Fear, worry, and the need to make a big decision accompany news about an unplanned pregnancy. There are three options for women and couples to choose from when experiencing a surprise pregnancy — parenting, adoption, and abortion.
It can be challenging to choose which option is best for you during the stress of discovering your pregnancy and the worries of what others would think if they found out.
Dove Medical is here to help you sort through your emotions, learn more about your pregnancy, and discover the best option for you. If you’ve decided parenting is not an option, you’re probably asking yourself, “Is abortion or adoption right for me?”
What are the different types of adoption?
No two adoptions are the same; however, many women find adoption the most empowering option for them when facing an unplanned pregnancy. When considering if adoption is right for you, it’s important to learn about the three types of adoptions.
While uncommon today, closed adoptions are an option for birth mothers who choose to remain anonymous during the adoption process and after they give birth.
In contrast, open adoptions allow the birth mother to choose the family her child is placed with and to set a preference for the type and frequency of contact she would like to have with the child after birth.
A semi-open adoption gives you the best of the first two. You remain anonymous but still have contact through a third party. Communication between the birth mother and child can range anywhere from yearly photos to regular in-person visits and everything in between.
What steps should I take before deciding if adoption is right for me?
First, we recommend learning more about your pregnancy. It’s essential to confirm your pregnancy is viable, meaning it will survive to term, and ensure you and the baby are healthy.
We recommend scheduling a free ultrasound scan through your local pregnancy clinic, like Dove Medical, where you’ll learn your pregnancy’s age, location, and viability.
Once your doctor has confirmed that the pregnancy is healthy, you’ll have an opportunity to sit and explore your options with one of our friendly staff members. You’ll be able to ask more questions about adoption, process your concerns and fears related to the process, and get connected with our trusted adoption agency partners to begin creating your customized adoption plan.
What are the different types of abortion procedures?
If you’re considering terminating your pregnancy, you must educate yourself regarding the various abortion procedures and the risks and side effects related to each.
Medical Abortion
In a medical abortion process, the patient takes two drugs. The first drug is called Mifepristone and is used to block the body from absorbing the hormone called progesterone. Without the ability to absorb progesterone, the pregnancy will end.
The patient will then take Misoprostol, which causes contractions to expel the pregnancy tissue from the womb through cramping and bleeding, roughly 24 to 48 hours after taking Mifepristone.
Women may be eligible for a medical abortion within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Surgical Abortion
There are various surgical abortion procedures — the form of surgical abortion will depend on how developed the pregnancy is. During a surgical abortion, the abortion provider will remove the pregnancy tissue using suctioning and scraping methods or forceps to break apart and remove the fetal tissue.
What are the side effects and risks of abortion?
Side effects of a medical abortion include the following:
- Cramping
- Bleeding
- Nausea
- Headaches & Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Fever & Chills
- Vomiting
More severe health risks of a medical abortion include infection, sepsis, and hemorrhaging.
Cramping is the most common side effect of a surgical abortion procedure. However, some women may experience more severe health risks such as infection, uterine perforation, heavy bleeding, and retained fetal tissue.
What steps should I take before deciding if abortion is right for me?
To avoid unnecessary health risks and make an informed choice for your pregnancy, it’s essential to explore your options and learn as much as possible about your pregnancy and health conditions.
We recommend receiving an ultrasound scan to confirm your pregnancy, learn about your eligibility for various abortion procedures, and ensure there are no urgent medical conditions.
Dove Medical provides free ultrasound scans, pregnancy testing, decision coaching, and more to help you make an informed choice for your future.
Schedule your free appointment at Dove Medical!
Making an informed choice regarding abortion and adoption on your own is no easy task. Dove Medical is here to help you each step of the way. Schedule your free appointment with us today!