Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be daunting, especially if you’re unsure of what the wisest next step is. If you have already determined that parenting is not an option for you, your options are adoption and abortion.
Read this article to understand better what each option entails so you can make an empowered choice for your pregnancy.
What Do I Need to Know About Abortion?
Surgical Abortion Risks
Anyone who is considering a medical procedure deserves to know if there is any type of risk, no matter how small.
The Mayo Clinic lists the following as potential risks of surgical abortion:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Infection
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
Medical Abortion Risks
Medical abortion is FDA-approved for pregnancies less than 10 weeks along. There are some potential risks to be aware of as well. The Mayo Clinic lists the following:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
Psychological Impacts of Abortion
While abortion is often presented as a convenient and discreet solution to an unplanned pregnancy, there are some possible mental health effects to be aware of such as:
According to one study, some women who undergo an abortion procedure have significantly higher rates of substance abuse and anxiety.
If mental health is something that you already struggle with, it’s important to take this into consideration as you are making your decision.
What Do I Need to Know About Adoption?
As the biological parent, you get to make an adoption plan that works best for you. There are an array of choices that you can select to create an adoption plan that matches what you want for your future.
- Open Adoption– You have a relationship with the child and adoptive family (this is the most popular adoption option in the US).
- Closed Adoption– You do not have a relationship with the child or adoptive family, and details about you cannot be disclosed.
- Semi-Open Adoption– You communicate with the adoptive parents through the adoption agency, so your identity is never actually revealed.
The adoption plan you choose is based on the level of privacy you want as well as the outcomes you desire.
Psychological Impacts of Adoption
It is also possible that some women may suffer emotionally after adoption, and that can look like the 5 stages of grief or even postpartum depression.
It’s important to consider how adoption may impact you, especially after going through nine months of pregnancy and birth. It’s not an easy choice, though it can be rewarding in the long run.
It is worth noting that the benefits of open adoption include increased closure, control, and reduced uncertainty through interactions with the child’s adoptive family
Adoption Expenses
There is no cost for making an adoption plan. In many cases, the adoptive family covers the medical and material needs of the pregnant woman.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are still unsure which is the best choice for you, we offer no-cost options consultations at our center.
We intentionally cultivate an atmosphere that is compassionate and judgment-free so that you have the space to process and ask questions about your pregnancy.
We are here to equip you with information so you can make the decision that feels right for YOU. Contact us today!