Abortion can be a tough decision at any point in a woman’s life. An unexpected pregnancy can challenge your goals for the future as you look forward. It can also have you looking back as you wonder if an abortion is going to be the right decision for you. Are you looking back and forward with an abortion decision? How can you weigh your abortion options and alternatives to make your best decision?
If you’re seeking help weighing the option of abortion, let Avenue Women’s Center support you in the first steps of your decision. For nearly 40 years we’ve provided free services to women experiencing unexpected pregnancies, including confidential consultations to learn more about your abortion options and alternatives. Contact us today for your free appointment at any of our Chicagoland locations!
Looking Back on an Abortion Decision
I made an abortion decision at a young age, believing that it was best for me at the time. At first, it seemed like the right move. As life surged forward, I began to think about what might have been if I had gone with another pregnancy option. Back then, my younger self imagined that I would become a parent later in life when I was ready, more grown up, and financially stable. But that’s not the way life turned out. I didn’t get married and have a family like I thought I would. Other dreams came true, like earning a college degree and starting a career doing what I love. Yet, I wondered if that still would have been possible with the options of parenting or adoption.
I experienced life’s joys and pains like anyone else, but I felt different about them whenever I thought about how an abortion possibly changed the course my life. Some strong feelings came immediately after my abortion, while others lay hidden for years and eventually ruminated into a muddy mess. It took some time, but I eventually found my way to a healthier and healing emotional state.
Looking Forward into an Abortion
Things rarely ever turn out the way we think they will. The unexpected can be full of both delightful surprises and painful shocks. Looking back on a decision about abortion, the words “what if?” often came to my mind. This isn’t true for every woman, as some are confident and certain about their choice. But for others, it can be challenging to handle some of the emotions that can follow an abortion decision.
As you look forward into a potential abortion, there are many things to consider. Your personal health, your life circumstances, possible side effects, and the types of abortion procedures are just some of the factors that go into this decision. Your emotions are also an important factor, not just now but going forward. How might you feel afterwards? How can you know if you’ll feel right about an abortion decision? Will you look back with certainty or possible regret?
- Examining how you feel about abortion now can help you understand how you might feel later. What are the kinds of emotions that pop up when you think about going through with an abortion procedure? Are they positive and hopeful, or things like fear, sadness, or anxiety? Your feelings and concerns can be an indicator of how you might emotionally process things following an abortion. If negative emotions are driving your decision, ask yourself about the reasons why you feel that way. Are they things related to temporary situations or circumstances that could change over time? If things were ideal or different, would you make the same decision about abortion?
- Reach out for help to learn more. You might not be ready yet to speak up with your loved ones or your partner about a possible abortion. If you’re worried about how you might feel after an abortion decision, reach out to an unbiased and nonjudgmental source to learn more. Pregnancy decision centers can offer accurate information about all of your pregnancy options, including abortion. Knowing all the facts first can be helpful as you weigh the option of abortion. You can also go over your personal concerns about potential emotional side effects, and learn ways you might handle them after an abortion.
As you think about a possible abortion, find nonjudgmental and caring support at Avenue Women’s Center. Our free options consultations provide women with a safe emotional space to voice their concerns in an unexpected pregnancy decision. Learn accurate and reliable information from our expert client advocates who care about helping you take your next steps. Reach out to us today and make your free appointment at one of our five DuPage County pregnancy centers.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.