effective.

If your birth control has failed, try not to let fear overwhelm you. Instead, create a plan to lay out your next steps.

First Steps

If you think you are pregnant, your first step should be to confirm your pregnancy with a lab-grade pregnancy test and an ultrasound. These tests are free and confidential at the Hope Clinic and provide the details you need about your pregnancy to make an informed decision.

Ultrasounds are necessary regardless of the outcome you choose for your pregnancy. They are used to determine the following:

Is the pregnancy viable? Natural miscarriage is experienced in about 20% of pregnancies. Though a woman may still test positive for pregnancy up to a few weeks after a miscarriage, an ultrasound will determine if the pregnancy is growing and has a heartbeat.
How far along is the pregnancy? The length of your pregnancy determines your options, so this information is vital to your decision-making process. For example, the abortion pill is only FDA-approved for pregnancies under 10 weeks.
Where is the pregnancy located? Sometimes an embryo implants outside of a woman’s uterus resulting in a life-threatening condition for the woman called an ectopic pregnancy. Abortion is ineffective in treating ectopic pregnancy, and it will most often require other immediate medical intervention.

Understand Your Options

When you do your best to prevent pregnancy, and it happens anyway, you might feel like your choice has been taken away from you. But remember, you do have options. Learn about the options for your pregnancy. Gather facts about abortion procedures and risks, the different types of adoption, and available resources if you decide to parent. Having this information will help you make a decision that leaves you with confidence.

We Are Here for You

Please get in touch with us if we can help you through this time. We offer free ultrasounds so you can get the information you need about your pregnancy. Our options counselors can walk you through each of your choices.

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When I found out I was pregnant with my first child, I was single, scared, and alone. I wondered how I would take care of my child. Would I be a good mom? When I went to the Hope Clinic, I felt hope for the first time. The staff members were very nice. They even prayed with me when I found out I was pregnant. I no longer felt alone. I was able to earn Baby Bucks and buy items for my baby. I would recommend the Hope Clinic to any woman who is pregnant or is questioning how she will take care of her child.

Testimonial…I was pregnant with my first child

When I first came to the Hope Clinic, I was 19 and had no idea how I was going to be able to take care of a baby. The staff and volunteers were professional, nice, and understanding. They were not judgmental. Their support and programs helped prepare me to be a mom. The Hope Clinic is a great place, and I am thankful for all that they have done for me.

Testimonial…I am thankful for all that they have done for me.

The ladies are always very caring and informative. If I was to get pregnant again, I would definitely come back as I did with my first one. My test and positive result helped me to get medical coverage to see a doctor and obtain health insurance.

Testimonial…always very caring and informative

I was pregnant at a young age and trying to graduate from high school when I came to the Hope Clinic. The ladies treated me very well and made me feel at home. In fact, sometimes I really do feel more at home at the Hope Clinic than in my own home! I am grateful for all the programs and the help I received. The Hope Clinic is an extremely helpful place!

Testimonial…I was pregnant at a young age

The staff is great. The staff is always friendly and helpful. I like everything especially the Baby Bucks program. It really helps! The Hope Clinic has helped me so much over the last 4 years. I would refer all my friends. They are helpful people who are genuine and want to help. Also being able to get what we needed for our son. I also liked seeing the ultrasound of my daughter and talking to Mary Carol and everyone else. They are very nice and understanding.

Testimonial…The staff is great

The first thing I noticed when walking into The Hope Clinic was how much nicer and more welcoming it felt than Planned Parenthood, which is where I got my pregnancy test for my first son.

Testimonial…The first thing I noticed

When times were rough, The Hope Clinic helped me to overcome my weakness. They prayed with me when times were both bad and good. This gave me the courage to become stronger.

Testimonial…When times were rough

If I could tell people about The Hope Clinic, I would tell them that anything you need they are there for you. I have learned so much and I would definitely recommend them to you! When I first came in, I was at the bottom. I am now getting married in a few weeks and enjoying my life.

Testimonial…If I could tell people about The Hope Clinic

I was 16 years old, pregnant, and trying to figure out how to support a baby on little to no income. When I walked through the doors of The Hope Clinic, I didn’t feel judged. The place really did give me hope. The staff and volunteers were all so kind. They asked about my family every time I came in and actually cared about us.

Testimonial…I was 16 years old