Chances are, you have not come to our blog by mistake. You are probably considering whether abortion might be the best decision in a pregnancy situation you are facing. We want you to know that you are not alone.
First of all, it is very common for women to face this decision during their lifetimes. Many, many women process their pregnancy options carefully. Over 30,000 Illinois women make the decision to terminate a pregnancy each year according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Many other woman have faced the same choices you’re processing today.
Second, you are not alone because Avenue Women’s Center is here for you. We have been serving Chicagoland women who are facing unplanned pregnancies for over 35 years. Our services are specifically tailored to meet the needs of women during this difficult time. We hope you will consider scheduling a free, private consultation with us soon.
In the mean time, as you are asking yourself, “Should I get an abortion,” here are three considerations that may prove helpful:
- Remember that it is best to take your time when making a decision of this importance. Base your decision on facts and not your emotions. Emotions can and will change throughout this experience. As you seek facts, please remember that we can equip you with facts on your options, and also help you process facts about your circumstances. By relying on facts, you will have confidence that you are making your best decision for yourself.
- Ask yourself the hard questions concerning your future. Write down the pros and cons of your three options; parenting, aborting and placing for adoption. Start with private reflection, recording your own answers. If you have a trusted family member or friend, ask them to be part of this process with you. Stay alert to any circumstances that could shade their input. It can be eye-opening to identify the places where the people you trust see situations differently… and where they confirm what you believe.
- Have an ultrasound before you make a decision to terminate the pregnancy. Ultrasound is a useful tool that can give you valuable information. Typically, an ultrasound performed after 6 or 7 weeks of pregnancy can tell you if your pregnancy is likely to continue or if it may end on its own. The ending of a pregnancy, up until 20 weeks, occurs every 5-6 pregnancies and is known as miscarriage. If your pregnancy is not going to continue you will not need to move forward with an abortion. An ultrasound will also let you know if the pregnancy is located properly and how far along you are.
We understand that making a decision about an unplanned pregnancy can be difficult, but following these 3 steps can help provide clarity. You can and will get through this experience, and we are here to help you along the journey.
In addition to our free, private consultations, Avenue Women’s Center also provides limited medical ultrasounds. We promise to serve you with compassion and dignity. To make an appointment at any of our four Illinois locations, please contact us today.
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.