How to Decide Whether or Not to Get an Abortion

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An abortion is the removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus, resulting in or caused by its death. [1] The approximate number of induced abortions performed worldwide in 2003 was 42 million. [2] Deciding whether or not to get an abortion can be one of the toughest choices that a pregnant mother has to go through. Several things need to be factored in during the decision making process. This period can be very stressful and emotional.

Steps

1. Discuss with your close friends and family. Your close friends and family will be able to provide their opinions and thoughts that may help you in determining whether or not to complete an abortion.
2. Consider your morals and beliefs. Your morals and beliefs may or may not play a big part in your decision about whether or not to have an abortion. There are scriptures in the Bible that suggest God would not approve of abortions. [3] For many Christians, this is enough to discourage them from getting an abortion. However, you may also decide that you are not in a state where you could care for your child, in or out of the womb. Think about it; and make up your own mind and once you know what you want to do, tune out everyone else. A lot of people have a lot of very strong opinions about abortion, and most of them will want to give it to you, but you have to make YOUR decision.
3. Consider the costs of raising a child. "Children are priceless, but raising them is probably the most expensive thing you'll ever do." It is estimated that to raise a child from birth to age 17, a parent will spend nearly $269,520 to raise the child. Money may or may not play a role in making your decision about an abortion. Some believe that if they cannot afford to raise a baby, then it would be better for them to have an abortion. However, there is also the option of putting the baby up for adoption or giving him or her to a safe haven.
4. Consider both the medical side effects of having an abortion and the effects of going though with the pregnancy. After having an abortion, many mothers receive side effects such as sickness, varying degrees of bleeding, depression and, in some extreme cases, death.[4] Similarly, giving birth will carry some risk of sickness or death.[5]
5. Consider the costs of an abortion. Abortion costs differ from state to state, from abortion clinic to abortion clinic, and may vary depending on what stage of your pregnancy you are in. [6] You should expect to pay anywhere from $400-$7,000 to get an abortion.
6. Remember that in the end, the decision is yours to make. While it is good to listen to other people's opinions and advice about getting an abortion or keeping the baby, make sure that you (and the baby's father, if applicable) are the one that actually makes the choice.

Tips

• When discussing whether or not to get an abortion and you are asking your close friends and family members, you may want to especially ask those who have either had an abortion, or have considered getting an abortion. You can learn from what they have already been through.
• Many people will try to sway you either one way or the other, however, remember that in the end you are the person that has to make the decision of whether or not to keep your child.

Warnings

• After receiving an abortion you should expect to have side effects. Minor side effects include: abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, infection, spotting and bleeding. It is possible that you may experience these side effects for up to 2 to 4 weeks following the procedure. [7]
• After receiving an abortion you may also receive more serious complications such as: heavy or persistent bleeding, infection or sepsis, damage to the cervix, scarring of the uterine lining, perforation of the uterus, damage to other organs, and in extreme cases, death. Although serious complications only occur in less than 1 out of 100 first trimester abortions and approximately 1 out of every 50 late term abortions; it is important to know the possible risks. However, giving birth and complications with pregnancy also hold several of these risks.
• Some women who receive abortions have feelings of guilt afterwords. In more severe cases, they require therapy. You need to make sure that you are really okay with having the abortion and that it agrees with your conscience. Many who have abortions without having their conscience agree are the ones who end up depressed.

Sources and Citations

1. ↑ Abortion entry on Wikipedia
2. ↑ Guttmacher Institute
3. ↑ Frank A. Pavone, Priests for Life
4. ↑ California Right to Life
5. ↑ Pregnancy: Potential Complications
6. ↑ The Abortion Clinic Directory
7. ↑ American Pregnancy Association

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