Finding out you are expecting an unplanned child can be devastating if you are a single parent or are simply not financially or emotionally ready to be a parent. Many women who find themselves in an unplanned pregnancy look toward abortion as the only answer, especially if pressured by the biological father to terminate the pregnancy. In truth, however, abortion is but one option, often not the best. If you are searching for answers in how to deal with your unplanned, unwanted pregnancy, there are some very important things to consider before choosing abortion.
- Medical Risks – Far from being the risk-free, easy solution that it is often portrayed to be, abortion comes with many potential risks, many long-term or even permanent. These risks include:
- Surgical abortion – Risks of surgical abortion include moderate to severe pain, infection, retained tissue that requires additional suction, damage to the uterus, infertility, heavy bleeding, and more, including death.
- Medical abortion – Even the nonsurgical abortion options provide risks. These include incomplete abortion that will require surgery, heavy bleeding, intense pain, increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, and death.
- Emotional and Psychological Damage – While some women feel nothing but relief after an abortion, many report extreme emotional and psychological effects. These include depression, thoughts of suicide, guilt, obsession with babies and pregnancy, insomnia, uncontrollable crying, decrease in concentration, anxiety and panic attacks. According to the National Institutes of Health, these symptoms affect an average of 10-20% of women and can last for months, or even years.
- Future Fertility – Even though abortion is not generally considered to have a bearing on future fertility, complications during surgical abortion can damage the uterus or cervix, leaving the woman sterile. In addition, there are increasing numbers of links being made to abortion and complications with later pregnancies. These complications include bleeding during the early stages of pregnancy, low birth weight, preterm birth, and placenta previa, which can cause severe bleeding during pregnancy and delivery.
While abortion may be the best answer for some women, it is important to consider all possible options before making this decision. Adoption is one of the many wonderful alternatives that will allow you to live child-free while protecting your health and future fertility and providing your child with the opportunity to live a healthy, happy life with adoptive parents. Regardless of the path you choose, it is important to get all the information so you can make a fully informed decision that will be best for you in the long run.
About the Author: Donna Moody is one of the advisors on a popular pregnancy blog online. She uses her experiences as a mother, teacher, and woman to help others get through their pregnancy successfully.