Combing through your options when unexpectedly pregnant can be a time of stress and stress. You may know you wouldn’t like to parent, so what options do you have now?
Your other choices are abortion and adoption. Abortion is the only option that terminates the pregnancy, while adoption involves placing the child with a family. Weigh your options carefully and consider the implications of each. We’ll help by discussing each in detail below.
Would Abortion Be the Best Choice?
Abortion is the termination of a viable pregnancy. Two main procedures are available to women: medical abortion and surgical abortion. Medical abortion is performed in early pregnancy and uses two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Surgical abortion occurs later in pregnancy and uses a combination of medicines, surgical instruments, and a suctioning technique.
Both abortion procedures can cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. Side effects vary for each woman, and there is a change of complications such as infection and incomplete abortion, though these are rare.
Before making any pregnancy decision, you’ll want to confirm pregnancy details with an obstetric ultrasound. This scan tells you more about the pregnancy’s viability, gestational age, and location. Ultrasounds give you essential information that can help determine your choice or whether you need additional medical treatment due to a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
You’ll also want to have a physical exam and receive accurate options information to ensure you’re making an informed decision. Each pregnancy option has its implications and is a significant decision.
What Should I Know About Adoption?
Adoption is often framed as “giving up” a baby. This is far from the truth. It is a selfless decision that requires courage and grit. You place the child with a loving family to ensure they have the best possible chances of a successful life.
This option can be emotionally challenging for many women, but rest assured you won’t be doing this alone. Many adoption agencies act with the birthmother’s best interests in mind, and they’ll direct you to material, financial, and emotional support even after the adoption is finalized. You choose from several adoption plans:
- Open adoption: The most popular choice is that you play an active role in the adoption process by choosing the child’s family. You can form a relationship with them and communicate regularly through letters, phone calls, and visits.
- Semi-open adoption: Communication occurs with this plan, but it is conducted via a third party, like an adoption attorney and agency.
- Closed adoption: This plan allows for the most confidentiality. You do not communicate with the adoptive family; all identifying records are sealed.
Consider whether this might be the best choice for you. Many women have peace of mind knowing that their child is safe and cared for.
I’m Pregnant. What Comes Next?
EPIC Center is here to help you through an unexpected pregnancy. We are a safe, compassionate place you can visit for no-cost and confidential pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds following a positive result, education, and support.
Contact us to learn more about what our two locations can offer you.