Is Abortion or Adoption Right For Me?

Whether you’re young and single, or older and married with children, an unplanned pregnancy can be devastating. You might be wondering where you will get the money or time to care for this child. You have plans, and parenting isn’t one of them at this time. 

You may be weighing the option of having an abortion or making an adoption plan. Both options have a lifetime of consequences, so it’s important to get as much information as possible about each before you decide.

Waterleaf Women’s Center understands how difficult this decision is. We want to give you the information you need to make a confident decision. 

We recommend starting with a pregnancy screening

Although you may have already taken an at-home pregnancy test, it is important to confirm the results by taking the following steps.

Step 1. Pregnancy test confirmation 

If you think you might be pregnant, contact us today for confidential pregnancy testing at our center. We provide lab-quality pregnancy testing at no charge. Our tests are administered by a medical professional, eliminating the possibility of any user error.

Step 2. Ultrasound

If the pregnancy test result is positive, your next step is a free confidential ultrasound scan. Before you can choose abortion or adoption, you need to know if the pregnancy is viable (will continue to progress), how many weeks you’ve been pregnant, and where the pregnancy is located.

Step 3. STD STI testing and treatment

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, an untreated infection such asgonorrhea, chlamydia, or bacterial vaginosis can increase a woman’s chance of having an infection after an abortion procedure. Here at Waterleaf, we offer free STI testing and treatment.

Abortion vs. Adoption

Your story is unique, just like you. An unplanned pregnancy means you have the chance to write the next chapter. Deciding whether abortion or adoption is the right choice is extremely difficult. No one should ever force you to make either decision. It’s your choice only. It is YOUR choice.

Abortion

No matter what you’ve been told, abortion is not a simple medical procedure. No matter what abortion method is used, there are definite physical and emotional side effects and potential risks. The number of weeks you’ve been pregnant determines what type of procedure you qualify for, medical or surgical. Medical abortions are an option up until 10 weeks gestation. If you are beyond 10 weeks,a surgical procedure may be required.

Adoption

Today, the birth mother (and father) make an adoption plan. You choose the adoptive family, the environment in which you want your child to be raised,, and if you want to have future contact. There are three basic plans to choose: open, closed, and semi-open. Your choice is based on the amount of one-on-one contact you want with the adoptive family and your child.

Deciding if abortion or adoption is right for you

You have a big decision ahead of you, but you don’t have to make it alone. Waterleaf is eager to talk about both abortion and adoption options with you. The more information you have, the easier and more confident you will feel about your decision.

When you visit us for a free consultation, there won’t be any judgment, lectures, or intimidation. We are a safe place you can come to for advice, information, and a shoulder to cry on if necessary. Contact us today. Let’s talk about your options.