Important Things to Consider When Thinking About Abortion
If you’ve recently found out that you are pregnant, you may be weighing your options and deciding what to do. One of those options is having an abortion. Before you decide anything, it’s incredibly important to confirm your pregnancy. Confirming your pregnancy lets you know if you are actually pregnant and whether you need to make a decision.
If you’ve confirmed your pregnancy and are considering abortion, the next step 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 also 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’ll cover some of the most important things to know about abortion and what you should consider when thinking about abortion. This includes common questions about abortion, the different ways abortion can affect you, and other information to help make sure you are informed and prepared.
The Effects of Abortion on the Mother
Most of the time, conversations surrounding abortion leave out one of the most important things: the mother. But, how does abortion affect the mother? You are the one who is impacted most by the pregnancy, so it’s vital to be aware of the potential effects an abortion can have on you and your body, as well as the potential long-term health effects. Here are some things to think about when considering abortion:
The Physical Effects of Abortion on the Mother
The abortion procedure—whether it’s surgical or medical—can cause excessive bleeding in some cases, lead to stomach pain and cramps that don’t improve with medication, cause infections, and can sometimes result in fevers over 100.4° F
Induced abortion can increase the risk of future childbearing and pregnancy outcomes like premature delivery and premature birth (before 32 weeks)
Some studies suggest that there is an increased risk of breast cancer for women who have received an induced abortion
The Emotional and Psychological Effects of Abortion on the Mother
Having an abortion can also affect your emotional and psychological well-being. Additionally, you may also experience fluctuations in hormones as your body adjusts to no longer being pregnant. Combined, these can lead to:
Clinical depression and anxiety
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
drug and alcohol abuse
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.
The Relational Effects of Abortion on the Mother
Some studies show that couples who choose to have an abortion are at increased risk to have problems in their relationships. This can even result in a decline in romantic involvement
Some women can also become disinterested, experience discomfort, or have decreased satisfaction with sex
Having an abortion can also affect your relationship with other family members and friends
The Spiritual Effects of Abortion on the Mother
Whether you have spiritual beliefs or not, having an abortion can have a significant impact on you. If you are spiritual, it can also influence the emotional effects you may experience after having an abortion.
It’s important to consider your own spirituality and the consequences an abortion could have on it. Would your spiritual beliefs change afterward? It’s also necessary to consider your child’s future as a spiritual being.
Life Forward has trained professionals who can help you explore each one of these aspects in more detail; we can also refer you to professionals who can help you process your thoughts and feelings about previous abortions you may have had. Reach out to us today to learn more!
Self-Inventory Checklist
It’s also important to reflect and take self-inventory on your specific situation. Here is a self-inventory checklist full of important questions you should ask yourself to help during your decision-making process and ensure you are choosing the option that is best for you:
Am I being pressured or coerced to get an abortion?
Do I have—or did I previously have—mental health problems before abortion?
Am I feeling very uncertain or having difficulty making the decision?
Am I a victim of past childhood sexual abuse or unresolved traumatic experiences?
Am I lacking emotional and/or social support?
Do I want the pregnancy?
Do I believe abortion is against my values?
Do I have strong religious beliefs against abortion?
Do I feel like I need to keep the abortion a secret?
Do I feel attached to the pregnancy?
If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, it may be best to talk to someone before you make a final decision regarding your pregnancy. We at Life Forward want to help you choose the option that is best for you.
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. In addition to consultations, pregnancy testing, and ultrasounds, we offer other educational and supportive services—as well as referrals to other community resources—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!