Are There Any Alternatives to Abortion?

June 4, 2024

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, it’s critical to know that you have options other than abortion—these options include parenting and adoption.

While navigating your pregnancy options can feel overwhelming, learning all you can about each choice will make the process easier.

This article will highlight your three pregnancy options. However, if you want a safe space to talk and learn more about complementary resources that are here to help, contact Women’s Care Center today.

Be Empowered by Learning All You Can

Knowledge is power. The more you know about your pregnancy options, the more you will be empowered to make an educated decision, free from the opinions of others.

Abortion

There are two types of abortion: medical (also called the “abortion pill”) and surgical. Both types of abortion terminate your pregnancy, but the way the pregnancy is terminated and the risks involved are different with each procedure.

Medical abortion involves taking two powerful drugs that terminate your pregnancy and expel it from your uterus. After taking these drugs, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping, and some women report that the pain is unexpectedly severe. Risks of a medical abortion include:

In pregnancies that continue, misoprostol may cause birth defects
Seeing embryonic parts expelled
Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus
Heavy and prolonged bleeding; 1% of women need a D&C to stop hemorrhaging
Infection
Fever
Digestive system discomfort
Undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy

Surgical abortion is done in a clinic and involves the dilation of the cervix so that surgical instruments (like suction, scraping tools, and forceps) can enter the uterus to remove the pregnancy. Risks include:

Uterine perforation, which is when a surgical instrument pokes a hole in your uterus
Uterine scarring, which can lead to painful periods and future infertility
Cervical damage; organ damage
Infection
Bleeding
Incomplete abortion
Allergic reaction to medications

Parenting

Do you have a heart to parent? If the answer is yes, then you owe it to yourself to fully explore this option. In fact, many women in your shoes have chosen to parent and found it to be the best decision they could have made.

Are worries about your current circumstances preventing you from fully exploring this option? While finances, being young, and having a lack of support are all factors that might make you feel like parenting is impossible, it’s critical to keep in mind that circumstances change.

If you take small steps in the right direction, you can work toward your goals while parenting—and do both successfully.

Adoption

Adoption is a pregnancy decision that is full of options. When you choose adoption, you will work with an adoption agency or attorney to create an adoption plan. This customizable document essentially outlines your goals and desires.

Do you want to maintain a relationship with the adoptive family and child? Then open adoption might be right for you. Do you want to have a relationship with them but protect your identifying information? Then semi-open adoption might be your best fit. You also have the choice to remain anonymous throughout the adoption process with closed adoption, but this option is rare today.

We’re Here for You

You’re not alone as you work through your pregnancy options. At Women’s Care Center, we’re here for you. Contact us today to schedule a confidential, complimentary appointment.