Your unplanned pregnancy has already been life-altering. Knowing what to do next is a big decision for you and your future. It helps to talk through your options with someone knowledgeable, but ultimately, only you can decide if abortion or adoption is right for you. Schedule your free, confidential appointment with a member of our compassionate team today.
Are You Truly Pregnant?
We imagine if you are considering your pregnancy options, you’ve already taken a pregnancy test, but for your health and safety, we also encourage you to get an ultrasound. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage.
Because pregnancy hormones slowly decrease in your body after a miscarriage, it is possible to get a positive pregnancy test result and no longer be pregnant. Only ultrasound can reveal if your pregnancy is growing with a detectable heartbeat. Ultrasound also determines how far along you are and if the pregnancy is located safely in your uterus.
PCS Health offers a pregnancy test and pregnancy confirmation through ultrasound for free. Talk with us about how to get this vital information before making a decision.
Is Abortion Right for You?
One research study determined that women considering abortion “have a high degree of desire for information on ‘all possible complications,’ including rare risks.” This study also determined that the mental health of some women can be negatively affected by an abortion.
How far along you are in your pregnancy determines the type of procedure you qualify for. The FDA has approved medical abortion (the abortion pill method) through 10 weeks of gestation (70 days or less since the first day of your last period). However, studies reveal the effectiveness of the drugs is less after 44 days.
If you are in the second trimester of your pregnancy (13 weeks or longer), you may need a surgical abortion. These are performed in a clinic by an abortion provider.
To determine if abortion is your best option, you need to learn about the different procedures, side effects, and potential risks beforehand. Our client advocates provide factual information on abortion and your other options.
Is Adoption Right for You?
There are many misconceptions about adoption. Phrases like “you’re giving up your baby to
strangers” aren’t true. When a woman chooses an open or semi-open adoption plan, she chooses the potential adoptive parents and the future she wants for her child.
Adoption, like abortion, is a difficult decision to make. Both involve loss, but when the adoption is open, a birth mother can build a relationship with her child and their adoptive family. In fact, she can meet the family even before her baby is born.
Studies have shown that a birth mother’s post-adoption adjustment and satisfaction with the adoption was “enhanced” when she kept in contact with the adoptive parents.
Recognizing you cannot give your child the life you want them to have and choosing to give them a life of security and love with others is selfless. But that doesn’t make it easy. Meeting with an adoption counselor who can support you before, during, and after the adoption is finalized is vital.
We can offer recommendations to reputable adoption agencies in our area.
How Do You Know What to Do?
The best way to determine your road ahead is by talking with someone you trust. Talk with a close family member or friend about your situation. If you’d like, bring them with you for an options consultation or set up an appointment for yourself.
Although we do not provide or refer for abortion, we can give you the facts you need to make a confident decision. We’re here for you. Take advantage of our free pregnancy services by scheduling an appointment today.