Last updated: 7/26/2026
Guide to Informed Consent Regulations:
Informed Consent is a required term or statement that an abortion clinic may be forced to tell you in order to perform an abortion. Anti-choice state legislators will often create these laws to scare women into changing their minds, despite the wording they force providers to use being either misleading or untrue. The policies and wording are different based on the state you decide to seek an abortion.
This guide is to explain the most common examples of informed consent statements and claims that abortion providers are forced to make, whether or not they are medically-accurate.
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CLAIM:
"Life begins at the moment of conception."
TRUTH:
This claim originates from religious doctrine, rather than anything scientifically-proven or verified.
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CLAIM:
"Abortion increases your risk of breast cancer."
TRUTH:
According to the American Cancer Society, there is no evidence to support this claim whatsoever. Learn more here: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/medical-treatments/abortion-and-breast-cancer-risk.html
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CLAIM:
"There is a severe risk of bleeding and infection during an abortion."
TRUTH:
These rarely occur during an abortion, especially with a first-trimester abortion. It is worth noting that these same effects can also occur when carrying a pregnancy to term.
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CLAIM:
"Fetuses can feel pain in less than 24 weeks."
TRUTH:
Based on current scientific data, fetuses do not develop brains they need to feel pain until 23-24 weeks. Learn more here: https://www.livescience.com/54774-fetal-pain-anesthesia.html
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CLAIM:
"Your medial abortion can always be reversed."
TRUTH:
According to The Washington Post, this is a dangerous and misleading claim entirely. Learn more here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2019/12/24/some-lawmakers-push-abortion-reversal-treatments-new-study-shows-how-dangerous-they-are/
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CLAIM:
[Any language that refers to the fetus as a "baby" or "person"]
TRUTH:
A fetus, especially before 22 weeks is unable to survive outside the womb as it is not developed enough. There is no scientific basis to calling a fetus a "baby."
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CLAIM:
[Any advertisements for "abortion alternatives," such as adoption or parenting classes]
TRUTH:
Remember to be firm on your choice, rejecting any offers or guilt-tripping about your personal decision.
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CLAIM:
"Abortion increases your risk of infertility."
TRUTH:
According to Healthline, this is heavily exaggerated and unlikely to happen, especially in a clean and inspected facility. Learn more here: https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/can-abortion-cause-infertility
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CLAIM:
"Abortion increases the risk of psychological effects, such as depression and suicidal thoughts."
TRUTH:
According to the American Psychological Association, there is no evidence to support that claim, especially with women who have little-to-no pyschological issues. Learn more here: https://www.apa.org/pi/women/programs/abortion/mental-health.pdf
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Please note that regulations may vary by state. Check here for your state's regulations: https://www.abortionfinder.org/abortion-guides-by-state
