You may have recently discovered you are facing an unexpected pregnancy. Perhaps you weighed the pros and cons of parenting and realized that you weren’t ready for parenting. Perhaps, parenting is not part of your plan.
In the event of an unexpected pregnancy, you have three options: abortion, adoption, and parenting. Let’s discuss the abortion facts and adoption facts. The first step in making an empowerment decision is to ask questions for your informed decision.
Abortion
The following information is answers to commonly asked abortion questions.
Question: “What are potential risks and side effects of abortion?”
Answer: Abortion is a medical procedure that carries potential risks. Abortion risks may include, but are not limited to: allergic reactions to medications, fever, infection, heavy/abnormal bleeding, weakened cervix, torn cervix, incompete abortion, death to the mother in extreme cases. At anytime you believe you are at risk for serious complication during or after an abortion, call 911 for emergency support.
Question: “Are there emotional side effects of abortion?”
Answer: Emotional side effects are possible. The following are common emotional side effects shared from women: regret, shame, loss/grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, or suicidal thoughts.
Question: “What is the difference between medical and surgical abortion?”
Answer: The abortion pill is a medical abortion. This is a common term that refers to two pills (mifepristone and misoprostol) that is used in the medical abortion process. This process both stops nutrients and oxygen from going to the pregnancy and causes intense contractions to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. Surgical abortion refers to several different methods (vacuum aspiration abortion, dilation and curettage abortion, dilation and evacuation, and more.)
Question: “How could abortion affect my relationship?”
Answer: Abortion may affect relationships differently: emotionally, physcially, or psychologically. You and your partner may experience confusion, resentment, relief, or looking for more answers about where to take your relationship. Take the time you need to listen to any concerns or questions your partner may have. Be honest with your thoughts. Communication is important for a healthy relationship.
Adoption
The following information is answers to commonly asked adoption questions.
Question: “What are the benefits of adoption?”
Answer: You and your situation are unique, so you may see many benefits that are quite personal. Some of the common benefits of choosing adoption include: financial stability for the child, two-parent home, stability and opportunity going into the child’s future, emotionally ready parents, etc.
Question: “Is adoption expensive?”
Answer: Many agencies provide services to you at no cost. Assistance with medical and living expenses are oftentimes available. If costs are involved, they may be covered by the adopting family.
Question: “How could I give my baby up?”
Answer: Adoption can be a difficult choice, but also a very loving one. Your baby can know that you loved him/her so much that you wanted the absolute best for them. Rather than “giving up” your baby, you are making a caring and responsible plan as his/her mother for their best future. You are fulfilling your deepest role as the baby’s mother and showing great love.
Question: “How can I be sure my baby will have a good home?”
Answer: Adoptive parents are extensively evaluated through a lengthy process. High standards that are set by the state and agency must be met before a family will be allowed to adopt. Additionally, many agencies make post-adoption visits to check on the well-being of your child. It’s important to remember, you are in control throughout the adoption process. Agencies can provide you with information about prospective families. When planning your child’s adoption, you can choose between an open adoption plan, a closed adoption plan or somewhere in between.
Get Answers About Adoption or Abortion at Options For Women
At Options for Women / River Falls, we offer Pregnancy Health Assessments at no cost to you. We provide a medical grade pregnancy test. If that test is positive, an ultrasound may be performed to determine exactly how far along you are and if your pregnancy is viable (looks like it will carry to term or naturally miscarry).
Your nurse can answer your medical questions. Your Advocate will complete intake paperwork to best serve you and offer you practical help.
Confidential services. Caring support. Answers for you.
Schedule your Pregnancy Health Assessment appointment at (715) 425-8539 or online here. Learn more about how Options for Women / River Falls can support you at optionsforwomenrf.com. At Options for Women / River Falls you have access to talk about all of your pregnancy options.
This information is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional counseling and/or medical advice. Options for Women / River Falls offers consultations and accurate information about all pregnancy options, but we do not offer or refer for abortion services.
