Considering Abortion?

According to the Elliot Institute, 95% of all women who have had abortions said they wished they would have been given more information before making that choice. If you are facing an unplanned, unintended pregnancy, you may be feeling pressure from the father of the baby, friends or family. Possibly, you may be thinking that a child does not fit into your plans at this time. As a result of those pressures, you may view abortion as your only option. There are other options. Take time to review them. This could be one of the most important decisions that you make.

What is an Abortion?

An abortion is the deliberate termination of a pregnancy. Abortions are accomplished either by medical or surgical means. Medical abortions use the administration of drugs to expel the fetus from the uterus. Surgical abortions use instruments to scrape the uterus so the embryo or fetus and placenta can be removed.

Potential Immediate Physical Complications

All procedures carry risk. The following is a list of some of the risks which in the past have been associated with abortion. Not all of these risks may pertain to any one woman. Not all complications are immediately apparent. They include but are not limited to:

• Perforated uterus, bowel or bladder
• Cervical lacerations
• Excessive bleeding and hemorrhage
• Infection
• Death

Potential Future Physical Consequences

• Tubal pregnancy
• Miscarriage
• Premature birth / low birth weight baby

Potential Psychological Effects

• Guilt/ regret
• Anxiety/depression
• Suicide ideation
• Sleep disturbance/flashbacks
• Grief/withdrawal
• Relationship problems
• Self-destructive behaviors

About Michigan’s Informed Consent for Abortion Law

This law was created by Public Act 133 of 1993 and requires that
certain information be made available to women who are seeking
an abortion at least 24 hours prior to the procedure. The
information is designed to provide a woman with accurate and
unbiased information on the procedure she is about to undertake.
This information is to include:

1. A written summary of the procedure she will undergo.
2. Depictions, illustrations or photographs of fetal development corresponding to the gestational age nearest the probable gestational age of her fetus.
3. Prenatal care information.
4. Parenting information. http://michigan.gov/mdch