Having an abortion is a major medical decision. It can have physical as well as emotional consequences. Every woman’s abortion experience, just like every woman, is unique. Issues like the type of procedure, how far along you are in your pregnancy, and your overall mental state can affect how you respond. Let’s dig a little deeper.
What Do the Experts Say?
A review of several studies on the mental health effects of abortion concluded the following:
- Women who have had an abortion have consistently higher rates of mental illness compared to women without a history of abortion.
- For certain women, the abortion experience directly contributes to mental health problems.
- There are risk factors, especially if you already struggle with your mental health.
What Are Some of the Mental Health Issues They Reported?
In the study, they found the following may be a few of the mental health problems a woman might experience:
- Sadness
- Grief
- Feelings of loss
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Substance abuse
- Abortion-specific post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Have You Considered All of Your Options?
You actually have three options for your unplanned pregnancy: having an abortion, making an adoption plan, and choosing to parent.
Making an Adoption Plan
Today, an expectant mother or birth mother can customize her adoption plan to fit her needs. She can select the adoptive parents she wants to raise her child and determine the future she wants them to have. Making an adoption plan costs you nothing, and depending on your needs, additional pregnancy-related expenses may be provided.
Choosing to place your child is a challenging decision. You love your child and want the best for them, but because you love them, the choice becomes harder.
We cannot place your child for you, but we can make recommendations to reputable, licensed adoption agencies that can provide the counseling you need to determine if adoption is right for you.
Choosing to Parent
You may be surprised at the assistance available if you choose to parent. We offer several parenting classes to give you a head start on prenatal care, childbirth, and beyond. We also offer material support such as diapers, wipes, maternity and baby clothing, and more.
Our community wants to help you become a successful parent, too. We can provide referrals for food assistance, housing, childcare, medical care, and other services.
Just because your pregnancy was unplanned doesn’t mean it’s impossible to parent.
Contact Calaveras Pregnancy Center
Do you have more questions about abortion procedures and potential risks? Would you like to take a closer look at your other pregnancy options? If so, please contact the team at Calaveras Pregnancy Center.
You can complete our confidential online appointment form or call (209)736-9600. We’re here for you.
We do not perform or refer abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.