Unplanned Pregnancy: Knowing Your Options

Help for cutting through the chaos, confusion, and pressure

Getting pressure from your partner, friends or family? Think that a child doesn’t fit into your current plans? Don’t let someone push you into a quick decision. It is important to look beyond your current circumstances. This could be one of the most important decisions that you ever make:

• Abortion
• Adoption
• Parenting

 

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. 

Weighing your options carefully is vitally important in the decision-making process. At Next Step Pregnancy Center, we are dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information about abortion so you can make an informed decision. We receive no financial gain from any choice you make. We offer services in a safe, private environment. There, you are free to ask questions, become informed, sort through any issues, and understand all pregnancy options. 

Types of Abortion

Medical Abortion/The "Abortion Pill"

According the Michigan Department of Public Health & Human Resources, two drugs are used to end an early pregnancy. Early pregnancy means a pregnancy that is 10 weeks (70 days) or less. The first drug blocks a hormone that is needed for the pregnancy to continue. The second drug causes the uterus to contract which, in turn, causes the cervix to open. Medical abortion involves more than one visit to the provider. If it is not completely successful then surgical abortion may be necessary.

Surgical Abortion

During surgical abortions, the cervix is manually opened and the embryo/fetus and other products of conception removed. Although most times these procedures are relatively brief, pain management is important. Pain may be managed using intravenous or general sedation.

Abortion Risks

Potential Immediate Physical Complications Risks

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. https://www.michigan.gov/mdch

Adoption

Learning you are pregnant when you didn’t plan for it can be very scary. You have goals, and it might feel like you’re losing control to reach them. You’ve mapped out your future, and being pregnant doesn’t come into play for a few years.

If you don’t want an abortion - but you aren’t ready to be a parent - adoption may be a reasonable option to consider. At Next Step Pregnancy Center, you are able to sort through your thoughts and concerns in a  confidential, caring atmosphere. We are not an adoption agency; but we do answer initial questions about the adoption option, and are able to connect you with several reputable agencies.

Parenting

Before you decide if parenting is the right option, consider your situation. Ask yourself:

• Do I plan to raise the child as a single parent?
• Do I have a support system of family or friends?
• How will a child impact my education/career goals?
• What parental preparation resources are available to me?
• Are you aware of local programs and resources available for mothers?

Should you decide to parent, our Mentoring Moms Program is available to you. It is designed to benefit both you and your child. The curriculum is individualized to meet your needs. The information you learn in this program will help you through your pregnancy, as well as delivery and early parenthood. Modules include pregnancy information, preparation for childbirth, newborn baby care and parenting of toddlers. Life skill modules will help you to develop healthier relationships and be a better parent. You are eligible to remain in the program until your child turns three years of age.