What are My Pregnancy Options?

May 1, 2023

An unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming. Suddenly, you’re faced with major decisions that could impact the rest of your life. In a stressful moment like this, it can be hard to say what’s best for your future. 

Take a deep breath—you don’t have to take your next step alone! The compassionate team at PRC Pregnancy Support is here to help you explore each of your pregnancy options, so you can make an informed and empowered decision! Keep reading to learn more! 

What are My Pregnancy Options?

When facing an unplanned pregnancy, you have three options: abortion, adoption, and parenting. 

Is Abortion Right for Me?

When considering abortion, it’s important to ask a few questions:

Am I Really Pregnant? 

A delayed period, while alarming, isn’t always a surefire sign that you’re pregnant. Your first step is to take a pregnancy test and receive an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy. 

Is My Pregnancy Viable?

Ultrasounds detect the fetal heartbeat and can determine whether the pregnancy is developing properly inside the uterus. If there’s no heartbeat or the embryo has implanted somewhere outside of the uterus (such as in the fallopian tube), your pregnancy is not viable and abortion is not needed. In either case, you can avoid the time, stress, and cost of abortion and move forward with the appropriate medical care.

How are Abortions Performed? 

There are two methods for performing abortions: surgical and medication (also known as the abortion pill).

In a surgical abortion, a suction device is used to remove the embryo from the uterus through the vagina. This procedure is performed at an abortion clinic and you are sent home the same day. However, if complications arise, you may need to go to the emergency room to receive treatment. 

The abortion pill actually consists of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone is taken first, usually in a clinic. This medication cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. Without a steady supply of progesterone, the embryo stops growing. Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later at home. This medication causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo, which ends the pregnancy.

You may want to consider whether you’re comfortable with undergoing a surgical procedure or if you feel prepared to handle the side effects of the abortion pill at home. 

What are the Risks of Abortion?

Abortion (in either form) is not without risk. It’s crucial to be aware of how abortion could affect your body, both now and in the future. Below are some short and long-term risks of abortion: 

  • Uterine perforation. Occurs when one of the instruments used in surgical abortion accidentally pokes a hole in the uterus.[1]
  • Incomplete abortion. Occurs when the procedure doesn’t remove all of the fetal tissue. Emergency medical treatment may be required to prevent infection.[2]
  • Fertility issues. Abortion can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)[3] and Asherman Syndrome[4], both of which can cause fertility issues.
  • Negative impact on future pregnancies. Studies have shown a link between surgical abortion and an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight in future pregnancies.[5]

Is Adoption Right for Me? 

Adoption is a selfless, yet often misunderstood decision. Many assume that they’ll never be able to interact with their child again after the adoption is finalized. Others would rather not maintain a relationship with their child but aren’t sure what to do next. Some hesitate to choose adoption because they wonder if they’ll have a change of heart after it’s too late. 

If you’re thinking about adoption, there are a few things you need to understand:

Can I Maintain a Relationship with My Child After the Adoption?

Depending on the type of adoption you choose, you can maintain a relationship with your child! Open and semi-open adoption allows the birth mother to have varying degrees of communication with her child and the adoptive family after the adoption has been completed.[6]

What if I Want to Remain Anonymous? 

What if you’d rather not maintain a relationship with your child? There are options for that too.

Closed adoption[7] doesn’t allow for any communication between the birth mother and adoptive family. Neither party receives any identifying information, such as names, phone numbers, or addresses. 

Additionally, Mississippi’s Safe Haven Law allows mothers to anonymously leave their newborns at designated hospitals or fire stations within 7 days of giving birth. In Mississippi, surrendering an infant to a safe haven is considered a relinquishment of parental rights. You do not need to provide consent for the child’s adoption after leaving it at a safe haven.[8] 

Can I Change My Mind About the Adoption?

Yes! You can change your mind about the adoption at any point during your pregnancy. After the baby is born, you have 72 hours to change your mind.[9]

Is Parenting Right for Me?

If you’re considering parenting, you may have a lot of questions about pregnancy, birth, caring for an infant, and so much more. You may be thinking:

  • Do I have the support I need to raise a child?
  • Am I ready for a baby?
  • Would I enjoy being a parent?
  • How can I financially provide for a child?
  • Can I still achieve my personal goals as a parent?

Where Can I Find Parenting Support Resources?

It can be hard to know where to start when it comes to parenting, but you aren’t alone. PRC Pregnancy Support provides free parenting resources, so you can take your next steps with confidence! 

  • Confidential Pregnancy Coaching. Our trained pregnancy coaches are here to listen to your concerns and guide you through each stage of your pregnancy. 
  • Maternity & Infant Supplies. Access free maternity and infant supplies like clothes, strollers, diapers, and more when you participate in our “Earn While You Learn” pregnancy and parenting program.
  • Free Childbirth Classes. We provide free labor and delivery classes to women in their third trimester of pregnancy. The class is conducted by an RN volunteer. If you have a partner, they are welcome to join you! 
  • Community Resource Referrals. Beyond our own services, we can also refer you to community services and resources that could be helpful to you and your baby.

Pregnancy Options Counseling in Picayune, MS

We get it—there are a lot of questions and emotions to sort through right now. But you don’t have to do it alone. PRC Pregnancy Support is here to support you, from your first pregnancy test, to your final decision, and beyond.

Give us a call at 601-799-2668 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge!

    Schedule an Appointment

    Please be aware that PRC Pregnancy Support does not provide or refer for abortion services.

    Sources

    1. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020, December 2). Abortion – Surgical. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm 
    2. See source #1.
    3. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, April 30). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594 
    4. Tobah, Y. B. (2022, August 3). Elective abortion: Does it affect subsequent pregnancies? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/expert-answers/abortion/faq-20058551 
    5. See source #4.
    6. Open Adoption: Pros and Cons. Considering Adoption. (n.d.) https://consideringadoption.com/pregnant/open-adoption/open-adoption-pros-and-cons/ 
    7. Closed Adoption. Considering Adoption. (n.d.) https://consideringadoption.com/adopting/open-adoption/closed-adoption-a-fragmented-relationship/ 
    8. Infant Safe Haven Laws – Mississippi. Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2021, September). https://www.childwelfare.gov/resources/infant-safe-haven-laws-mississippi/
    9. How to Adopt in Mississippi. Considering Adoption. (2024, March 5). https://consideringadoption.com/adoptions-by-state/how-to-adopt-in-mississippi/