Should I Explore Alternatives to Abortion?

Have you explored alternatives to abortion? Perhaps you’ve heard about risks with abortion that are both physical and mental. You may be facing an unplanned pregnancy and wondering if there is any other option.

This article provides information about abortion procedures, their risks, and alternatives that can help you avoid unwanted consequences. Following are viable options to consider and explore.

Understanding Abortion and Its Potential Effects

There are two main types of abortion procedures: medical abortion (abortion pill) and surgical abortion. Both methods come with potential side effects and risks that are important to know.

General Side Effects and Risks of Abortion

The Mayo Clinic identifies several common side effects to abortion which may include:

• Abdominal cramps
• Light vaginal bleeding
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sore breasts
• Fatigue
• Fever

A 14-year study analyzed various death rates in pregnant and non-pregnant women of the same age. Women who gave birth cut their risk of death in half. Women who had an induced abortion had a 1.5x increase in risk of death.

Specific Risks Associated with Abortion Methods

Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill) risks also include:

• Incomplete abortion (requiring a follow-up procedure)
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Ongoing pregnancy if the procedure is unsuccessful

Surgical Abortion risks also include:

• Perforation of the uterus
• Damage to the cervix
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall
• Infection

Mental Health Considerations

Research has shown that some women may experience mental health challenges following an abortion:

• A study found that women who had undergone an abortion experienced an 81% increased risk of mental health problems, including anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal behaviors.
• Over 14% of American women met the full diagnosis for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following their abortions.
• Women with an induced abortion have a 2-3 times higher suicide rate compared to non-pregnant women. Source: PubMed

Exploring Alternatives to Abortion

If you are concerned about physical and mental issues associated with abortion, it’s important to consider all your options. Alternatives to abortion include choosing to complete your pregnancy. With this choice, you have two options: you can parent yourself or create an adoption plan.

Parenting can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience, even if it seems daunting at first. Here are some points to consider:

• Parenting can give you a sense of mindfulness and purpose
• It’s normal to feel nervous or scared, especially as a first-time parent.
• Support is available to help you on your parenting journey.
• When considering parenting, ask yourself:
• Am I financially stable enough to be a parent?
• Will I need to work or stay home to care for my child?
• Will the father of the baby help with parenting?
• Do I have a robust support system in place?
• Can I provide a safe environment for my child?
• What resources might I need?

Remember, you may be more prepared than you think, and there are resources available to help you through any parenting-related challenges.

Adoption can be a positive alternative that may help prevent some of the mental health risks associated with abortion.

Key points about adoption:

• You have complete control over your adoption plan.
• You can choose the level of openness in the adoption.
• Open adoptions, with some level of contact, are common in the US.
• There is no cost to create an adoption plan in Illinois.

Making an Informed Decision

Every woman’s situation is unique, with different reactions to an unplanned pregnancy, such as considering abortion or looking for alternatives to abortion. It’s essential to consider all your options and their potential impacts on your physical and mental health. We recommend scheduling an appointment at Waterleaf to learn more about making a pregnancy plan that suits your individual circumstances. Our clinic offers no-cost pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to equip you to better understand your circumstances and to make an informed decision.

If you’re struggling with this decision or experiencing mental health challenges related to pregnancy, remember that support is available. We can provide resources for counseling and compassionate care to help you through this process. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get the information and support you need to make the best decision for your health and well-being. We are here for you!