When facing an unplanned pregnancy, well-meaning friends or family may have opinions about your best option, but it is ultimately your decision.
The amount of information available can be overwhelming, but only you can decide what suits you. If you know parenting isn’t possible, read this article to learn more about abortion and adoption.
Potential After-Effects of Abortion
Like any other medical procedure, abortion comes with risks, but they are not just limited to your physical health. You must understand the financial costs of abortion and its potential toll on your mental health.
Psychological
The specific psychological effects a woman might experience are difficult to predict, but many experts agree that “abortion is consistently associated with elevated rates of mental illness.”
Ranging from anxiety to PTSD symptoms, women who already struggle with mental health are especially at risk for negative psychological impacts after an abortion procedure.
Physical Risks of Surgical Abortion
While the psychological aspects are important, there are some potential physical risks to be aware of.
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
Physical Risks of Medical Abortion
If you are early enough in your pregnancy for a medical abortion, there are some other potential risks to be aware of. 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
What Do I Need to Know About Adoption?
Choosing adoption allows you, the biological parent, to customize a plan that suits your needs, wants, and lifestyle. You can select the potential adoptive couple who will raise your child. Several options to consider are:
Open Adoption
You share identifying information, communicate with the adoptive family, and are available for a relationship with your child.
Semi-Open Adoption
Using the adoption agency to communicate, you share non-identifying information while corresponding with the adoptive family and your child.
Closed Adoption
You remain anonymous, exchanging no details about yourself with the adoptive family or child.
Potential After-Effects of Adoption
Like all of your options for your unplanned pregnancy, adoption can be a difficult decision to make. It is a challenging, loving, and selfless decision all at the same time.
Psychological
No studies monitor the mental health of the birth mother, but that doesn’t mean you won’t feel any loss or grief. Some women may suffer from postpartum depression.
The vast majority of adoptions in the US are open because studies show a birth mother and her child often benefit from a relationship with one another.
Physical Risks
Like other women giving birth, there are physical risks. Your health and lifestyle before and during pregnancy affect the potential for physical complications of childbirth.
In North Carolina, the birth mother’s pregnancy-related expenses, such as prenatal care and delivery, rent, food, and clothing, can be covered through your adoption coordinator. They must document all costs as reasonable and necessary.
How Can We Assist You?
We imagine you still have questions about your options. At Hope Pregnancy Resource Center, we provide no-cost pregnancy services, which include options consultations, where you can discuss your situation and learn about local resources in a safe, compassionate environment.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
