August 24, 2024

Are you facing an unplanned pregnancy and trying to decide between abortion or adoption? Feeling overwhelmed as you navigate your pregnancy options is understandable, but learning all you can about how these options work and the risks involved will help you make a fully informed decision.

This article will highlight the essentials you need to know about abortion and adoption. However, if you want to talk to someone in person, contact First Choice Pregnancy Services—we’re here for you. All appointments and services are free and confidential.

Abortion

There are two types of abortion: medical (also known as the “abortion pill”) and surgical.

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion involves taking two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, to terminate a pregnancy. Risks of medical abortion include:

• Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the pregnancy remain in your uterus
• An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion includes methods like vacuum aspiration (first trimester) and dilation and evacuation (D&E) for second-trimester abortions. Risks associated with surgical abortion include:

• Uterine perforation, which is when the surgical instruments poke a hole in your uterus
• Uterine scarring
• Cervical damage
• Infection

Adoption

Adoption is a loving, selfless choice that gives your pregnancy a future. If you want to parent but don’t feel ready, adoption is a parenting decision that enables you to have ongoing contact with your child if you desire.

Adoption is built on an adoption plan, which outlines your desires for the adoption process. The three types of adoption plans include:

• Open Adoption: In an open adoption, there is direct communication between you and the adoptive family. This arrangement allows you to maintain a relationship with the child through visits, calls, or emails. Benefits include:
• Continued Contact: You can stay connected and witness the child’s growth.
• Transparency: Both parties share information, fostering trust and understanding.
• Semi-Open Adoption: Semi-open adoption involves indirect communication, typically facilitated by an adoption agency or attorney. You and the adoptive family exchange letters, photos, and updates without direct contact. This plan balances privacy with the desire for information.
• Closed Adoption: In a closed adoption, there is no contact between the birth parents and the adoptive family post-adoption. All identifying information is sealed. This option might appeal to those who prefer complete privacy and a clear boundary.

We’re Here for You

While the pregnancy decision is yours to make, you’re not alone in this—we’re here to support you along the way.

Contact us today to learn about all the ways we’re here to help.