FAQ - Anchor of Hope
personalized care in women's health

(920) 452-4673   |  [email protected]

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I confidentially speak with a nurse? 
Yes, you can call/text 920-452-4673 to ask any questions. 
Do I have to tell anyone about my appointment? 
 Your appointment is your appointment and is completely confidential.
Can I bring a parent, friend or partner with me to my appointment? 
Yes, absolutely!
How much do services cost?
All of our services of free of charge.
How do I prepare for my visit?
Please bring a photo ID. If you are having a pregnancy test or STD testing, you should not use the restroom within an hour of your visit, to ensure the most accurate test results. The nurse will give instructions for ultrasound appointments.
How long will my appointment take?
Most appointments take 45 minutes to an hour.
How will I get my test results from my appointment?
You will receive your pregnancy tests results at the time of your appointment. Medical staff can also provide you with pregnancy verification, a requirement for certain benefits. STD results will take 3-7 days to receive. A follow-up results appointment will be scheduled at the time of your appointment.
What is the NPP (Notice of Privacy Practices)?

PREGNANCY

I have taken a pregnancy test at home, and it’s positive.  Should I still call?
Yes, we offer medical grade pregnancy test and can talk you through the results. 
How soon will an at-home test show I’m pregnant?
Some tests claim to be accurate as soon as the first day of your missed period.   
What if my test is negative? 
Wait a day or two and then take another test.  
Can I still request an appointment if I have a negative test? 
Absolutely!  Request an appointment now.  (Enter your information on the right.) 
Why wait to take a test?  
After fertilization and then implementation, the placenta forms and produces the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG).  This hormone then enters your bloodstream and urine.  As the pregnancy progresses, the HCG concentration doubles every two to three days.  The pregnancy test detects the HCG, thus indicating a positive test result.  The more days you wait, the higher the concentration of HCG. 

ABORTION

I am considering an abortion.  Should I still make an appointment at Anchor of Hope? 
Yes, we are here to discuss all of your options with you.  All of our services are free of charge, professional and confidential.  We’re here to talk.  No matter what. 
If I have taken the first dose of the abortion pill and regret my decision, is it too late?
It may not be too late.  Contact the 24/7 hotline and get help now:  1-877-558-0333 or live chat:  https://www.abortionpillreversal.com/. 
What is a medical abortion?  
A medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill or chemical abortion, is a pregnancy termination process that involves taking two different drugs:  Mifepristone and Misoprostol.  The FDA has approved its use for up to the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.  Learn more:  https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
What is a surgical abortion?  

Surgical abortions are also called in-clinic abortions.  There are 2 types of surgical abortion:

  • Aspiration abortion:  It is performed on women up to 14 weeks after their last period.
    • Medicine given:  pain medicine, which can include a numbing medication that is injected into the cervix.
    • Average clinic visit:  3-4 hours
    • Process: “Your doctor will first insert a speculum and examine your uterus.  Your cervix will be stretched and opened with dilators either before or during the procedure.  Your doctor will insert a tube through the cervix into the uterus, which is attached to a suction device.  This will empty the uterus.  Many women will feel mild to moderate cramping during this portion of the procedure.  The cramping typically decreases after the tube is removed from the uterus.” Source:  https://www.healthline.com/health/surgical-abortion#abortion-types
    • Dilation & Evacuation (D&E) Abortion:  It is typically performed at 14 or 16 weeks or after.
      • Medicine given: pain medicine
      • Average clinic visit: 3-4 hours
      • Process: “This procedure starts the same way as an aspiration abortion, with the doctor applying pain medication, checking your uterus, and dilating your cervix.  Like the aspiration abortion, the doctor inserts a tube attached to a suction machine to the uterus through the cervix and, combined with the other medical tools, it will gently empty the uterus.  After the tube has been removed, your doctor will use a small, metal loop-shaped tool called a curette to remove any remaining tissue that is lining the uterus.  This will ensure that the uterus is completely empty.”  Source:  https://www.healthline.com/health/surgical-abortion#abortion-types
What is the law in Wisconsin regarding my rights to an abortion?
 Click here:  https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p4/p40074.pdf
Can I get an abortion at Anchor of Hope?

Anchor of Hope does not perform or refer for an abortion. However, we do provide education, medical grade pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, abortion pill reversal, and a medical consultation with a licensed medical professional to help you consider your options while making a pregnancy decision.

ABORTION RECOVERY

What happens after an abortion? 

We offer post-abortion medical appointments. We know that pregnancy is a life-changing event for both those who choose to carry pregnancies to term and those who choose to terminate a pregnancy. Because of this, we want to be able to offer you free and confidential support no matter your decision. CONTACT US by submitting this form, or by calling or texting 920-452-4673.

We offer post-abortion emotional support. Many women may experience, emotional, physical or relational struggles resulting from a past abortion decision. Forgiven & Set Free is a 10-week program designed for individuals who realize group support may help them work through the various steps of grieving this loss.  Contact us by submitting this form, or by calling 920-452-4673 or texting “HEALING” to 920-452-4673.

ADOPTION

What is an open adoption? 
 An open adoption is an adoption option that allows for open communication between birth parents and adoptive parents before birth of the child and after.  This can include all or some of the following: sharing texts, phone calls, pictures, celebrating milestones (birthdays, baptism, etc.), scheduled visits. 
What is a closed adoption? 
A closed adoption is an adoption option in which birth parents and adoptive parents have little to not contact. 
What is the law in Wisconsin regarding my rights as a birth mom to an adoption? 

https://wiadopt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/birthparentepacketnewspreads20192fp-gc.pdf

Can I still request an appointment if making an adoption plan may be an option for me? 

Absolutely! We are here to discuss all of your options.  Request an appointment now. 

PARENTING

Can I still request an appointment if I am planning on parenting?

Absolutely! We are here to discuss all of your options.  Request an appointment now. 

Are there services within Sheboygan County that would support me during my pregnancy and after?
Yes.  We can provide you a list of referrals that can assist you during and after your pregnancy. 

STD TESTING

When should I get tested for STD’s?
The Center for Disease Control recommends STD/STI testing any time you have a new partner or multiple sex partners.
Does my yearly checkup include STD testing?

The services performed in a yearly check-up vary by physician. Some physicians will not screen for STIs as a part of your routine appointment unless you request it. Please ask your physician for more information on their STI testing protocol and remember the Centers for Disease Control recommends screening any time you have had a new or multiple sex partners.

I’m under 18, do I need my parents’ permission for testing?
No. The Sexual Health Reproductive laws in Wisconsin allow us to provide full testing and treatment to you without parental consent. However, because STI and pregnancy testing can often lead to a wide range of follow up discussions, we encourage clients to talk with a trusted family member or friend about sexual health concerns. If you choose, you may bring that person to the appointment. All services are free of charge and confidential with the very rare exceptions of abuse or neglect where reporting is required by law.
Do I have to be tested for everything?

No, our licensed medical professionals will help assess your level of risk for various infections and provide you with information and make a testing recommendation.

How do you test for STD’s? (What to expect if I am tested)
  • Bacterical Vaginosis- vaginal swab*
  • Chlamydia- urine sample
  • Gonorrhea- urine sample
  • Hepatitis- blood work
  • Herpes- blood work
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)- blood work
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)- pap test/visual exam (if necessary)*
  • Syphilis- blood work
  • Trichomoniasis- vaginal swab*/urine sample

*Indicates not currently testing for this infection

CONTRACEPTION

Do you provide Plan B?
No, we are not a dispensary for emergency contraception (Plan B, The Morning After Pill); however, someone from our medical staff is happy to discuss how it works and the possible side effects of its usage.
Do you prescribe birth control?

Anchor of Hope Health Center does not provide, nor refer, for hormonal birth control. However, licensed medical staff are available to provide information about birth control. Medical staff may also refer you to your primary physician to discuss this subject. 

Do you give out condoms?

No, we do not provide condoms.

Regarding pregnancy, condoms, when used properly every time, have a theoretical effectiveness rate of 98% for pregnancy. In reality, “18 out of 100 people will be come pregnant if condoms are the only birth control used.” Source: https://birthcontrol.com/options/condom/how-effective-are-condoms/.

Regarding sexual health risk, although condoms can reduce the exposure rick to infections, they do not eliminate risk of infection. The CDC states, “The most reliable ways to avoid transmission of STD’s are to abstain from sexual activity, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.” Source: https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/brief.html

Anchor of Hope Health Center is a faith-based community non profit committed to providing you with everything you need to make an informed choice. We believe women and men have a right to accurate information from a resource that will not profit from your choices. All services to our patients are completely FREE of charge, professional and confidential. We do not provide or refer for abortions. We do not profit from any of your sexual health or pregnancy decisions.