Facing an unplanned, potentially unwanted pregnancy? You have three options: parenting, abortion, or adoption.
Facing these decisions while simultaneously having your life disrupted by the fact of an unplanned pregnancy can be overwhelming. You may be looking for the easiest and quickest solution, but it’s important to consider your mental health when making your decision.
Does Abortion Affect Mental Health?
No one can predict how they will respond or feel after an abortion, but there are enough studies and reports of women suffering from mental health struggles after the procedure that it’s worth taking time to look at the reports.
Outcomes include:
The Adoption Plan Option
If you’re confident that parenting is not in the cards for you but are second-guessing abortion, then adoption is your other option.
You can make an adoption plan that allows you to have a relationship with the adoptive family or remain completely anonymous after giving birth, with all identifying information sealed to protect your privacy.
The most common type of adoption is an open adoption. Choosing adoption can allow you to avoid the mental health effects that may come with an abortion and empower you to choose an adoption plan that is best for you mental and emotional well being.
Are There Mental Health Risks to Adoption?
Just as it’s impossible to predict how a woman’s mental health will be affected by an abortion, there is no guarantee of how you’ll feel if you choose making an adoption plan. Some women experience feelings of grief or loss.
Some of the benefits of adoption include local resources and support groups to help process your experience. Another benefit is how much control you have over the situation: You can decide which plan is best for your mental health, whether it’s an open adoption or one that is completely closed.
Know Your Options
Now that you know a bit more about the possible mental health effects of each choice, you may be wondering what the next step is.
At our clinic, you can first confirm your pregnancy with a confidential, no-cost pregnancy testing and ultrasound appointment. We also offer an Options Consultation where you can discuss your options and ask questions in a confidential, pressure-free environment. Contact us today!
