6 Questions to Ask Yourself if You’re Considering Abortion

Jan 17, 2018

Any pregnancy is scary, even if you’ve been planning to become pregnant. But when it’s unplanned or unexpected, the prospect of caring for a child can be daunting and alienating. It’s hard to know what to do in that situation, especially if it’s something you’ve never gone through before.

Should you ever find yourself in that situation, there are a couple of things you should know. One, you are not as alone as you might feel. Even if those close to you don’t feel very supportive, there are people genuinely invested in your well-being. Two, those feelings you’re having? They’re normal.

One thing you may be exploring is the possibility of abortion. Before pursuing that path, however, there are several questions you need to ask yourself. Asking these questions will allow you to step out of the immediate moment, and consider the long-term effects an abortion would have on your life, as well as the possible ramifications of such a procedure.

What are my options?

There are more options than you might think. You can choose to parent, adopt, or have an abortion. Whatever you’re currently considering, it is important to be knowledgeable on the ramifications of your decision. For example, if you decide to have an abortion, there are several different procedures, side effects and potential injuries that can be involved. There are also other important details to consider, like when your last period was, where the procedure can be performed and how much the different types of procedures can cost. Turning Point PRC’s patient advocates can provide you with all the information you need to reach the best decision for you.

How will an abortion affect me emotionally?

Emotionally, the effects of an abortion vary from woman to woman, but abortion-associated grief is often cited as one of the more common long-term side effects. Approximately 50% of women who have an abortion experience symptoms such as depression, guilt and insomnia, among other issues, that can last as long as nine months. Studies also show that some women face these emotional side effects for a lifetime. Try not to make a permanent decision out of a temporary emotion.

How far along am I?

Not knowing exactly how far along you are can make the situation even scarier. Fortunately, there are no-cost services available to give you a precise estimate. Turning Point PRC offers a safe and confidential location to have both a pregnancy test and ultrasound performed by a qualified health professional. This will give you a better understanding of your options, as they vary depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Be aware that if you choose to have an abortion, your pregnancy must be confirmed with an ultrasound before you can have the procedure. The stage of pregnancy also determines what kind of procedure you can receive.

Is an abortion a safe procedure?

The safety of an abortion varies greatly depending on where it is performed, the quality of the doctor, the type of procedure, and how far along the pregnancy is. However, no matter the circumstances, physical complications such as hemorrhage, infection, and others can occur. Usually, the later in the pregnancy, the much more dangerous it can be. While it’s often recommended that abortions take place in the first or early second trimesters, not all procedures are successful, meaning you would have to undergo another procedure. More procedures can increase the risk of adverse health effects. Women who choose to have an abortion late in their pregnancy must undergo more intense surgical procedures, where potential consequences are much more serious, such as loss of life.

Are there any long-term health risks associated with abortion?

Abortion brings with it the potential for several long-term health risks beyond the procedure itself, such as:

Tubal pregnancies

Placenta previa

Miscarriage

Decreased maternal bonding

Possible increased risk of breast cancer

Infection

Severe bleeding and cramping

Emotional distress, such as depression and guilt

What are the different types of abortion procedures?

There are two primary types of abortion procedures: medical and surgical. Medical abortions require the ingestion of medicines to terminate the pregnancy. These procedures have a similar effect on the body and pregnancy like a miscarriage. Surgical procedures are an operation performed with local anesthetic, and can be done in a doctor’s office or clinic. Surgical procedures become more intense the farther along the pregnancy is. For more information on the different types of procedures, visit our webpage.

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We understand the prospect of aborting an unplanned pregnancy is a heavy topic. There are several things you’ll want to consider – the above questions are not an exhaustive list by any means; regardless, it’s important that you do what you can to be patient, and make an informed decision. It’s in your best interest to take it slow, even if that’s the opposite of what you may want to do.

If you’re in need of support in dealing with an unplanned pregnancy, please call us at (858) 397-1970, text at (858) 822-9335, or send a confidential email to info@mmpregnancy.com.

You are not alone; we are here to help.