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Thinking about Abortion: Consider all the facts and options before you choose

10 Point Health and Safety Check-list

Are you sure you are pregnant?
Do you know about abortion procedures?
Are you sure you have a viable, uterine pregnancy ("viable" means one that is capable of developing under normal conditions)?
Do you know that abortion presents health risks?
Do you know that there are possible emotional complications following an abortion?
Do you know your legal rights before and after an abortion?
What do you understand about Fetal Development?
Do you know what other procedures you will undergo at the abortion clinic? What procedures you should follow afterwards, and if there are any costs over and above the cost of the abortion procedure?
Do you know if you have any STD's?
Do you understand your other alternatives?

Abortion Procedures

The most common surgical abortion procedure is called suction-aspiration. For this procedure, the patient lies on her back with her feet in stirrups (as with a pelvic exam). The doctor dilates (streches) her cervix with cone-shaped rods to have access to her uterus. a suction device (similar to a tube) is inserted into the uterus. The tube is connected to a hose and to a suction machine that uses a strong vacuum force to pull the fetus and placenta into small parts that will pass though the tube. To read a true abortion story go to: www.thinkaboutitonline.com, then click on "n", It's About Us, go to the last word "stories" Hear Our Story/ My AbortionStory.

Possible Health Risks of Abortion

Immediate
Intense pain - the force of the suction machines is about 29 times greater than a househould vacuum.
Perforation of the uterus - because the procedure is done "blindly" (the doctor is not able to see inside the uterus), the abortion tools could puncture the wall of the uterus and possibly damage other organs in the process.
Infection - the uterus can be susceptible to infection after an abortion.  If the woman has a sexually transmitted disease, it can be spread further with an abortion. Severe infections can lead to the need for a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
Retention of fetal parts - if part of the fetus is left inside, serious infection can occur.
Hemorrhaging - heavy bleeding.
Death (although rare, death has occurred with abortion usually due to heavy bleeding or complications.) - As with any surgical procedure, patients need to be aware of this risk.
Future
Infertility - scar tissue or injury to your reproductive organs can prevent future conception.
Miscarriage - it is possible that the cervix can be damaged when dilated causing "cervical incompetence" (the cervix is unable to close properly during future pregnancies, causing miscarriage).
Tubal Pregnancies (a pregnancy that grows inside the fallopian tube.) - Scar tissue can cause the fallopian tubes to be blocked, not allowing a fertilized egg to pass into the uterus.
Breast cancer - a number of scientific studies show a link between abortion and an increased risk of breast cancer.
Possible emotional effects of Abortion
Guilt
Disruption in relationships
Inability to forgive oneself
Intense grief/sadness
Anger/Rage
Emotional Numbness
Flashbacks/Nightmares
Sexual Disturbances
Lowered self-esteem
Depression and/or Anxiety
Eating Disorders
Drug-Alcohol abuse
Suicidal Urges
Preoccupation to be pregnant again
On the surface, abortion appears to "make it all go away".  However, abortion does not mean your life will automatically go back to the way it was before you became pregnant. Nothing can change the fact that you have been pregnant. Consider all the facts and options before you choose because abortion is a permanent decision. This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice.
For futher information you may contact www.strengthtosayno.com or www.OptionLine.org
If you need someone to talk to, call Life House at (270)753-0700 , or find a care center near you by calling 1-800-395-HELP