Abortion

See other options: Adoption | Parenting

Campus Hope is in reorganization and temporarily unavailable. If you are in need of pregnancy services, please contact A Hope Center at 969-HELP.

Abortion Education

Abortion, just like any other medical procedure, should be considered carefully. It is wise to investigate the procedure and its potential side effects, ask questions, and get second opinions before you proceed, because once the procedure is performed, the decision is final.

Possible Physical risks of Surgical Abortion

Infection: Infection can be local or throughout the body, particularly if there is any tissue left in the uterus from the pregnancy (placenta, uterine lining, fetal remains).

Hemorrhage/shock: Excessive bleeding may occur especially if there is damage to the uterine artery or the uterus is perforated.

Cervical tearing/laceration/overstretching: Damage to the cervix may occur from the dilating instruments or other equipment used in the procedure. The damage may affect the ability of the cervix to remain closed during future pregnancies and may result in a greater risk of future miscarriage or premature delivery.

Perforation (puncture or tearing) of the uterus: During scraping or suctioning, the wall of the uterus may be perforated by instruments or equipment. This is a complication that requires emergency medical attention and may require hysterectomy or other major surgery.

Scarring of the uterine lining: Damage may occur to the lining where suction is applied or where instruments are used to scrape contents from the wall of the uterus. It is possible for this damage to prevent a future pregnancy from implanting in the damaged location. If this scarring occurs at the top of the uterus near the opening on the fallopian tubes, the damage may partially or fully block the area. This may result in decreased future fertility, or an increased risk of ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, since an egg might have difficulty getting past the scar tissue into the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies become very painful as they develop and can be life threatening. Ectopic pregnancies must be treated and removed to avoid certain major medical complications for the pregnant woman.

For more information on surgical abortions click here.

Psychological Risks of Abortion

Some women and men experience a range of psychological and emotional problems after an abortion experience. These can include recurrent dreams of the abortion experience, varying degrees of sadness around the anniversary date of the abortion or the baby’s due date, relationship problems, substance abuse, avoidance of emotional attachment, sleep disturbance, feelings of guilt, depression, and suicidal thoughts or actions. Consider carefully this important decision. It has the potential to influence you for the rest of your life!

For more information on post abortion trauma click here.

Know Your Rights

If you are seeking an abortion, you should know your legal rights:

• You have the right to insist that only a licensed physician can perform your abortion.
• You have the right to know whether this physician has ever had his or her medical license suspended.
• You have the right to verify that this physician has medical malpractice insurance to protect and compensate you in case you are injured during the procedure.
• You have the right to be immediately transferred by ambulance to the nearest emergency hospital or trauma center if you are injured during the abortion procedure.
• Women considering abortion should NEVER sign a waiver releasing the doctor, abortion clinic or staff from liability for abortion-related injuries.

Fetal Development

• The unborn at any stage is not just a "blob of tissue." DNA completely unique to the developing person is fully present at conception.
• At six weeks a heartbeat and brainwaves become evident.
• At eight weeks, free movement demonstrations of swimming in the womb may be observed.
• By eleven weeks, skeletal structure is intact with bones forming rapidly. All body systems are working.

Campus Hope provides factual education on the medical procedures for RU-486, Morning After Pill, Suction Curettage, Dilation & Evacuation, Dilation & Extraction, and other methods. We also offer education on possible emotional and physical complications following an abortion experience.

See what post-abortion resources we have. e