Choosing a pregnancy option can feel challenging, especially if you’re unsure where to begin. We’ll help you gather the information needed to make a decision. 

If you’re contemplating either abortion or adoption for your unexpected pregnancy, we’ll provide support by offering information and services you can trust.

Keep reading to learn more about these two options.

Abortion

Abortion ends your pregnancy. Various methods are used during an abortion procedure, such as drugs or surgical tools. The procedure you have depends on how far along you are and what is recommended for your pregnancy.

Medical abortions are FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation. They use drugs to end the pregnancy and expel it from the body. These drugs cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, but they’re also associated with the following risks:

• Digestive system discomfort
• Fever
• Infection
• Heavy, prolonged bleeding
• Incomplete abortion (the body does not expel all the pregnancy tissue, which may require surgical treatment)

Surgical abortions use drugs, suctioning, and surgical tools to end the pregnancy. These procedures vary based on how far along the woman is and her specific circumstances.

Spotting or light bleeding and mild cramping can last for several days after a surgical abortion, but the procedure is associated with risks such as:

• Perforation of the uterus (when a surgical tool pokes a hole in the uterus)
• Damage to the cervix
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall
• Infection

If you are considering abortion, speaking to a trusted healthcare provider about your medical history and receiving an ultrasound are essential steps to protect your health and determine your eligibility. This is your decision; you deserve to make an educated one. 

Adoption

Adoption is the placement of your child in another family. If you select this option, you work with an adoption agency or attorney to outline a plan that describes your preferences for the adoption. 

This plan describes the communication level you’ll establish with the adoptive family and child. The following plans are available and can be customized to fit your wishes and expectations:

• Open adoption: You will communicate with your child and their adoptive family through methods like letters, phone calls, or visits. This communication builds an ongoing relationship with your child.
• Semi-open adoption: All communication is mediated by a third party, which protects your identifying information.
• Closed adoption: All identifying records are sealed, and you won’t communicate with the adoptive family. This may be a good option if you have safety concerns or don’t wish to have contact.

Adoption can be a difficult option for some women and a rewarding one for others. Discussing this option with a professional and identifying the support you’d have is crucial. Expectant mothers do not pay for adoption-related services and may receive additional financial or material assistance.

When you don’t know where to turn during an unexpected pregnancy, know that Choices of the Heart is here for you. We’ll help you weigh each option and make a confident choice.

No-Cost, Confidential Support

The pregnancy decision is yours alone. Our trustworthy advocates will discuss your options and help you find clarity. 

Schedule an appointment at Choices of the Heart today.

Choices of the Heart does not provide or refer for abortions.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.