If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and wondering if abortion or adoption is right for you, there are many factors to consider. However, only you can make this decision.
Read on to learn more about the essentials you need to know about these two pregnancy options. Or, if you want to speak with someone in person about your pregnancy choices, contact Woman to Woman for a free, confidential Pregnancy Options Consultation. During this appointment, you’ll receive medically accurate information and services and be given the space to ask questions in a judgment-free zone.
How Does Abortion Work?
Abortion is a serious procedure that terminates a pregnancy. There are two main types of abortion—medical or surgical—and both come with physical risks that range from mild to severe.
A medical abortion is only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is under 10 weeks old. It involves taking two different drugs that will terminate your pregnancy and expel it through your vagina. During the process, you will experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, but you may also encounter the following side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Surgical abortion involves dilating the cervix so that medical instruments can enter the uterus to remove the pregnancy. This is done through scraping tools and forceful suction.
The risks associated with surgical abortion include:
- Perforation of the uterus (this happens when the medical instruments poke a hole in your uterus)
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
Along with these physical risks and side effects, there are mental health implications as well. While some women feel immediate relief after abortion, other women experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges days, weeks, or even years later.
What Goes Into Adoption?
Adoption is an emotionally complex yet selfless decision that provides a future for your pregnancy. While adoption means carrying your pregnancy to term and placing your parental rights with an adoptive family, you have many options within this choice.
For example, in an open adoption plan, you can actually choose the adoptive family and how much communication you have with them. A semi-open adoption is similar, but all communication is mediated between a third party, like an adoption agency. In a closed adoption, you and the adoptive family won’t know any specific details about each other, although you still may give directions regarding preferences for types of parents. All three plans empower you to make a wonderful parenting plan for your child.
Next Steps
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can certainly feel scary, but you do not have to be alone. At Woman to Woman, we’re here for you. We offer free pregnancy resources that can help you feel confident about how to move forward. Contact us today to be connected to one of our caring team members—because you’re worth it.