Is Abortion or Adoption Right For Me?
Are you pregnant and not sure what to do? First, take a deep breath—then find out about each of your options so you can make a confident choice.
If you feel like you can’t parent right now, abortion and adoption are two options that you may be considering. Let’s talk through some of the details and learn more about them.
What is Abortion and How Does It Work?
Taking pills to end your pregnancy may sound straightforward and easy, but an abortion is still a medical procedure with risks and side effects. You deserve to understand what would happen before you take any pills.
There are two different abortion methods available and they depend on how long you have been pregnant.
How does the abortion pill work?
With the abortion pill (medical abortion), you would take two different abortion pills to end your pregnancy: mifepristone and misoprostol. You take the mifepristone first. It works to block your body from making progesterone, which stops the fetus from growing. Then, 1-2 days later, you take misoprostol which causes you to cramp, have contractions and bleed. This drug aborts the fetus out of your uterus.
The Mayo Clinic lists the following potential physical risks of the abortion pill:
Incomplete abortion
Heavy and prolonged bleeding
Infection. Fever, Dizziness
Digestive system discomfort
An ongoing pregnancy, if the procedure doesn’t work
What is a surgical abortion?
A surgical abortion is a medical procedure for ending a later pregnancy when you are further along (10 weeks or later). Surgical abortions are done in a clinic, typically by a doctor, and often involves some sedation, such as medication or general anesthesia.
There are several types of surgical abortion, but the most common procedure, is called a dilation & curettage (D&C). This procedure involves the doctor dilating (opening) your cervix with medicine or a tool. Then the doctor gently scrapes and/or lightly suctions the fetus out of your uterus.
Surgical abortion may have the following physical risks, as quoted by the Mayo Clinic:
Damage to the cervix
Scar tissue on the uterine wall
Infection, dizziness, fever
Severe cramping
Perforation (tearing or puncture) of the uterus
Excessive bleeding
Many women also report negative psychological or mental health effects following an abortion. Some women have experienced abortion-specific PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Consider how each pregnancy option may affect your whole-person health.
What is Adoption and How does it work?
Making an adoption plan can be hard and emotional, but it can be an incredibly rewarding option that provides both you and your child with a healthy, happy future.
Adoption has always received negative press from movies and shows. In reality, the process today is very different than how it used to be. Today, birthmoms have more control in the adoption process.
If you decide on adoption, as the birthmom, you could:
Look through family profile books and choose an adoptive family you want to parent your child.
Talk with and maybe even meet that potential adoptive family before the birth.
Decide how often you want to visit your child and/or receive updates and photos. (You would work with the agency or lawyer to make the agreement official.)
Probably receive some financial help through an adoption agency or lawyer while you’re pregnant to help pay for rent, medical costs and/or food.
Have some peace of mind knowing that your child is growing up and receiving stability and care in a family you selected.
Three types of Modern Adoption
Modern adoption plans can be open, closed, or semi-open. Open adoption allows you and the adoptive family to remain in contact to promote an ongoing relationship This promise of continued relationship, while knowing the adoptive family will provide stability and structure, can be incredibly comforting to you.
A closed adoption would keep your information private, and no contact is maintained with the child or adoptive family. Semi-open adoption plans involve some contact, often facilitated by a lawyer or adoption agency.
As you consider adoption, realize that it would have some emotional effects on you. It may be wise to prepare for feelings of grief, uncertainty, or sadness—but also relief, joy, or security. There is more online support for birthmoms today than ever before. You don’t have to walk this road alone.
No pregnancy decision should be taken lightly but making an adoption plan can offer an incredible chance at a healthy, stable future for both you and your child.
Schedule Your Free Appointment To Navigate Your Options
Making a pregnancy decision can be difficult, but you are not alone! There are helpful resources available to you, and you may feel reassured in discussing your situation with a trusted, caring professional. The choice is yours, but we can help.
At Nova Pregnancy Help Centers, we would be honored to walk alongside you during this time. Our professional medical team can answer questions on your needs and stage of pregnancy and how that may inform your options. All medical and supportive services at our center are available at no cost to you. Schedule your free appointment today to get your questions answered.