Considering Abortion?

If you or someone you know are considering
abortion, it is important to know the risks and
side effects involved.

More importantly, the Hope pregnancy center
at WAAW foundation would like you to know
that you have alternatives.

We are here to help you explore your options
and let you know that help is available when
you are faced with an unwanted pregnancy
and the overwhelming feelings that go with
that situation. Please call us or contact us!

Immediate Risks of Abortion

Some side effects may occur with induced abortion. These include abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some abortions, no serious complications occur. However, complications may happen in as many as 1 out of every 10 abortions. Such complications may include:

Heavy Bleeding - Some bleeding after abortion is normal. There is, however, a risk of hemorrhage, especially if the uterine artery is torn. When this happens, a blood transfusion may be required.

Infection - Bacteria may get into the uterus from an incomplete abortion resulting in infection. A serious infection may lead to persistent fever over several days and extended hospitalization.

Incomplete Abortion - Some fetal parts may not be removed by the abortion. Bleeding and infection may occur. RU486 may fail in up to 1 out of every 20 cases.

Allergic Reaction to Drugs - An allergic reaction to anesthesia used during abortion surgery may result in convulsions, heart attack and, in extreme cases, death.

Tearing of the Cervix - The cervix may be cut or torn by abortion instruments.

Scarring of the Uterine Lining - Suction tubing, curettes, and other abortion instruments may cause permanent scarring of the uterine lining.

Perforation of the Uterus - The uterus may be punctured or torn by abortion instruments. The risk of this complication increases with the length of the pregnancy. If this occurs, major surgery, including a hysterectomy, may be required.

Damage to Internal Organs - When the uterus is punctured or torn, there is also a risk that damage will occur to nearby organs such as the bowel and bladder.

Death - In many cases in Africa, physical complications from abortion including excessive bleeding, infection, organ damage from a perforated uterus, and adverse reactions to anesthesia may lead to death. This complication is common in the case where a quack doctor has performed the abortion procedure. In Africa, due to shame, alot of young girls end up in the hands of quack doctors and die from complications. It is also known that 1 in 16 women die in pregnancy or childbirth in Africa, compared with 1 in 4600 in the United Kingdom.

Other Risks of Abortion

Abortion and Breast Cancer
Medical experts are still researching and debating the linkage between abortion and breast cancer. However, Dr. Janet Daling's 1994 study1 found "among women who had been pregnant at least once, if done before 18 years, it [breast cancer] increased by 150%."

Here are more important facts:

Abortion and Breast Cancer
Carrying a pregnancy to full term gives protection against breast cancer that cannot be gained if abortion is chosen. Abortion causes a sudden drop in estrogen levels that may make breast cells more susceptible to cancer. Most studies conducted so far show a significant linkage between abortion and breast cancer.

Effect on Future Pregnancy
Scarring or other injury during an abortion may prevent or place at risk future wanted pregnancies. The risk of miscarriage is greater for women who abort their first pregnancy.

Emotional Impact
Some women experience strong negative emotions after abortion. Sometimes this occurs within days and sometimes it happens after many years. This psychological response is known as Post-Abortion Stress (PAS). Several factors that impact the likelihood of Post-Abortion Stress include: the woman's age, the abortion circumstances, the stage of pregnancy at which the abortion occurs, and the woman's religious beliefs. Some of the emotional impacts on the woman include:

Post-Abortion Stress Symptoms, Guilt, Anger/Rage, Anxiety, Emotional Pain, Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, Anniversary Grief, Flashbacks of Abortion, Sexual Dysfunction, Relationship Problems,
Eating Disorders, Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Psychological Reactions.

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 your 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.

Explore Your Options

You have the legal right to choose the outcome of your pregnancy. But real empowerment comes when you find the resources and inner strength necessary to make your best choice. Here are some options you may consider when faced with an unwanted pregnancy.

Parenting
Choosing to continue your pregnancy and to parent is very challenging. But with the support of caring people, parenting classes, and other resources, many women find the help they need to make this choice. You can enlist the help of parents or grandparents in the care of your child. Hope pregnancy center at WAAW foundation will help you as you transition through this phase and provide counseling and support for you and your child.

Adoption
You may decide to make an adoption plan for your child. Each year several women in Africa make this choice. This loving decision saves your child and may provide hope for a family in need of a child's love. Hope pregnancy center at WAAW foundation helps put you in touch with agencies which can provide adoption services for you. This decision is often made by women who first thought abortion was their only way out.

Help Is Available at the Hope Pregnancy Center, WAAW foundation. We know that facing an unexpected pregnancy can seem overwhelming. That is why knowing where to go for help is important. Contact us today for help.

Reference: Daling, J. et al, Risk of Br. Ca. Among Women, J. Nat Ca. Inst, Vol.86, No. 21, Nov 2,'94, Pg. 1584.