An unexpected pregnancy can invite numerous questions, concerns, and fears. Any outside pressure you feel to make a specific decision can make this situation even more challenging.
If you don’t want to be pregnant, consider all your options. Abortion is the only option for terminating the pregnancy. Parenting and adoption mean you’ll carry your pregnancy to term, but you can choose to raise the child or place them in an adoptive family.
Getting the facts is essential. Informed Choices Women’s Center provides the information you need to move forward.
Your Pregnancy Options
Once you’ve confirmed your pregnancy with pregnancy testing and limited ultrasound at our center, you’ll have more information and can review your options.
Abortion
In Arkansas, abortion is illegal unless deemed necessary to save the mother’s life. This means you would likely need to travel for an out-of-state abortion procedure. These costs may or may not be covered by your insurance plan.
The two abortion procedures are medical abortion and surgical abortion.
A medical abortion uses mifepristone to block progesterone and misoprostol to cause uterine contractions and expel the pregnancy tissue. This procedure is FDA-approved through ten weeks gestation.
A medical abortion causes abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. You could also experience headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, or chills.
Risks of medical abortion, though rare, include:
- Infection
- Digestive system discomfort
- Fever
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion (which may require surgical treatment)
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the medications don’t work)
During a surgical abortion, the provider uses medication, surgical instruments, or suctioning to remove the pregnancy tissue. This procedure also causes abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.
Though uncommon, risks of surgical abortion include:
- Infection
- Damage to the cervix
- Uterine perforation
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
Parenting
Parenting is a complex but rewarding journey. With the proper tools, it may be the right choice for you.
When considering this option, you’ll have much to think about, including:
- Your financial well-being
- Presence of a support system
- Childcare
- Ability to finish your education
- Stability of your home environment
- Presence or absence of the baby’s father
Speaking to a nurse at Informed Choices Women’s Center can help.
They’ll help you weigh this option and determine whether it’s the right decision. As an expectant or new parent, you can receive community referrals and no-cost parenting resources.
Adoption
Adoption can be emotionally challenging, but many women find peace of mind in knowing their child is loved and cared for.
You’re in control of the adoption process. As the birth mother, you choose the adoption plans and family that align with your goals and lifestyle best. You won’t pay for adoption services and could receive financial and material support.
There’s much to think about with adoption. Informed Choices will help you learn about this adoption and connect you to reputable adoption agencies.
Your First Appointment
At Informed Choices Women’s Center, your first appointment is always with a registered nurse. After receiving no-cost, medical-grade pregnancy testing, you can discuss your options and be connected to other services.
Contact us today to make a no-cost, confidential appointment at our Mountain Home location (870-424-4673) or Harrison location (870-280-3169).