Discovering you’re unexpectedly pregnant can be overwhelming, leaving you with tough questions like, “What should I do if I’m not ready to parent?” You’re not alone in facing this decision, and understanding your options is an essential first step.
Two of the most common alternatives are abortion and adoption, each with its own implications and considerations. We’ll take you through the essential aspects of both choices, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your values and circumstances.
Considering Abortion
Abortion is a serious medical procedure to terminate a pregnancy with physical and mental risks to consider. There are two types: medical and surgical abortion.
A medical abortion uses powerful drugs to end a pregnancy. It’s FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation (how far along you are).
The risks of a medical abortion include:
- The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical abortion.
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work.
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
- Infection.
- Fever.
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach.
A surgical abortion uses a combination of medical instruments, drugs, suction, and other tools to remove a pregnancy from the uterus. It’s usually performed later in pregnancy.
The risks of a surgical abortion include:
- Perforation of the uterus.
- Damage to the cervix.
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall.
- Infection.
There are also mental health effects to consider. One study found that “The abortion experience directly contributes to mental health problems for at least some women.”
Adoption
While choosing adoption means carrying the pregnancy to term, it opens up the possibility of providing your child with a loving and stable home. It also allows a hopeful couple to fulfill their dream of becoming parents, creating a family filled with love and opportunity.
Modern adoption processes have evolved significantly, offering women more choices and control over the adoption plan.
You now have the opportunity to be actively involved in selecting the family. You can also decide how much contact you wish to maintain with your child and their adoptive family, whether it’s through regular updates, occasional visits, or complete confidentiality.
With the support of adoption agencies and counselors, you can tailor the process to meet your needs and preferences, ensuring your voice is heard and respected at every step.
The decision to pursue adoption is not easy but can be a source of comfort and strength during the challenging moments of the pregnancy.
Talk With Us
Care Net Pregnancy Center of Borger is here to help you weigh your options as you navigate an unexpected pregnancy. Get free pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and information so you can make a confident choice.
You can make a free appointment to talk with us confidentially one-on-one. Let us be a beacon of hope for you during this critical time.
Make an appointment today.
*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
