So many things can run through your head the moment you find out you’re pregnant. When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, anxiety, questions, and fear can add stress to your decision and have you looking for the easiest and quickest way out. That may be why abortion seems like a favorable option.

Facing an unplanned pregnancy is undeniably difficult, but you owe it to yourself to consider the potential ramifications of going through with the procedure, and your life in the future. Because abortion is irreversible, it is important for you to carefully consider all your options. It might seem like the best choice in the short term, but it’s essential that you examine the long-term implications as well. Below are some things to consider.

What You Need to Know About Abortion

Well before the procedure, you’ll need to know how far along you are with your pregnancy, because this will determine the type of abortion that’s available to you.

  • RU-486 Abortion Pill
  • Vacuum Aspiration
  • Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
  • Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)
  • Dilation and Extraction (D&X)

An ultrasound scan is the best way to find out how far along you are and what type of procedure would be necessary at that stage.

Abortion can be incredibly stressful—both physically and emotionally. It is essential that you have a support system in place and be prepared for potential complications (again, both physical and emotional). Before you decide to go through with the procedure, you should schedule an appointment to discuss the risks and complications; how far along you are and what that means for your options; your chances of a natural miscarriage; the cost of the procedure and any follow up appointments; the emotional consequences, etc.

Our professional medical staff and patient care specialists are available to help you talk through these things and provide you with an ultrasound to find out how far along you are.

The emotional and psychological “side effects” are typically more common than physical ones—and they can occur immediately or sometimes years later. Some women will experience loneliness, anger, depression, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and anger toward their partner for what has happened in their bodies and having to deal with this situation.

10 Questions to Ask Yourself & Partner Before Considering an Abortion

There’s no avoiding the fact that abortion is an emotional decision. It’s not something that should be rushed or decided out of fear. These are 10 questions you should ask yourself and your partner before making decisions.

  • Who will I/we turn to for emotional support after this process?
  • Is there a future for us together as a couple?
  • Can we support each other effectively through this decision?
  • How does my/our belief system play into this decision?
  • Do I/we want to be a parent someday?
  • How will this decision affect the way I feel when and if I do decide to have children?
  • Can my/our future goals be modified to include a child?
  • Do I fully understand the immediate and long-term consequences about this procedure?
  • Am I on the fence about this decision, where I may regret it some time in the future?
  • What other information do we need to make a healthy decision for my/our future?

In the end, your partner’s input will hopefully allow you to feel supported and confident in your decision, but ultimately, you have to make the best decision for you.

You Have Other Options

Many couples are not fully aware of all the choices they have in dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. It is better to make a decision after being completely informed of your options and possibilities.

Parenting

When facing an unplanned pregnancy, the option of single parenting or co-parenting with your partner can seem very overwhelming. For as much work as there is in raising a child, there’s double the amount of joy—bringing life into the world, building a relationship with your child, and possibly strengthening the relationship with your partner can all add a deeper meaning to your life. Even though circumstances may be challenging at the time, it may be in your best interest to consider the option of parenting.

Adoption

Adoption is a way for you to give the gift of a baby to those families who cannot have children of their own. With adoption, you have options: open, partially open or closed. Open adoption gives you the chance to be in your child’s life in some capacity if you choose or maybe receiving pictures, and closed adoption is no contact.

Guardianship

Similar to adoption, this option allows your parent or family member to raise your child. This keeps your child in your life while you work or grow to feel comfortable in your ability to take them back and care for your child yourself.

CAPS Is Here To Answer Your Questions & Offer Support

At CAPS Pregnancy + Medical Clinics, we want you to feel confident in whatever decision you make. We’re here to listen to your doubts and fears, and provide guidance and education concerning your options and resources. Our medical team can go over your options, the types of abortions, and what those procedures entail. Our Patient Care Specialists can provide you with a “Decision Guide” to help organize your thoughts and come to the best decision.

We also offer post-abortion education and resources on material aid, insurance, housing, finances, job corps, adoption services, parenting classes and OB/GYNs.

The decision to have or abort a baby isn’t one you need to make alone. Our team is here to provide compassionate support to you during this difficult time.

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and aren’t sure of what your next steps should be, contact us at any of the San Diego area clinic locations, call us at 619-337-8080, or schedule an appointment.

All pregnancy services are FREE, including FREE pregnancy test, FREE ultrasound, and FREE pregnancy and abortion education.

All our services to you are private – your privacy is important to us.

No matter what choice you make, CAPS will be there for you before, during, and after your pregnancy.

CAPS is different than some other medical clinics since we receive no financial profit from your pregnancy because we do not perform or refer for abortions or arrange adoptions. We do refer to other organizations for adoptions if you are interested in that option. We will help you examine the full range of options (abortion, parenting, adoption) including the variables for each option, so you can make the best choice for your situation.