Health Checklist for Women with Problem Pregnancies

Our commitment at Woman to Woman Support Network is to help women considering abortion realize what is in their best interest. This means helping them avoid being hurt physically and emotionally, or helping them find solutions to the distressing circumstances causing them to feel they have "no choice" but abortion. Having "no choice" is not a choice. We recommend you not "just get in and get it over with." Slow down and think about what's best for you. As with all surgery, abortion has inherent dangers that cannot be eliminated. Therefore, we cannot morally and ethically refer you to a specific clinic for an abortion. However, here is a health checklist that can help protect you. 

1.Understand that abortion is surgery and carries particular health risks

Ectopic pregnancies: Studies show that risk of an ectopic pregnancy is twice as high for women who have had one abortion and up to four times as high for women with two or more abortions. Ectopic pregnancies, in which the fetus develops in the ovarian tube rather than in the uterus, account for 12% of all pregnancy related maternal deaths.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): 30% of all women suffer PID following induced abortion. PID leads to fever and infertility. 

Breast Cancer: An analysis of all reputable studies done to date suggests that women who abort their first pregnancy in the first trimester (first 3 months of pregnancy) face an alarming 50% increase in breast cancer, a rate which doubles with each successive abortion.

2. Understand your legal rights following an abortion.

Some abortion providers insist that all patients sign a statement saying they will not hold the clinic or doctor liable for damages which might occur because of the abortion. However, this document has virtually no legal authority. If you are physically or emotionally injured, you always retain your constitutional right to seek financial compensation in a court of law, no matter what you signed. Call us. We can refer you to legal counsel.

3. Understand that abortion violates a woman's instinct to nurture and protect her child and, therefore, carries risk of emotional trauma.

Psychological/emotional trauma: 50% of all post-abortive women report experiencing emotional and psychological disturbances lasting for months. These include acute feelings of grief, depression, and anger; fear of disclosure; preoccupation with babies; night mares; sexual inhibition; termination of relationships; emotional coldness; increased alcohol use; and thoughts of suicide. Many go into the clinic thinking, "This is my only choice!" but come out saying, "What have I done?" Be prepared.

4. Know what abortion is and why it is such a difficult and painful decision.

Why so painful? You should not have a surgical abortion prior to the eighth week. By this time, the fetus is well developed, complete with fingers, even finger prints and a fully recognizable body to go with them. The heart has been beating for over a month and the fetus has an entire nervous system and can feel pain. The fetus is a separate person with a different genetic code from yours, probably a different blood type, and, half the time, a penis. The fetus is in your body but not part of your body. Make sure that you don't deny yourself this vital information. You're not a child who needs to be screened from the facts; you're a mother in need of help. At Woman to Woman Support Network, we are dedicated to helping you make a decision you can live with, whatever the cost! We will always be there for you, no matter how often you need us including, if necessary, long after your first call to us. Feel free to contact us with any need or question. There is never any charge for our services.

5. Understand that abortion is forever.

Abortion is forever. You can't change your mind later and undo what you have done. The baby whom you are carrying now will never be again. Think before you act.

If you are considering abortion only because of your circumstances, change your circumstances. Your ambivalence indicates that you have conflicted feelings. Take time to ask yourself "why" you have these conflicted feelings. Do not abort your conscience and values. They are what make you a strong woman. Fight and overcome your circumstances rather than submit to them. Our advisors are aptly trained in helping women in just such cases. Call us. There is never any fee for our services.