An unexpected pregnancy can leave you weighing questions you never expected to face. You may know you’re not ready to parent but are unsure whether abortion or adoption is the right path.

You do not have to have all the answers today. Start by gathering information about your pregnancy and understanding your options in more detail.

At The Hope Clinic, we can provide free pregnancy testing and limited obstetrical ultrasounds so you can better understand how your pregnancy is developing. We will also give you information about adoption, abortion, and parenting.

Schedule your appointment today.

Understanding Abortion

There are two main types of abortion: medical abortion and surgical abortion. Medical abortion uses two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to maintain pregnancy, while misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.

Vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping will always occur with this abortion method.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and chills. Possible complications include heavy bleeding, infection, an incomplete abortion, or an ongoing pregnancy.

According to the FDA, the abortion pill is approved for ending a pregnancy through 10 weeks of gestation.

Surgical abortion takes place in a clinical setting and involves opening the cervix and using suction and, in some cases, instruments such as a curette or forceps to remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. Side effects include cramping and bleeding or spotting lasting for several days,

Possible complications include infection, heavy bleeding, injury to the cervix, or scar tissue in the uterus, also known as Asherman’s syndrome.

Understanding Adoption

If you want to continue your pregnancy but do not feel ready to parent, adoption may be an option worth exploring.

Adoption plans can look different depending on how much contact you want with the adoptive family and your child. Learning about these arrangements can help you understand what adoption might look like in practice.

  • Open adoption: You and the adoptive family can exchange contact information and maintain communication through visits, phone calls, messages, or letters, depending on the arrangement you agree on.
  • Semi-open adoption: Communication takes place through an adoption agency or another agreed-upon third party. This can allow you to share updates or receive information while maintaining more privacy.
  • Closed adoption: There is no contact between the birth parent and adoptive family, and all identities remain anonymous.

At The Hope Clinic, you can receive referrals to adoption agencies that can help you explore adoption in greater detail and give you the opportunity to ask any questions. You will not be expected to pay anything to place your child for adoption and may receive financial assistance for pregnancy-related costs from the adoptive family.

Explore Your Options at The Hope Clinic

Before deciding what comes next, it helps to understand your pregnancy and important details such as how far along you are, the location, and whether the pregnancy is viable. The Hope Clinic offers free pregnancy services, including a limited obstetrical ultrasound to give you access to the information you need.

You deserve the time and support to consider your future. Contact us to make a confidential appointment and learn more.

The Hope Clinic does not provide or refer for abortions.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.