H3HELPLINE is here for you. We help anyone who needs support after an abortion. We care about your recovery, let us help.
An unplanned pregnancy may have you asking yourself some questions that you never imagined. Questions such as: Am I ready to be a parent? Is adoption even possible? Should I get an abortion? These are natural questions to ask yourself when you aren’t sure what to do. Each of these options are life changing, and only you can decide which one is right for you.
Unlike the abortion clinics that offer only one option, you actually have 3 options. The next best step is to educate yourself on the 3 options available to make the most informed decision regarding your pregnancy. In this blog, we will focus on the 3 options available to you.
Parenting
It is only natural to ask yourself, “Am I ready to be a parent,” especially if you find yourself in an unexpected pregnancy. But it’s also important to know that even someone who is experiencing a planned pregnancy still wonders if they are ready and have what it takes to parent a child.
First, remember you are not alone! You may have heard the saying: “It takes a village to raise a child.” This saying has stood the test of time because it is true! Now is a great time to think about the community around you who can help you prepare for raising a child not only during your pregnancy, but after the baby is born as well.
Do you have family members, friends, co-workers or neighbors who you can talk to for advice and help? You will be surprised at how many people are willing to help you navigate and learn, so you can succeed as a new parent.
From a caller who chose to parent, “ 9 months ago I was so confused as to what I should do, I decided to not go ahead with the abortion and I’m so over the moon I didn’t, I can’t now fathom thinking I would have got her aborted. She’s perfect.”
There are local resources available to you through a Pregnancy Resource Center, help such as free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds and even parenting classes. These classes will prepare you to be the best parent you can be and often cover many topics.
Pregnancy Resource Centers can also help with physical needs, such as diapers, formula and more. If you are unfamiliar with any local resources in your area, give us a call at H3Helpline and we can connect you with a center local to you. You will be amazed at the resources available. You may also go to Optionline.org for resources in your area.
Adoption
Have you ever considered adoption as your pregnancy option? The woman that chooses adoption is strong and selfless. She realizes that she may not be able to parent her child but wants the best life possible for her child. You deserve to check adoption out. The birth mother has the ability to choose from so many options: from open adoption, semi-closed adoption, or closed adoption, to choosing the parents for your child. Every one of these options provides you with the ability to choose what is best for you and your child.
If you would like to know more about the various adoption options, you can call us at 866-721-7881 for help. We have an adoption specialist waiting to answer all your questions with no obligation, just ask for Pam.
You may say, “I can’t place this baby for adoption, after carrying it for 9 months!” We understand that it can feel overwhelming figuring out what is best for you and your baby, but we want you to know that there are resources and people to help guide you through each step. We can connect you with local agencies and organizations in your area, who can walk you through the process. We are here to help you receive the best information and guidance on what it would look like for you to choose adoption.
Abortion
Abortion, both chemical (the pill) and surgical, is often made out to be a simple, safe and effective option for a woman experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Abortion sounds like it is the quickest and simplest choice to get your life back on track BUT it is the most long lasting trauma emotionally.
A woman who chooses abortion, will carry the memory and the “what if’s” the rest of her life. She will wonder “what would he/she have grown up to be like, to look like?” The long-term effects can be devastating for women because they are not informed of what really happens.
One cannot discredit the emotional trauma that many women and men experience after an abortion either, which is similar to a a state of PTSD known as post-abortion stress syndrome or After Abortion Trauma.
Along with emotional risks, the physical risks are real. Recent studies are startling regarding pregnant women in the United States who have a legal abortion:
“A pregnant woman’s risk of death increases 38% every week beyond eight weeks.” (National Library of Medicine).
Although both the abortion pill and surgical options are considered legal, the increased risk of death in women is something that cannot be ignored when considering this option. In addition to the risk of death, many women experience unwanted and unforeseen serious side effects that they were often not informed at a medical or abortion clinic. These side effects range from hospitalizations, serious infections to even infertility in the future.
Another risk never talked about is, where the baby survives after the abortion. According to Melissa Ohden of Abortions Survivors Network, “Abortion doesn’t just take the life of a child (most of the time-sometimes it fails to do so and we live), but it changes your life, relationships, families for generations” To read abortion survivors stories go to Abortion Survivors Network because “Every human being is more than a choice”.
H3Helpline is Here For You!
H3Helpline is a safe and confidential place for you, if you are thinking about having an abortion or if you are suffering from emotional trauma after one. When you call H3Helpline, one of our Helpline Coaches will be able to provide you with information that will offer you help, hope and healing that is needed as a result of the emotional pain that follows an abortion.
Our professionally trained Helpline Coaches have experienced abortion, so they are able to listen and empathize with you. If you are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and considering having an abortion, it is important to make yourself aware of all the facts involved and how it can impact your life, both immediately and long-term.
Know that whatever you face today, you are not alone and that there are resources and support all around you. Call or text us at 866-721-7881 or visit us online; it is safe and confidential and we are here for you.