Considering Abortion?
When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, it’s common for women to consider abortion. Women face a myriad of pressures when making a decision about their pregnancies.
Based on one study, here are just a few of the top reasons women give for seeking an abortion:
- Not prepared to care for a child financially
- It’s not the right time to have a child
- Partner-related reasons (unhealthy relationship, no support from father, encouragement to get abortion, does not want to be a single parent)
- Already having other children to care for
- Interferes with career or school
If you are considering abortion for any of the above reasons—or another reason entirely—you are not alone. How you respond to your pregnancy is a big decision, and one that should not be made quickly or taken lightly. We know your situation is anything but easy. Members of our staff and volunteer team have also walked through unplanned pregnancies, and some have also experienced abortions. We understand and are here to help you every step of the way.
So what should you do first?
1. Confirm Your Pregnancy and Receive a Free Ultrasound
You can make a free appointment at The Pregnancy Network to confirm your pregnancy. Our medical grade pregnancy tests are administered by registered nurses. These tests are accurate two days (or more) after a missed menstruation cycle. Watch the video below to hear a registered nurse explain what to expect at a pregnancy test appointment.
If you qualify, you can also receive a free limited ultrasound. This is an important step toward being fully-informed. An ultrasound will give you valuable information, such as how far along you are (gestational age), a heartbeat measurement, and viability (whether or not your pregnancy is located inside your uterus). Watch the video below to hear a registered nurse explain what you can expect during an ultrasound appointment.
2. Get Fully Informed About All Your Options
You have three choices available to you when faced with an unplanned pregnancy: parenting, adoption, and abortion. Because abortion is a medical procedure, you deserve to be fully-informed about what is being done to your body, and the potential risks associated with each kind of procedure. The procedure performed will vary depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, which is why an ultrasound to determine gestational age is so important.
After your pregnancy has been confirmed, a registered nurse can walk you through each type of abortion procedure and answer any questions you have. You can also view videos here for an in-depth explanation of each procedure given by a former abortionist.
Because we care about your health and well-being, we want to provide you with information and resources about all three of your choices. You owe it to yourself to make a fully-informed decision.
3. Sleep On It
Take a deep breath, head home, and sleep on it. With such a big decision, you may feel both external and internal pressure to make a choice quickly. But remember—you have time. And you deserve to make a confident, fully-informed decision. Don’t allow yourself to make a major life decision when you’re exhausted. Get some rest, then take another look with fresh eyes at the information you’ve received.
After your appointment and with your permission, the registered nurse or peer advocate you met with during your visit to The Pregnancy Network will follow up with you via either phone call or text. The purpose of this call/text is to give you the opportunity to talk through any additional questions you may have.
You Are Not Alone
As you consider your options, you may feel isolated or lonely. But we are here with you to provide support. There are also many women who have walked through the same decision you’re facing now. Their stories are below; hearing from other women in similar situations can be helpful as you consider your options.
You can do this, and we can help. Call us today for your free appointment.
Mary Holloman
Mary is the Communications Coordinator at The Pregnancy Network.