Before You Decide Abortion or Baby, Look A Minute
You might be pregnant and that can be scary. Let's take a few minutes to think and talk
about what this means to you. Anytime a man and woman have sex, pregnancy can happen.
It's how we all came into the world, some of us by accident.
From the time you become pregnant, your body responds with powerful changes that will support the pregnancy. When
you became unexpectedly pregnant, it can feel like life has come to a stop. No matter what
happens from this point forward, things will be different. However, life will continue
on; it just changes direction.
You have two choices: an abortion or a baby. First let's
talk about having an abortion.
An abortion is preformed by taking a series of pills or
through a surgical procedure which will end a pregnancy by stopping the growth of your
fetus and removing it from your body.
Many states require parental notification or consent
before an abortion is allowed for anyone under eighteen. First, it's important to have your
pregnancy confirmed.
An ultrasound can tell how far along you are, which will determine
the type of abortion that can be done.
Abortive pills are usually taken early in pregnancy.
These pills cut off the life-line to the growing embryo and cause you to have cramps, which
will push the embryo out.
Potential risks include heavy or prolonged bleeding, infection,
and failed abortion.
Taking abortive pills will usually lead to the end of the pregnancy
in a non-surgical manner.
In cases where these pills fail, a surgical procedure is usually
done to complete the abortion. Surgical abortions are preformed at any time after pregnancy
is confirmed. Up to approximately fourteen or fifteen weeks from the last menstrual period,
a suction aspiration procedure is performed.
A long plastic tube is inserted into the uterus, attached to a suction device, and the fetus is suctioned out. Some of the risks include
heavy bleeding, infection, damage to your body, and emotional problems like anxiety,
depression, and suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Approximately sixteen weeks from the last
menstrual period and beyond, a more complicated surgical abortion is required. At this stage,
the fetus has grown too large to fit through suction tubing. Surgical instruments are used
to grasp and pull body parts through the open cervix.
A scraping instrument and the suction machine may be used to clear remaining tissue or blood clots.
Surgical abortion at this stage of pregnancy has a greater risk of complications including incomplete abortion, which occurs
when fetal tissue is left in your body.
Other risks include heavy bleeding, infection, and
organ damage. After about twenty-four weeks from the last menstrual period, it is possible
for the fetus to survive outside of the mother's body. The law requires that the doctor must
make sure that the fetus is no longer alive before it is removed. This is done by giving
the an injection to stop the fetal heart. Before proceeding with the remainder of the
surgical abortion. Later term abortions are much more expensive and not available in many
states. They are also associated with a much higher risk of complications and carry the
highest risk of death compared to earlier abortions. An abortion ends a pregnancy quickly
and some women express immediate relief. But others report negative emotions that linger.
Sometimes, mental health issues that disrupt a woman's life emerge months or even years
later. Now, let's talk about having a baby. If you choose to continue your pregnancy,
your body will stay on its natural course through the birth of your baby. You can choose
to be a parent or place for adoption. Choosing to parent means you get to give your baby
a name and help him or her grow. Parenting a child is rewarding, but comes with many
challenges. Your relationships may change if your partner, family, or friends don't
support your decision at first.
You will have many new responsibilities. Likewise, having
a child will create additional financial needs. Your body will undergo numerous changes. Some
are exciting, like feeling the baby move, and some are unpleasant, like morning sickness.
It is important to take care of yourself for your babies benefit. You'll need to plan for
your medical care during the pregnancy, for your delivery, and for both you and your baby
after birth. There are community programs that can help with, or completely cover these
expenses. If you and your partner are committed to raising your child together, marriage could
be the best parenting option.
Choosing to place for adoption will allow you to maintain
your current life plans, although there may be a temporary delay during your pregnancy.
Adoption is not without its challenges. You will go through the physical changes typical
when carrying and delivering a baby. Your friends or family may not fully understand
your choice, and you may face an emotional struggle to place your child in an adoptive
family once he or she is born.
However, with the right emotional support in place, most
women don't regret their choice to place their baby in a loving home. You can even select
the adoptive parents. In fact, there are many options for you to consider, including being
a part of your child's life in some way. This is called, "Open Adoption." It is important
to remember that adoption is not a decision you have to make today. You'll have time over
the next few months to ask questions and really understand if this is the best choice for
you and your baby.
Choosing between having an abortion or a baby is one of the most important
decisions you will ever make.
Take the time to think and talk about your options.
You are not alone, we are here to help you!
