When you’re unexpectedly pregnant and making a pregnancy decision, it can be difficult to sift through your options. 

You have three options for this pregnancy: abortion, making an adoption plan, and parenting. Abortion is a significant medical decision, while parenting and adoption create their own challenges. We’re here to provide the facts so you can make an informed choice.

Understanding Abortion

The two main abortion procedures are medical abortion and surgical abortion. Medical abortion is FDA-approved through ten weeks of gestation (70 days since the first day of your last menstrual period). It is essential to meet with your healthcare provider before an abortion to determine your physical and emotional health.

During a medical abortion, two drugs end an early viable (developing) pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, and misoprostol causes uterine contractions and expels the pregnancy tissue. 

If you have this procedure, you will experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. The following side effects can also occur:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Diarrhea

You should be aware of medical abortion-related risks, though the chances of them occurring are low:

• Infection
• Digestive system discomfort
• Heavy, prolonged bleeding
• An ongoing pregnancy (if the medications don’t work)
• An incomplete abortion (which may require surgical treatment)

A surgical abortion is usually performed later in pregnancy. The provider will use medications, surgical instruments, suctioning, or a combination of these methods to remove the pregnancy.

Like medical abortion, you’ll also have cramping and bleeding. The risks of surgical abortion, though rare, are severe and include:

• Infection
• Uterine perforation
• Damage to the cervix
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall

Before making a pregnancy decision, speak with a medical provider about your health history and any allergies. You’ll also want an obstetric ultrasound to confirm vital pregnancy details and identify any conditions that may require treatment, like ectopic pregnancy.

Your Other Options

Abortion is the only decision that terminates a pregnancy. Your two other options, parenting and adoption, require you to carry your pregnancy to term.

Parenting

Parenting can be challenging, and raising a child is a big responsibility, but it is also very rewarding. You’ll need to consider the following when making a decision:

• Do I have a loving, safe home environment to raise a child?
• Is a support system available to help me with parenting?
• Will my baby’s father be involved?
• Do I have a stable income to support a child financially?
• What qualities and character traits could help me with parenting?
• What parenting resources would I need?

Azar House provides options information, prenatal and parenting classes, and an “Earn While You Learn” program. We’re here for you as you decide to parent and beyond. 

Making an Adoption Plan

Many misconceptions surround adoption, but it is a choice that offers security for your child and opportunities for them to flourish. You’re in control of the process and can find peace knowing your child is cared for.

Multiple adoption plans exist for you to choose from, including:

• Open adoption: With this plan, you form a relationship with the child and their adoptive family. Regular contact takes place through letters, phone calls, or visits.
• Semi-open adoption: You communicate with the adoptive family, but it occurs through a third party like an adoption attorney or agency.
• Closed adoption: This plan offers the most confidentiality. Your identifying records are sealed, and you remain anonymous.

Making an adoption plan must be your choice; no one can coerce you into making a pregnancy decision. Know that you won’t pay for any adoption services. You may even be entitled to financial and material assistance. 

Azar House provides adoption information and answers any questions. We’re here to provide the resources you need to make a confident decision. 

You’re Not Alone

Being pregnant can be overwhelming, but you aren’t alone. Azar House offers free, confidential services to help you navigate your options. 

We don’t provide or refer for abortions, but we will educate you on your options and provide unbiased information. 

Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We’re here for you!