There are a lot of misconceptions about unplanned pregnancy and abortion. If you’ve found yourself unexpectedly pregnant or even facing complications in a planned pregnancy, it can be difficult to sort through the misinformation and connect with the resources you need to make the right decision moving forward.
Abortion is a very complicated and personal choice. It is normal to struggle with determining whether it’s right for you and your situation. As healthcare professionals specializing in providing elective abortion services, we’re here to provide the information you need to decide.
Why Do Women Decide to Get Abortions?
Understanding the most common reasons women choose to terminate pregnancies may help determine if abortion is right for you. Many different factors go into making this decision and are personal to the individual, but you may find you relate to some of these situations.
Financial Concerns
Women who are young and still in school or have a low or unsteady income may choose to terminate a pregnancy because of financial instability. Many do not have the resources to cover the costs of pregnancy, birth, and providing for a child, especially when unplanned.
Relationship Problems
Women who don’t want to commit to their current partners are in a physically or emotionally abusive relationship, a new relationship, or no relationship at all sometimes feel abortion is their best choice. The fear of being a single mother or raising a child in an unhealthy environment is often a deciding factor.
Mental Health
Going through pregnancy, childbirth, and raising a child is mentally and emotionally taxing. If a woman feels they are not in the right mental or emotional place to have and care for a baby, then abortion may be the best solution.
Physical Health
For women with certain conditions, pregnancy and childbirth can jeopardize or negatively impact their physical health. In other situations, the health of the baby may be at risk. Abortion may be the safest decision.
Personal Circumstances
Many women choose abortion for personal reasons, such as poor timing, wanting to achieve other goals before motherhood, or simply not wanting children.
How Can I Determine If Abortion Is Right for Me?
Consider how bearing and raising a child versus having an abortion would impact your life. Ask yourself some of the following questions to help get a better idea:
- Am I ready and willing to raise a child?
- Can I financially support a child?
- How would having a baby impact the plans and goals I have for my future?
- Do I have the support I need to raise a child?
- How would a baby impact my family?
- Do I have a religious or moral objection to abortion?
- Am I healthy enough to carry, birth, and/or raise a child?
- Do I want to be a mother?
Abortion is a deeply complex and personal decision that should only be made once you have all the necessary information.
Choosing to have an abortion is ultimately up to you and you alone, but consulting with others can help ease your burden and make you more confident in what you decide. If you’re comfortable, you may want to discuss your situation with a close friend or family member. Confide in individuals you know will be sensitive and support you in any decision without pressure or judgment.
It’s also important that you consult with a healthcare professional before moving forward with an abortion. They will ensure you know your options and receive accurate, objective information to use in your decision-making process. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions or address any concerns you might have with an expert.
At South Avenue Women’s Services, we understand that women need compassionate care and reliable information to decide if abortion is right for them. That’s why we’re committed to providing medical and surgical abortion services and professional advice to women throughout Western New York.
Contact our team today at (585)271-3850 to get the help you need and remember—you are not alone!