If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and don’t think parenting is an option, your other choices are abortion or adoption.
Choosing between these two options comes with challenges, but being fully informed about each choice is the best way to decide.
Read on to learn more about the essentials you need to know when deciding between abortion or adoption. Or, if you want to talk to someone in person about your pregnancy options, contact Spero Medical today to schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment.
Is Abortion Right for Me?
Abortion is the act of terminating a pregnancy and removing it from your uterus.
When considering abortion, it’s essential to be aware of the risks that abortion may pose to your physical and mental health.
The physical risks associated with medical abortion (also known as the “abortion pill”) include:
- 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
The physical risks associated with surgical abortion include:
- Uterine perforation (this occurs when one of the medical instruments pokes a hole in your uterus)
- Uterine scarring, which can lead to painful periods or future infertility
- Cervical damage
- Infection
Along with the physical risks, abortion is also associated with mental health risks. A report by the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Task Force on Mental Health and Abortion (TFMHA) found that some women experience the following mental health risks after an abortion:
- Sadness
- Grief
- Feelings of loss
- Depression
- Anxiety
According to the TFMHA report, two years after their abortions, 1.5% of the women participating in the study “had all the symptoms for abortion-specific post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” which is characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
Is Adoption Right for Me?
Adoption involves carrying your pregnancy to term and giving your parental rights to an adoptive family.
Adoption can be an emotionally difficult choice, but it can also be rewarding as it gives your pregnancy a future.
When considering if adoption is right for you, it’s important to know that adoption is full of options. You can decide if you want to communicate with the adoptive family and child or whether you’d like to remain anonymous.
If you choose adoption, you will work closely with an adoption agency to make an adoption plan, which is a document that outlines your goals and desires within the adoption process.
You’re Not Alone
Trying to decide how to move forward in your pregnancy can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. At Spero Medical, we’re here for you.
We offer free pregnancy resources, services, and information to help you feel empowered to make an informed decision. Contact us today to schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment with one of our caring team members.
Only you can decide what’s best for your pregnancy, but we’re here to support you along the way.