If I Choose Abortion, How Will the Decision Impact Me Now and in the Future?

While the gift of time is priceless when making a big decision, it’s also important to consider the various outcomes to the “forever” decisions you are considering making. Be informed and think through all possible outcomes before coming to a decision about abortion. Look at all the details of how this decision could impact you not just today, but a week, year or even 20+ years from now.

Ask Yourself, How Long Will This Crisis Last? Look at Each Possible Outcome.

For example, a woman learns she is pregnant and just started college. The initial thought may be, “How could I go to school and care for a baby?” Abortion may sound like a simple answer. After all, you know women who have had abortions and they seem fine. Life will go on. While life does go on, that’s not the whole picture.

Emotional Risks

The truth is, abortion related PTSS (post traumatic stress syndrome) is real and affects a large number of women with symptoms often manifesting years after the abortion.

Emotional symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Guilt
• Grief
• Shame
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Low Self-Esteem
• Relationship Issues
• Intimacy Issues
• Thoughts of Self Harm
• Anger Toward Self and Others
• Fear

Physical Risks

There are medical risks* of having an abortion to consider:

• Incomplete Abortion
• Blood Clots in the Uterus
• Heavy Bleeding (hemorrhage)
• Cut or Torn Cervix
• Perforation of the Uterus Wall
• Anesthesia Related Complications
• Painful Cramping

There are also long-term consequences to abortion often not talked about. Many women struggle with infertility, have increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, or struggle with new or increased substance or alcohol abuse.

It’s Important To Have All the Facts When Making a “Forever” Decision.

Now let’s look at the example situation again, you’re in college, pregnant and feel abortion is your only option. Use that gift of time to really think through all options to this forever decision. The crisis you may find yourself in today, may look much more manageable tomorrow. Abortion is a forever decision, one we cannot undo.

Learn From Others

As you make a decision, also consider talking with someone who has experienced abortion and can provide an honest assessment of their experience. At First Care we are happy to put you in touch with our staff or others who have experienced abortion and can answer some of your questions.

Some of the women who have come through our post-abortion healing program have shared their stories with us, including the following thoughts about their abortion decision:

“I wish with all my being, I could take back what I did.”

“They all said I would be okay after…but I’m not.”

“20 years later, I still struggle with great depression and grief.”

“I feel selfish…I feel stupid for getting pregnant in the first place…Before this I never believed in abortion… I have let myself and my family down…”

“After the abortion, I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize myself.”

“I felt like a monster for killing my child.”

“Looking back at the situation, I could have had my baby and been okay.”

Find Support

If you are worried about how carrying a pregnancy may impact your future goals and plans for your life, we have staff available to help you talk through those concerns. We also have a variety of resources we can help connect you with as well.

We won’t tell you what to do or not do.

We won’t pressure you.

We will provide a place for you to process and think through the impact of your pregnancy decision now and in the future so you can make a well informed decision that you’ll feel positive about today and in the future.

Schedule an Appointment

Schedule an appointment for Options Counseling to talk with someone about your options.

 

*taken from “If You are Pregnant” from the Minnesota Department of Health