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Figuring out next steps after a positive pregnancy test

This guide covers all options — continuing the pregnancy, abortion, and adoption — with no pressure toward any of them. Whatever you decide, you deserve accurate information and good care. A note on language: pregnancy is something that happens to people of all genders. If you're a trans man, nonbinary person, or anyone else for whom pregnancy is complicated or unexpected, this is written with you specifically in mind.

Step 1

Confirm the pregnancy and find out how far along you are

As soon as possible

A home pregnancy test is accurate after a missed period, but for confirming gestational age — which determines your options and timeline — you need a clinic visit or blood test.

Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette offers same-day or next-day confirmation appointments at multiple Portland-area locations. Call 503-775-0861.

⚠️ Don't go to a Crisis Pregnancy Center (CPC) for this. CPCs are not licensed medical providers and are not neutral — they exist to discourage abortion and do not provide complete information about your options. Planned Parenthood, Cascadia, and community health centers do.

Step 2

Enroll in OHP immediately if you're uninsured

Right away — retroactive coverage

Pregnancy qualifies you for Oregon Medicaid immediately, regardless of immigration status for most programs.

Apply at one.oregon.gov or call 1-800-699-9075. Coverage is retroactive to the month you applied.

OHP covers: prenatal care, birth, postpartum care, abortion, gender-affirming care, and doula services (up to 8 visits at no cost). If you have questions about what's covered, call the OHP customer service line: 1-800-699-9075.

Step 3

Know your options and your timeline

As soon as you know

Oregon has no gestational limits on abortion. If you're considering termination, earlier is almost always easier and less expensive — but you have time to make an informed decision.

All-options counseling (no agenda, no pressure) is available at:

  • Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette (503-775-0861)
  • Carafem — carafem.org

Whatever you're considering — continuing, terminating, or adoption — these providers will give you complete, accurate information and support your decision.

Step 4

Choose a prenatal provider if you're continuing the pregnancy

By 8–10 weeks

Your first prenatal appointment should happen by 8–10 weeks. Community health centers in all three counties see patients on a sliding scale regardless of insurance status.

Call 211 for the closest community health center to you.

If you're on OHP, any OHP-accepting provider will see you — call your CCO's member services line for a list of in-network OB/GYN and midwifery providers.

🏳️‍⚧️ Trans and nonbinary people can request trans-affirming providers. Planned Parenthood has a strong track record of affirming care. You can note your gender identity at intake and request specific language preferences with your care team.

Step 5

Enroll in WIC right now — you qualify immediately

Immediately — no waiting period

WIC provides free foods (produce, dairy, eggs, infant formula), nutrition support, and breastfeeding or chestfeeding help. You qualify the moment you're pregnant — you don't have to wait until birth.

How to enroll: Call your county WIC office or search wic.oregon.gov. You can also call 211 for your nearest site.

WIC is separate from OHP — you can have both. Monthly food benefit amounts are loaded on an Oregon Trail Card (EBT).

Step 6

OHP covers doulas — ask for a referral

Any time during pregnancy

If you want a doula — someone to support you before, during, and after birth — OHP covers up to 8 doula visits at no cost to you.

Trans-affirming doulas are available in Portland. Ask your prenatal provider for a referral, or call 211 and ask for "doula services in my county."

Step 7

Tell your provider about mental health needs early

At your first prenatal appointment

Pregnancy and early parenthood are high-risk times for anxiety and depression. Asking for support is not weakness — it's part of prenatal care, and OHP covers it.

Asking for a mental health referral at your first prenatal appointment is the easiest path. You can also call:

  • Baby Blues Connection (503-328-0033): free peer support for perinatal and postpartum mental health — Portland metro
  • David Romprey Warmline (1-800-698-2392): 24/7 peer support, any time you need to talk
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