Abortion

If you are considering abortion, we want you to know what this choice could mean to your future. You do have the choice not to have an abortion and we can help. Many women who work at pregnancy centers have chosen abortion. They can understand your situation and can help. You don’t need to make this decision right away. Slow down and allow yourself time to think. Don’t let anyone tell you that you have to have an abortion. Here are some things to know before considering abortion:

Know the Risks of Abortion

From the thousands of women now working in the pregnancy care arena who have had abortions, we know that abortion has physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological risks which are outlined on this link – Abortion Risks

Get a blood or urine pregnancy test to confirm you are really pregnant.

If you’ve taken a home pregnancy test, it could be that you are not actually pregnant. Life Choices provides a laboratory quality urine test free of charge as a service to women. A trained  advocate can provide additional information relevant to your situation as well as details about the various abortion procedures. All of these services are free and confidential.

Confirm you pregnancy with a doctor who doesn’t do abortions.

For the best medical input on abortion, we recommend you speak with a medical professional who is uninvolved in the abortion industry.  In this way, you can be assured that you are receiving unbiased information.

Get a free ultrasound.

An ultrasound exam, under the direction of a certified sonographer, will confirm your pregnancy and ensure it is “viable.”  It is estimated that as many as 1 in 4 pregnancies will end naturally through miscarriage.  If your pregnancy is not viable, you don’t need an abortion.   Make an Appointment for a free ultrasound. This non-diagnostic ultrasound can tell you how many weeks you are into the pregnancy and may aid you in making this important decision.

Ask for the doctors name who is performing the abortion.

Abortion is legal in the United States, but bad medical care is not. Women have died as a result of their “safe and legal abortions.” Some have had their bodies harmed to the point that they can no longer have children. If you don’t know the doctor’s name that is doing your abortion, you may not find out.  It is important to have his/her name if injury should occur.  Be sure to ask for the abortionist’s name and write it down.

Don’t sign anything that releases the abortionist or the clinic from being liable for injuring you.

Many post-abortive women report that they were so upset by the emotion of the day that they signed anything put in front of them in order to, “Get out and have it done with.” If the abortion clinic asks you to sign anything, please take your time to read it over. If you don’t understand something, ask questions. If you don’t understand their answers, push them further. Don’t be in a rush because anything you sign could impact you in the future.

Understand you have rights.

It is against the law for anyone to force you to have an abortion. Not even a husband or parent can require you to undergo an abortion against your will, even if you are a minor (under 18 years old). Life Choices exists to help you in any circumstance. They can even help you discuss this choice with those closest to you that are influencing your decision. The law in many states also requires abortion providers to give you information on: 1) possible complications, 2) the development of the baby, and 3) organizations that provide alternatives.

Verify that the abortion clinic is clean and sanitary.

Many post-abortive women report that the general area of their abortion clinic was unclean, dusty and even smelled bad. Infections can result from unsanitary conditions.  Infections can lead to infertility and even death if untreated.  If you find yourself in a clinic, be sure to question their cleaning procedures and look around at the condition of each room to ensure that you are receiving truly hygienic care. If the clinic does not provide sufficient information to determine these conditions, give yourself permission to leave.  You can then insist on a refund of your money.

Understand you can change your mind – even at the last minute.

Many women who have experienced abortion relate that they felt they could not change their mind once they had entered the facility. Others say that they waited on the table to be “rescued” by the baby’s father at the last minute. Some facilities even told the women that they couldn’t get their money back if they changed their mind, which is not legal. Abortion providers understand this choice is a difficult decision and can work to encourage you to abort even as they say, “I simply can’t do this!” Know your rights. Don’t be pressured or intimidated, particularly by the clinic staff. If you are not sure about your abortion decision, you can change your mind. If the procedure is not performed, demand your money back.

Understand that it is not a “Blob of Tissue.”

Some abortion facilities tell women that their unborn children are not human but simply a “blob of tissue.” For many it is easier to have an abortion if they believe their child is not yet human. Ultrasound photos show that at early stages of pregnancy the humanness of the embryo is clearly evident. When some women view fetal development photos after their abortion, outlining clearly the arms and legs of the unborn child while early abortion procedures are available, many are overwhelmed and even angry that the information the clinic provided was misleading. An ultrasound will reveal the true development of your child.

Know you are not alone.

Women who feel like they have no other choice but to abort often change their minds after visiting Life Choices.  The concept of available physical, emotional and physical support services offer women the choice to continue their pregnancies. Life Choices offers free and confidential help at any level of your pregnancy. There is no obstacle too big that can’t be overcome with friendship and support.

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