When making a big decision, it’s always important to weigh the pros and cons to aid in the process. This is especially true when making the decision to have an abortion.
Here are 5 cons of having an abortion that are important for everyone to know about.
- Abortions involve side effects, just like any other procedure Even though legal abortions are generally safe, these side effects may include pain, discomfort, bleeding, infection, and in some cases, injury to internal organs or reactions to the medication. It is rare for a woman to have these symptoms, but they do happen. It’s important to talk to your doctor to know what to expect during and after an abortion.
- Abortions cost money. Like everything else in the medical world, abortions are not free and they cost a lot of money. They can range from $500 to several thousands of dollars. If you have health insurance, an abortion won’t be covered by insurance, which means you will have to pay out of pocket. This can be pretty expensive.
- There may be psychological side effects. While it is not an official diagnosis, there is a syndrome called post-abortion syndrome. You may experience depression, anxiety, uncontrollable mood swings, and even thoughts of suicide. Some women might even turn to drugs and alcohol. It’s important to think about these things as you make your final decision.
- In some states, you must have parental consent. If you are a young woman who is facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be considering abortion because you don’t want your parents to know. In some states, you may have to have your parents’ consent before getting an abortion. While this is a hard fact to face, it is also inevitable.
- You must make the decision early in pregnancy. Most abortions are performed during the first trimester because medical risks are higher if performed later in the pregnancy. It is hard to even find abortion services during your second trimester. This means that you must learn of your unplanned pregnancy early on and make the decision in the first few months. These time constraints rush women into a decision that they may later regret.
You may be facing an unplanned pregnancy and are puzzled about what to do, but researching your options and weighing the pros and cons before coming to a final decision is important. Abortion isn’t for everyone, talk to family members and to your doctor. To learn more, visit unplannedpregnancy.com
Are you considering placing a child for adoption? Not sure what to do next? First, know that you are not alone. Visit Adoption.org or call 1-800-ADOPT-98 to speak to one of our Options Counselors to get compassionate, nonjudgmental support. We are here to assist you in any way we can.
