Is Abortion or Adoption Right for Me?

December 22, 2022

Finding out you’re pregnant when you were not planning on starting a family can cause a lot of overwhelming questions and emotions. 

Should you terminate your pregnancy? Is adoption a better idea? What are the risks of abortion?

These questions may run through your mind, but cut yourself a break. It’s okay to take a little time after you’ve confirmed your pregnancy. Even if you don’t want to parent now, you don’t have to make a plan overnight.

It’s a good idea to take a few days to do some research. Read this article for a better understanding of what both options entail.

What Do I Need to Know About Abortion?

There are medical and surgical abortions. The method you qualify for is determined by how far along you are in your pregnancy.  Understanding the possible risks of both is essential to help you make an informed decision.

Surgical Abortion Risks

The Mayo Clinic lists the following as potential risks of surgical abortion:

• Perforation of the uterus
• Damage to the cervix
• Infection
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall

Medical Abortion Risks

The Mayo Clinic lists the following as a risk for medical abortion (aka the abortion pill): 

• Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
• An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever

Psychological Impacts of Abortion

Awareness of the psychological and emotional repercussions many women experience after their procedure is essential. 

Experts on both sides of the abortion argument agree that “abortion is consistently associated with elevated rates of mental illness compared to women without a history of abortion.”

In one study of Russian and American women, many women who underwent an abortion also displayed PTSD symptoms. 

While there is no way to guarantee or predict how an abortion may impact a woman’s mental health, it’s essential to consider this factor into the equation.

What Do I Need to Know About Adoption?

Learning about the available options if you are considering making an adoption plan can help you determine if it’s the best fit for you. Some terms that are helpful to be aware of include: 

• Open Adoption– You have an in-person relationship with the child and adoptive family. This plan makes up the majority of adoptions.
• Closed Adoption– You do not have a relationship with the child or adoptive family, and the courts cannot disclose details about you.
• Semi-Open Adoption– You communicate through the adoption agency with the adoptive parents. 

Most US adoptions are open adoptions; however, as the biological parent, you have complete control over what type of plan would work best for you.

Psychological Impacts of Adoption

Choosing adoption is not an easy decision. Work with an adoption agency that provides counseling and emotional support before and after placement.  Many women who choose an open adoption benefit emotionally from a continued relationship with their child. 

However, each woman’s experience will be different. There is the possibility of developing feelings of loss or grief, and birth mothers may also experience postpartum depression.

Adoption Expenses

It does not cost the birth mother any money to make an adoption plan. In many cases, if you choose this option, the agency can cover some of your pregnancy-related costs, such as medical expenses, rent, utilities, and groceries. 

Schedule an Appointment

If you are interested in learning even more about each option, we offer free options consultations where you can discuss your thoughts and questions in a safe, confidential environment. Contact us today!