What Are My Options? Abortion
Finding out that you are pregnant can be an uncertain time full of many different feelings, emotions, and questions. Trying to sort all of these out may feel impossible, but there is one main question you’ll need to ask yourself: “What are my options?”
Moving forward, you have three common choices to consider: parent the baby yourself, make an adoption plan, or consider having an abortion. Figuring out which option is best for you involves learning more so you can make an informed decision, and we at Life Forward are here to help you on your journey.
We have a team of medical professionals that you can talk to and ask questions. They will provide some answers but will encourage you to consider and research the facts and information shared about each option. We also have experienced Client Educators who are trained, willing to listen, and provide a safe and neutral environment. We want you to feel heard and understood as you share intimate thoughts and feelings. Please reach out to Life Forward to get started today!
In this article, we will focus on the option of having an abortion and highlight some of the most important parts of that process. This includes talking about the different abortion procedures and what they’re like, potential side effects, and other information to help make sure you are informed and prepared.
What Does Having an Abortion Actually Involve?
How far along you are in your pregnancy will factor into the abortion method you are able to choose, so it’s important to know your options at different times during your pregnancy. There are two main methods of abortion: surgical abortion and medical abortion.
Surgical Abortion - A surgical abortion—also known as an in-clinic abortion—is a medical procedure where a doctor uses suction to empty your uterus and end your pregnancy. How late you can choose to have a surgical abortion depends on the abortion laws in your state, but it can be difficult to find a doctor to perform the procedure after the 12th week of your pregnancy, which is around the time the fetus has developed distinct fingerprints, and the nose and lips have been formed.
During the second trimester—15 to 23 weeks after your last menstrual period—abortions are performed using a procedure known as dilation and evacuation (D&E). This involves dilating the cervix, then using ultrasound guidance, suction, and gynecological tools to empty the uterus. It’s around this time in your pregnancy (22 weeks) that the fetus’ ears are fully developed and it can even respond to a growing range of sounds.
Medical Abortion - A medical abortion—also known as the “abortion pill”—is a method of abortion that involves taking medication. The medication ends your pregnancy by causing heavy bleeding and cramping in order to empty your uterus. It is often compared to a very heavy period and is essentially similar to an early miscarriage. You can choose to have a medical abortion up to 10 weeks after the first day of your last period.
This timing coincides with when you are first able to detect a heartbeat via ultrasound, about 5-6 weeks after your last menstrual period (LMP) or 22 days after fertilization. This is usually only 1 week after the first missed period. Because of this, in many cases, there is already a heartbeat by the time you know you are pregnant. Then, around 9-10 weeks after your LMP, the fetus has developed distinct fingers and can even hiccup. In female babies, ovaries can also be identified. It’s up until this point that you can choose to have a medical abortion.
Abortion is currently legal in Ohio for up to 20 weeks, unless there is an adequate exception in order to protect the mother’s health, in cases of rape or incest, or for cases of fetal anomaly. Though the law allows for an abortion at up to 20 weeks, a developing fetus has a measurable heartbeat by 6 weeks. For more information on the specific abortion procedures, reach out to Life Forward to talk to a medical professional or Client Educator.
Are There Any Side Effects for the Woman?
Deciding how to proceed with your pregnancy is a difficult decision. Just like any decision, though, there are different possibilities and some risks involved.
Emotional - When you have an abortion, it can be very emotional and hard to deal with. You may also experience fluctuations in hormones as your body adjusts to no longer being pregnant. This sometimes even leads to things like depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), drug and alcohol abuse, and even suicidal thoughts. If you or anyone you know are having suicidal thoughts please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or reach out to us at Life Forward for help.
Physical - Studies show that there is an increased risk of breast cancer for women who have received an induced abortion. There are also potential health risks and complications with the surgical procedure, including infection, heavy bleeding, blood clots, and more.
If you or someone you know have had an abortion—or are thinking about having an abortion— and are experiencing or concerned about any of these side effects, contact Life Forward to receive support from a medical professional or Client Educator.
Being Informed and Prepared
The most important things to do when you are pregnant are to be informed and prepared for whatever decision you end up making. For example, if you choose to get an abortion, ask the doctor or nurse who will be performing the procedure (or prescribing the medication) about the potential risks, side effects, and anything else you should expect.
It’s also important to be prepared in case there is an issue, so ask your doctor if they have admitting privileges to a nearby hospital should there be an emergency during the procedure. The clinic should also be prepared to offer follow-up or emergency care if complications do arise.
You should also know that you can change your mind at any point before having an abortion. Your feelings can change even after you think you’ve made a decision, and that’s okay. Throughout your entire pregnancy (and after), there are many different places where you can find helpful information and support, including at Life Forward.
How Life Forward Can Help
At Life Forward, we are here to help women in the Cincinnati area who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant. We offer educational and supportive services to help you, like our Upward and Momentum parenting education programs, consultation, pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and referrals to other community services at no cost to you.
Our staff of trained Client Educators and medical professionals will assist you and connect you to the resources and help you need. These resources can help you be more prepared during your pregnancy and make the best decision for yourself. Learn more about the services we offer or contact us at 513.961.7777 to schedule an appointment today!