Discovering you are unexpectedly pregnant is a shock. In your mind, you had plans for the future, but pregnancy wasn’t part of it at this time. It can be difficult to know what to do.
You have three options for your pregnancy: have an abortion, choose to parent, or place your child for adoption. Out of those three options, abortion is the only one that ends a pregnancy.
As you look ahead, know that each one of these options will significantly impact your life. A closer look at each is critical to making a confident decision. We’re here to provide the facts so you can make an informed choice.
Having an Abortion
There are two main types of abortion: medical and surgical. How far along you are in your pregnancy usually determines which type you qualify for.
The FDA approves the use of abortion drugs (a medical abortion) through 10 weeks of pregnancy only. The farther along you are in your pregnancy, the less effective the drugs are.
You can expect bleeding and cramping with both types of abortion. However, you may experience heavy bleeding with blood clots and severe contractions when using the abortion drugs.
Knowing what to expect is vital because you perform a medical abortion (also known as the abortion pill method) at home.
Abortion providers perform a surgical abortion in a clinic or hospital. It involves using suction, instruments to scrape the walls of the uterus, and possibly forceps. The abortion is quicker, but more expensive, because the provider may need to dilate (open) your cervix, and you may require anesthesia.
Choosing to Parent
Although parenting may seem physically and emotionally impossible, you may be surprised at the many resources available. Ask yourself the following questions to find out what resources you have and what you would need.
- Do I have a loving, safe home environment to raise a child?
- Will my parents or partner support me financially and emotionally?
- Do I have a stable income to support a child financially?
- Can I continue school or work, and parent?
- How can I get childcare, medical insurance, baby items, etc.?
Women’s Hope Medical Clinic provides assistance for new parents. Please contact us to receive information and support as you navigate the beginning stages of parenting.
Making an Adoption Plan
Many misconceptions surround adoption. Women choose this option when they don’t feel they are ready to parent, but do not want to have an abortion.
Today’s adoption process gives the expectant mother or birth mother control. You select the adoptive parents who will raise your child and the future you hope they will have. You also decide how much contact you would like to have with the adoptive family and your child.
Adoption is not a one-day choice. It’s a lifetime decision that can have emotional ramifications if you do not understand the process fully. It’s vital to select an adoption coordinator who provides thorough adoption counseling before, during, and after the finalization of the adoption.
How the Women’s Hope Medical Clinic Can Help
We do not perform or refer for abortion. Still, we can provide factual, medically based information about abortion procedures, the side effects to expect, and the potential physical and emotional risks. In addition, we will gladly connect you with parenting and/or adoption resources to answer any related questions you may have.
Set up a no-cost appointment with one of our trained client specialists for an options consultation. Talk to us about your situation, your hopes for the future, and your concerns. Together, we can find a solution for a brighter day. We care about you.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.