Choosing what to do about an unexpected pregnancy is a big decision. You need to consider all your options. Two of your choices are having an abortion or making an adoption plan for your child. They have very different outcomes; only you know which is best for you and your future.
Have You Confirmed Your Pregnancy?
A missed period, nausea, and a positive home pregnancy test aren’t enough to verify a pregnancy. You can skip a period for many reasons, like stress, rapid weight gain or loss, or a hormone imbalance. You could feel nauseous because you have the flu.Â
Ultrasound
An ultrasound is the best way to confirm a viable (growing) pregnancy. The Mayo Clinic estimates that up to 20% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. It is possible to get a positive result on a pregnancy test even if you have already naturally miscarried.
A limited ultrasound shows you if you have a viable pregnancy, its location, and how far along you are. Crisis Pregnancy Center offers free, confidential limited ultrasounds to verify your pregnancy.
Is Abortion the Right Choice?
Often women think abortion is their only choice. Abortion is a serious medical decision with physical and emotional health risks. Get as much information beforehand about the various procedures, side effects, and potential risks.
How far along you are in your pregnancy determines the method you are eligible for. The FDA has approved medical abortion (also known as the abortion pill) only through 10 weeks of gestation.
Medical abortion complications range from something as simple as digestive system discomfort to having an incomplete abortion. If the abortion is incomplete, you risk infection and may need a surgical procedure.
The length of your pregnancy also determines surgical abortion procedures. The farther you are in your pregnancy, the more invasive the procedure. Risks include perforation of the uterus, damage to your cervix, and infection.
Abortion terminates an existing pregnancy. Some women have mental health issues following their abortion. Feelings of guilt, sadness, and depression can appear weeks, months, or even years afterward.
Is Making an Adoption Plan the Right Choice?
Neither of these choices is easy to make. Adoption lets you know your child is safe and loved, but you must terminate parental rights and responsibilities.
Today’s adoptions are very different from previous years. As the birth mother (and father, if available), you choose the future you want for your child. You select the potential adoptive parents, the environment you want for your child, and the best adoption plan for you.
If you choose an open adoption plan, you can meet the adoptive parents you’ve selected even before giving birth. Choose to work with a reputable adoption agency or attorney who can arrange to pay certain pregnancy-related expenses, such as medical and legal costs, rent, utilities, and food.
Placing your child for adoption is a selfless, difficult decision. Some women risk emotional pain afterward. It is vital to connect with a strong support network and adoption counselor. Learn about the entire process and Indiana adoption laws before making a final decision.
What If I Can’t Decide?
If you’re struggling with your unexpected pregnancy decision, the best path is to get as much information about every option possible. Come talk with a member of our team at the Crisis Pregnancy Center. We are a safe place to verify your pregnancy, discuss your current situation, and review your options.
We care about you and never want you to feel alone. Schedule an appointment with us today. We’re here for you.