Discovering you are pregnant may trigger a flood of emotions. The news can cause feelings from joy and celebration to fear and confusion. Not only can it have an immediate impact on your current circumstances, but it also may transform the way you approach your future as well as your relationships, education, and income.
For many women, abortion may feel like the only way to resolve their pregnancy, especially if it is unplanned. If that’s the case for you, here are five important things to consider before choosing an abortion:
1. Make sure you are pregnant.
A positive pregnancy test is only the beginning of the story. Without further confirmation, your pregnancy may not be viable for a number of reasons. Research shows that 10–25 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage before the twentieth week. In even rarer cases, a tubal pregnancy may develop, which can be life-threatening. Not only might an abortion be unnecessary in these situations, but you might also need medical care to ensure your long-term health.
All of this can be avoided by simply confirming whether or not your pregnancy is viable. An ultrasound could be the best option for doing so and it’s a service we offer free of charge at the Cline Center. Our team of nurses, sonographers, and physicians are standing by to provide you with exceptional care and the counsel you need to make the best decision for your health. Give us a call to schedule your appointment today
2. Take the time to process your emotions.
Many women who find themselves unexpectedly pregnant may be left in a state of shock. Fight-or-flight instincts can kick in along with panicked, catastrophic thinking. In that state, it can be hard to focus on anything other than the negative aspects of the moment, which can lead to reactionary decisions. For something as important to your health and future as a pregnancy, you want to make the best decision possible—and that may start with pausing long enough to process your emotional state.
Take time to let those fight-or-flight feelings calm down. Rather than focusing on how to fix your situation or make it go away, consider the importance of your pregnancy and the possible long-term effects that may come from whatever choice you make. Once the initial shock has worn off, you should be able to think more clearly and make a more informed decision. One of the ways you can begin to process your emotions is through a private medical consultation with a member of our team. You’ll be able to talk openly about your feelings and concerns at no cost to you.
3. Get informed about the abortion process and the type of procedure you may need.
Whether you’ve had a previous abortion or not, it’s important to make sure you’re fully informed about what to expect before scheduling an appointment. Both the type and cost of a procedure will depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy. In addition to determining the viability of your pregnancy, an ultrasound can confirm its progress allowing you to better understand the procedural options available to you.
The Cline Center offers ultrasounds free of charge as well as the opportunity to talk with a nurse about your available options, including any abortion procedures you may be considering. We can provide you with the medical information you need from a source you can trust.
4. Learn about your options without feeling pressured to decide.
It’s hard enough dealing with your own emotions when pregnant—you shouldn’t have to carry the added burden of pressure from others. People tend to have strong opinions about how to handle a pregnancy, which may lead them to push you toward a certain decision or judge you for differing with their views. The choices you make for your pregnancy are yours alone. Seek out a pressure-free environment as you consider your future.
If you need a safe place to talk through your options, you can always schedule an appointment with the Cline Center to come in and speak with a member of our team. Each of our patient advocates is trained to provide you with support and information as you make your plans without any coercion or judgment. We’re here to meet you where you are and help you in whatever way you need.
5. You are more than your pregnancy.
Your life is bigger than your pregnancy. You have goals and dreams, relationships, and family. Maybe you’ve just gotten that great job or are about to start your new career. Or maybe you’re carrying heartache from a traumatic past or wounds from a broken relationship. Whatever the case may be, your story has a strong influence on the decision you make for your pregnancy. You deserve the kind of support that cares for you as a whole and not as someone left in the shadow of your pregnancy.
At the Cline Center, we’re here to talk with you about whatever is going on in your life to ensure that you are cared for in the way you deserve. Our team is here to empower you for success in your personal goals and desires whether or not they relate to your pregnancy. Call to schedule an appointment today. You are not alone.