If you’ve recently learned that you’re pregnant and don’t want to be, you may struggle with what to do next. Understandably, you may feel abortion is your only option. However, you should first familiarize yourself with the procedure and understand you do have two other choices: adoption and parenting.

Abortion: What To Know

In a medical abortion, a combination of two drugs is used to terminate an early-stage viable pregnancy. Medical abortion is FDA-approved through ten weeks of gestation (70 days since the first day of your last menstrual period). The first drug, mifepristone, inhibits the action of progesterone. The second, misoprostol, induces contractions in the uterus, leading to the expulsion of the pregnancy.

There are some associated risks with medical abortion:

• Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
• An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

A surgical abortion is typically carried out in the later stages of pregnancy. This procedure involves the use of medications, surgical tools, and suction techniques, or a mix of these methods, to terminate the pregnancy. 

Similar to a medical abortion, you can expect to experience cramping and bleeding. Although uncommon, the risks associated with surgical abortion can be significant, and include:

• Uterine perforation, which is when the surgical instruments poke a hole in your uterus)
• Uterine scarring, which can lead to painful periods and future infertility
• Cervical damage
• Infection

As you can see, abortion is a serious medical procedure and one that you shouldn’t go into lightly. Let’s explore your other two options regarding your pregnancy.

Parenting and Adoption

Parenting is a complex and demanding task with significant responsibilities, yet it offers immense rewards. When deciding about raising a child, several factors need to be considered. 

These include assessing whether you can provide a loving, safe home environment, the availability of a support system to assist in parenting, the involvement of the baby’s father, financial stability to support a child, the personal qualities you have that would aid in parenting, and the resources you would need for effective parenting.

If you don’t feel ready to parent, adoption is another option for you. Modern adoption allows for more flexibility and freedom for women than ever before. You can choose the adoptive family, the means and modes of communication, and even get maternal and financial support during your pregnancy.

A Pregnancy Center and Clinic can provide you with the resources you want to discover should you decide to parent or go with adoption.

Fully Explore Your Options

You don’t have to make this decision alone. Get fully informed of all your options at A Pregnancy Center and Clinic. 

We provide free pregnancy services and resources in a safe and confidential environment. Our compassionate staff is here to answer all your burning questions. 

Make an appointment today.