12 Jun Is Abortion or Adoption the Best Choice for Me?
If you feel parenting is not an option for you, abortion and adoption are your other two options.
As you consider these options, it is important to become informed about the process and risks of both abortion and adoption. In this blog, we share the must-know details of abortion and adoption so you can make an informed choice for your future.
How Does Abortion Work?
Types of Abortion
Medical abortion is the first type of abortion that ends an existing pregnancy. First, mifepristone is taken to stop the embryo from implanting by blocking the womb from absorbing progesterone.
Next, misoprostol is taken to cause the uterus to contract and release the pregnancy through the vagina. Risks of medical abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, or pain
Surgical abortion involves dilating the opening to the uterus and using a small suction tube to remove the fetus and related pregnancy material from the uterus. Risks of surgical abortion include:
- Damage to the womb or cervix
- Uterine perforation (accidentally putting a hole in the uterus with one of the instruments used)
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Scarring on the inside of the uterus
- Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
- Not removing all of the tissue, requires another procedure
The Option of Adoption
Adoption is a great option to explore if parenting is not possible, and abortion doesn’t feel like the right decision for you. You may be surprised to learn of all the options birth mothers have with adoption. Today, the birth mom has control over many aspects of the adoption process.
Different Types of Adoption
To determine what adoption plan is for you, you will need to decide what kind of relationship you want with your child. There are three types of adoption: open, closed, and semi-open adoption. In the past, the majority of adoptions in the U.S were closed, but today most have some level of openness.
With an open adoption, regular contact is made with your child and the adoptive family of your choosing. You will get to exchange contact information and other information with the adoptive family and determine how often you will see your child. Communication often begins during the pregnancy and continues throughout your child’s life.
Closed adoption is rare but also an option. Closed adoption involves working with an adoption agency to choose an adoptive family for your child – without knowing the family’s last name or address. If you don’t want contact with the adoptive family or your child, this is the option for you. Your identity will remain completely anonymous, but you will still have input on the type of home where your child is raised.
Lastly, a semi-open adoption allows you to decide the type and frequency of communication you will have with your child. The difference between this type of adoption and an open adoption is that all communication is managed by a third-party adoption agency or professional. All identifying information is concealed, and the agency serves as an intermediary for ongoing contact. Visits are scheduled and attended by this adoption professional. Cards, gifts or photos are exchanged through the adoption agency as well.
Talk Over Your Options
We know how difficult this decision can be and we are here for you. Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment today.
Lighthouse can support you through this important time, and educate you more about all your options.