Considering Abortion?

Abortion may seem, at first, to be the easiest way to deal with an unplanned pregnancy. Abortion is not a simple procedure, however. For many it is a life-changing choice and we want you to be fully informed before deciding. Many women on the other side of abortion tell us that they wish someone had told them the whole truth before their abortion. They feel, now, that they may have made a different decision if someone had simply shared the truth with them before the abortion.

Abortion Methods:

Morning-After Pill (also known as Emergency Contraception or "EC")

This is a drug intended to be taken as soon as possible within the first 72 hours after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. It contains a high dose of a progesterone (levonorgestrel), which is found in many kinds of birth control pills. At the dosage found in the morning-after pill, this drug may work on rare occasions to prevent an embryo from implanting in the uterus. It is often referred to by the brand name that started it all---Plan B.

Depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, the pill could affect you in one of three ways: 1.) It may prevent ovulation. The egg will not be released to meet the sperm so fertilization (conception) can't occur. 2.) It may affect the lining of your fallopian tubes so that sperm cannot reach the egg. This also prevents fertilization. 3.) It may irritate the lining of your uterus. If an egg has already been released and fertilized by the sperm, this irritation could make it harder for the embryo to implant in your uterus, therefore causing an early abortion. You may experience several short-term side effects when taking the morning-after pill. These include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Irregular and unpredictable menstrual periods
• Cramping and abdominal pain which might also be the sign of an ectopic pregnancy
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Breast tenderness

Ectopic pregnancy

This is a potentially life-threatening condition in which a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus most often in the fallopian tube. The morning-after pill won't end an ectopic pregnancy. If you have severe abdominal pain three to five weeks after using the morning-after pill, see your health care professional to rule out an ectopic pregnancy. An embryo growing in a fallopian tube will require emergency care. The morning-after pill can't guarantee that you won't get pregnant, nor does it protect you from HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections or diseases.

Medical Abortion: (also known as RU-486)

At the first doctor visit, you will take three mifepristone pills, also known by the brand name Mifeprex. These pills contain a drug that cuts off the supply of blood and nutrients to the developing embryo. Two days later, you will return to the doctor to take another drug, misoprostol, also called Cytotec. This causes your uterus to contract and expel the embryo. Though the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that you take two tablets by mouth, many abortion providers insert it into your vagina. You may also be given some antibiotics. Two weeks later, a third visit to the doctor should confirm that the abortion is complete. However, 1 to 4 percent of women will still need a surgical abortion to terminate the pregnancy. This could mean a fourth and maybe fifth visit. You should expect to have vaginal bleeding or spotting for an average of 9 to 16 days. Up to 8 percent of all women may experience some bleeding for 30 days or more.

You should not get a medical abortion if you have:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Bleeding problem
• Anemia
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Pregnancy outside the uterus, known as ectopic pregnancy (read above information on ectopic pregnancy)
• An IUD in place

Important: Within the first 24 hours after taking mifepristone and misoprostol, contact your health-care professional right away if you experience:

• Heavy bleeding that soaks through two thick, full-size sanitary pads per hour for two hours
• Persistent stomach pain or discomfort
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea with or without fever
• Fever of 100.4 degrees or higher for more than 4 hours

These symptoms, even without fever, may indicate a serious and possibly fatal blood infection called sepsis. If you have little or no bleeding after taking misoprostol, it could be a warning sign of ectopic pregnancy. Check with your health-care professional.

Manual Vacuum Aspiration:

Within 7 weeks after last menstrual period (LMP): This surgical abortion is done early in the pregnancy up until 7 weeks after the woman's last menstrual period (LMP). The cervical muscle is stretched with dilators (metal rods) until the opening is wide enough to allow the abortion instruments to pass into the uterus. A hand held syringe is attached to tubing that is inserted into the uterus and the fetus is suctioned out.

Suction Curettage:

Within 6 to 14 weeks after LMP: This is the most commonly used method. In this procedure, the doctor opens the cervix with a dilator (a metal rod) or laminaria (thin sticks derived from plants and inserted hours before the procedure.) The doctor inserts tubing into the uterus and connects the tubing to a suction machine. The suction pulls the fetus' body apart and out of the uterus. One variation of this procedure is called Dilation and Curettage (D&C). In this method, the doctor may use a curette, a loop-shaped knife, to scrape the fetal parts out of the uterus.

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E):

Within 13 to 24 weeks after LMP: This surgical abortion is done during the second trimester of pregnancy. Because the developing fetus doubles in size between the eleventh and twelfth weeks of pregnancy, the body of the fetus is too large to be broken up by suction and will not pass through the suction tubing. In this procedure, the cervix must be opened wider than in a first trimester abortion. This is done by inserting laminaria a day or two before the abortion. After opening the cervix, the doctor pulls out the fetal parts with forceps. The fetus' skull is crushed to ease removal.

Dilation and Extraction (D&X):

From 20 weeks after LMP to Full-Term: This procedure is not legal in some states. This procedure takes three days. During the first two days, the cervix is dilated and medication is given for cramping. On the third day, the woman receives medication to start labor. After labor begins, the abortion doctor uses ultrasound to locate the baby's legs. Grasping a leg with forceps, the doctor delivers the baby up to the baby's head. Next, scissors are inserted into the base of the skull to create an opening. A suction catheter is placed into the opening to remove the skull contents. The skull collapses and the baby is removed.

Risks of Abortion:

Possible Physical Effects:

Most abortions have no complications. However, approximately 1 out of every 100 early abortions and about 1 out of every 50 later abortions do have some form of complication. We want you to know all the facts before making this choice. You have a right to know. Be sure to ask your abortion provider to explain each of the following risks.

• Heavy bleeding
• Infection
• Incomplete abortion
• Allergic reaction to drugs used
• Tearing of the cervix
• Scarring of the uterine lining
• Perforation of the uterus
• Damage to internal organs
• Death (very rare but does occur in some cases)

Abortion and Breast Cancer: The medical community is still researching and debating the link between abortion and breast cancer. Enough research has been done though, to make it a very important issue to consider. Abortion causes a sudden drop in estrogen levels that may make breast cells more prone to cancer. When a woman has a miscarriage, it is a natural act and her body quickly adjusts. When an outside source ends the pregnancy your body goes through a "shock" period. This is when the medical community believes we are 'setting ourselves up' for possible abnormal breast cancer cells that can develop into cancer later on in life.

Possible Emotional Effects:

Post Abortion Stress Syndrome:

Be prepared for one or more of the following problems that could occur after an abortion. If you see any signs of any of the following, please seek professional counseling. Do not allow these issues to begin ruling your life.

• Fear of failure
• Fear of being judged
• Fear of making decisions
• Fear of taking risks
• Feeling of defeat
• Feeling unworthy
• Depression
• Guilt
• Shame
• Panic attacks
• Addictions
• Suicidal thoughts
• Difficulty with relationships
• Inability to bond with other children
• Sexual dysfunctions
• Sense of loss
• Sleeplessness, bad dreams, nightmares
• Eating disorders
• And perhaps many other symptoms

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please understand that you are not alone and help is available. Contact MyLife Medical and Resource Centers to find out more.

We are here for you.

Spiritual Consequences:

People have different understandings of God. Whatever your present beliefs may be, there is a spiritual side to abortion that deserves to be considered. Having an abortion may affect more than just your body and mind. It may have an impact on your relationship with God. What is God's desire for you in this situation? How does God see your unborn child? These are important questions to consider.

For more information about God please visit www.JCPCC.com and click on "Special Topics/Salvation."

STDs and abortion:

If you have been sexually active at all you may have an STD. Having an abortion with an STD can be extremely dangerous for you. We offer free and low-cost STD testing. Contact us today for more information. It is very important for YOUR health.

Ultimately:

The choice is yours and yours alone. No one can coerce you into having an abortion. In fact, legal charges can be brought against anyone who tries to force you into that decision. Please seek legal counsel in such situations. You can always contact us with questions or if you are in need of emotional support or referrals. Real empowerment comes when you take the time to research and discover accurate and factual information about each of your options concerning this unplanned pregnancy. Only then can you make a very informed decision about your pregnancy. The choice you make is for a lifetime and deserves careful thought and consideration. MyLife Medical and Resource Centers are here to help you explore these options and develop a plan. Contact us today.