Having an unwanted child causes anguish for everyone. On the other hand, feelings can change over time; even if the decision to have an elective abortion is clear at the time, it may be regretted later. Choosing abortion is probably one of the most difficult decisions a woman ever makes. Pressures from family members, moral teachings, economic needs, and the state of the relationship with the child’s father may all influence the decision.
Medical Treatment
An abortion is much safer in the first three months of pregnancy than later. Because of this time constraint, you may feel you can’t make a well-thought-out decision. Teenage girls, who usually have less financial independence, have even fewer options than older women, and may be pressured into making decisions they regret later. Terminating a pregnancy creates a serious and painful loss, but raising an unwanted child can be devastating for both you and your child.
It’s very important to talk to someone who can be objective if you are doubtful about your decision; speak with your family doctor, or arrange to see a counselor through a birth control clinic or the outpatient department of a general hospital. A middle ground is to carry the child to term and then give the baby up for adoption. Recently it has become more common for the birth mother and the adoptive mother to stay in contact after the adoption, which often softens the pain of separation for the birth mother.
You can talk with a woman who has been through a similar experience, and she can tell you how she dealt with the pros and cons of these choices. It may also be helpful to talk to friends who have managed to raise a child in difficult circumstances, and find out how they coped. If you have strong religious scruples, it may be helpful to discuss the situation with someone who shares your belief . Support from your family or your partner can help influence your decision as well.
It is fortunately much less difficult to arrange an abortion now than it was in the past. But that doesn’t make it an easy decision. Ten per cent of women develop depression within two years after having an elective abortion.
