July 5, 2022
When facing an unplanned pregnancy, deciding what to do can be overwhelming. There is much to think about and the decision you make will impact your future regardless of your choice.
Take a moment and breathe. Then, research your options so you can make the best decision.
If you are confident you do not want to be a parent right now, you might think abortion is the quickest solution, but it comes with potential physical and mental health risks. Adoption also can have emotional effects, although there are benefits you may not have considered.
This article will give a high-level overview of how each decision could impact your physical health and mental well-being, so keep reading to learn more.
POTENTIAL RISKS OF ABORTION
POTENTIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF ABORTION
Just as it is a physical procedure that your body must recover from, it makes sense that abortion could also affect your mind and spirit.
According to a study published by The British Journal of Psychiatry in 2011 on abortion and mental health, “the results revealed that women who had undergone an abortion experienced an 81% increased risk of mental health problems, and nearly 10% of the incidence of mental health problems was shown to be directly attributable to abortion.”
Mental health effects included anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and suicidal behaviors. These are especially worth considering if you have had struggles with mental health in the past.
Request Appointment Form
POTENTIAL PHYSICAL RISKS FOR SURGICAL ABORTION
While the psychological aspects are important, there are some potential physical risks as well. Although rare, it is important to be fully informed as with any surgical procedure.
The Mayo Clinic lists the following as potential physical risks of surgical abortion:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Infection
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
POTENTIAL PHYSICAL RISKS FOR MEDICAL ABORTION
The most common complication of medical abortions less than 12 weeks is an incomplete abortion according to a study on complications related to induced abortion.
This study also found that the rate of complications associated with medical abortions performed for women with less than 12 gestational weeks nearly doubled from 2008 to 2015 which may be associated with a shift from hospital to home medical abortions.
Other potential risks of medical abortion are listed by the Mayo Clinic:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Digestive system discomfort
AVERAGE ABORTION COSTS
Prices vary based on multiple factors such as how far along you are into your pregnancy, what type of procedure you would undergo, and the state you live in. Open Arms does not perform abortions but our research revealed the following as average costs:
- Medical abortion $535
- Aspiration (suction) abortion $508
- Dilation and Evacuation $500 to $3000
- Late-Term $8000 to $15000+
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MODERN ADOPTION?
It’s not what it used to be. In a modern adoption, the biological parent is in the driver’s seat. You have complete control over what adoption would look like for you.
The adoption plans cover a range of options.
- Open adoption allows the birth family and adoptive family to communicate openly with one another.
- Semi-open adoption uses an agency or adoption specialist to assist with the exchange of non-identifying information with the adoptive family.
- Closed adoption means no details about you or the biological parent are disclosed. You have no relationship with the adoptive family.
It all depends on what is best for you.
POTENTIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF ADOPTION
The response varies from woman to woman, but some after-effects of adoption can affect your mental health. You may experience a sense of loss or grief, or perhaps temporary postpartum depression.
If you have an open adoption, having a relationship with your child could positively impact your mental health. If you are working with an adoption agency, you will often have an adoption counselor to support and counsel you.
ADOPTION COSTS
When making a plan for adoption, there is no cost to the biological mother. Not only that, but in the state of California, the birth mother can receive reasonable and necessary medical, hospital and living expenses.
NEXT STEPS
Here at the Open Arms Pregnancy Clinic, we offer no-cost consultations and pregnancy decision counseling.
You have the benefit of talking through your options in a confidential, pressure-free environment where medically accurate information is available. Contact us today so we can help!
