Facing an
unplanned pregnancy is hard. Fear, confusion, and
anger are just some of the feelings that you may be
experiencing. You have the right to be fully informed about this important decision. You decide. You deserve to know the facts.
The following
information will help you understand more about your
pregnancy, about the new life developing inside you, and
abortion. You have options.
Important Disclaimer: This centre does not offer abortion services
or abortion referrals. See HERE for why.
Questions and Answers
Should I take the Morning After Pill? The morning after pill is not a simple answer to a simple question. Prior to taking this pill ask three questions:
Am I already pregnant from a previous sexual encounter?
Has this drug been adequately tested for a short and long term side effects?
What are the effects of this drug when interacting with other medication?
Understanding the way the morning after pill works and its side effects is a step that helps you make a healthy decision for your body.
Should I be
concerned about having an abortion?
Abortion is not
just a simple medical procedure. For many women, it is
a life changing event with significant physical, emotional
and spiritual consequences. Most women who struggle
with past abortions say that they wish they had been told
all of the facts about abortion.
What can I do
about people pressuring me?
You have rights; no one can force or pressure you to have an abortion. This is your decision to make and you will be the one most affected by the consequences. If your partner, husband or parents are pressuring you to make a quick decision,
explain your needs and try to involve them in counselling to
explore your positive options. You have the right to
continue with this pregnancy.
Can I have a
baby and still live my life?
You may see this
unplanned pregnancy as a major roadblock in your life.
Be encouraged to know that many women in the same situation have found the necessary help and resources to make positive choices and realize their dreams.
Understand Your
Pregnancy During pregnancy,
your body goes through many changes. Some common symptoms of
early pregnancy include a missed period, nausea, breast
tenderness, frequent urination, tiredness, and mood swings.
1
Most pregnancy tests are very reliable. However, to diagnose and confirm
that you are pregnant, a visit to a physician or other appropriate health care
provider will be necessary.
Your doctor may request an ultrasound exam to confirm the
status of your pregnancy. This information is important
whether you are considering abortion or continuing with your
pregnancy.
Pregnancy Signs Missed Period
Nausea and Vomiting
Breast Tenderness
Frequent Urination
Feeling Tired
Mood Swings
Often, when
considering abortion, some well-meaning people try to
downplay the reality of fetal development because they do
not want to disturb the person considering abortion.
Groups such as the
Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada suggest that a photo
of a fetal sac be shown (see below). The trouble with
this is that there is a baby growing inside the fetal sac,
and that reality needs to be understood by those considering
abortion.
Here is the
image of the fetal sac that some say is sufficient
information for those considering abortion:
But we believe
you want to know the truth about fetal development:
Before describing the types of emergency contraception, it is important to understand what happens inside a woman's body when a pregnancy begins. Some believe that pregnancy does not begin until a fertilized egg implants in the womb; however, the scientific reality is that the moment sperm and egg unite, in the fallopian tube and fertilization occurs, the genetic make-up of a baby is established, including the hair and eye color and the gender.3 That's why many believe that conception is the starting point of a new human life. It takes this new life approximately five to seven days to reach the uterus where it will implant in the plush lining and continue to grow and develop. All forms of emergency contraception have the potential to alter the uterine lining enough to prevent the new life from implanting. This is not a contraceptive effect, but abortifacient, causing an early abortion.4
Only eight out of one hundred women will become pregnant after a single act of intercourse in mid-cycle (when ovulation occurs).5 By taking emergency contraception before knowing you are pregnant, you may be putting yourself at risk for no reason.
1. Morning-After Pill
Plan B One StepTM (Morning-After Pill) is intended to prevent pregnancy after known or suspected contraceptive failure, unprotected intercourse or forced sex. It contains large amounts of levonorgestrel, a progestin hormone found in some birth control pills. It may work by preventing the egg and sperm from meeting by delaying ovulation; it won't disrupt an implanted pregnancy, but may prevent a newly formed life from implanting in the uterus.6
Plan B One StepTM consists of one pill taken within 72 hours of sex.7
Side effects may include changes in periods, nausea, lower abdominal pain, fatigue, headache and dissiness.8 If your period is more than a week late, you may be pregnant from a prior sexual encounter. Plan B One-StepTM should not be taken during pregnancy nor used as a routine form of birth control.9, 10
There is evidence that Plan B One-StepTM use may increase the risk for ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, a potentially life-threatening condition.11 Women who have severe abdominal pain may have an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, and should get immediate medical help.
It is reported that Plan B One-StepTM prevents an average of 84% of expected pregnancies.12, 13 There are no long-term studies on the safety of Plan B One-StepTM in women under 17, after repeated use or effects on future fertility.14
2. ella®15 ella® (ulipristal) is an FDA-approved emergency contraceptive for use within 5 days of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Pregnancy from a previous sexual encounter should be ruled out before taking ella®. It is to be used only once during a menstrual cycle. It is estimated that taking ella® will reduce the number of expected pregnancies from 5.5% to 2%. ella® may reduce the chance of pregnancy by preventing or postponing ovulation. It also may work by preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus, which is a form of early abortion.4ella® is a chemical cousin to the abortion pill Mifeprex. Both share the progesterone-blocking effect of disrupting the embryo's attachment to the womb, causing its death.
The most common adverse reactions of ella®
include headache, nausea, stomach (abdominal) pain, menstrual cramps, fatigue and dizziness. Women who experience abdominal pain three to five weeks after using ella® should be evaluated right away for an ectopic pregnancy. Much is unknown about the drug, including its effect on women who are under 18 or over 35 years of age, taking other hormonal contraception, pregnant from a previous encounter, taking ella® repeatedly during the same cycle or are breast-feeding.
3. Combination Estrogen & Progestin Pills17
This method uses birth control pills (containing both estrogen and progestin hormones) taken in much higher concentrations than found in normal daily dose.
Typical side effects include nausea, vomiting, lower abdominal pain and breast tenderness. Adverse effects associated with methods using combination pills include blood clots, stroke and heart attack.
Mifeprex/Mifepristone (RU-486; Abortion Pill) As of the date of this update, RU-486 is not used in Canada
Methotrexate
This drug is FDA-approved for treating certain cancers and rheumatoid arthritis, but is used "off-label" to treat ectopic pregnancies and to induce abortion. It works by stopping the growth of rapidly dividing cells. It is used up through 49 days of pregnancy and given orally or by injection. Three to seven days after methotrexate is taken, misoprostol (the second medication used in the RU-486 abortions) is used vaginally.
Side effects of methotrexate include mouth ulcers, low white blood cell count, nausea, abdominal distress, fatigue, chills, fever, dizziness, decreased resistance to infection and anemia. Severe, sometimes fatal, bone marrow suppression and intestinal toxicity have been reported. Liver toxicity and cancer may occur(usually after prolonged use). Severe, occasionally fatal, skin reactions have been reported.28
Misoprostol Only
This form of medication abortion uses only the second drug given in the RU-486 method. It is typically inserted vaginally, requires repeated doses and has a significantly higher failure rate tan the RU-486 method. It is associated with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and with potential birth defects (central nervous system and limb defects) in pregnancies that continue.29
1st Trimester Surgical Abortion Methods
First Trimester Suction Abortion About 4-15 Weeks After the Last Menstrual Period (LMP)5, 26 (PP. 155-56), 50, 51, 52 This surgical abortion is done throughout the first trimester. Varying degrees of pain control are offered ranging from local anesthetic (typically) to full general anesthesia. For very early pregnancies (4-7 weeks LMP) a
long, thin tube is inserted into the uterus which is attached to a manual suction device and the embryo is suctioned out.
Later in the first trimester, the cervix needs to be opened wider because the fetus is larger. The cervix may be softened the day before using medication placed in the vagina and/or slowly stretched open using thin rods made of seaweed inserted into the cervix. The day of the procedure, the cervix may need further stretching by metal dilating rods. This can be painful, so local anesthesia is typically used. Next, the doctor inserts a plastic tube into the uterus and applies suction by either an electric or manual vacuum device. The suction pulls the fetus' body apart and out of the uterus. The doctor may also use a loop-shaped tool, called a curette, to scrape any remaining fetal parts out of the uterus.
2nd Trimester Methods
DILATION AND EVACUATION (D & E) ABOUT 13 TO 24 WEEKS AFTER LMP26 (PP. 135-56), 33
The majority of second trimester abortions are performed using this method. The
cervix must be opened wider than in a first trimester
abortion because the fetus is larger. This is done by inserting numerous thin rods
made of seaweed a day or two before the
abortion and/or giving other oral or vaginal medications to further soften the cervix. Up to about 16 weeks gestation, the procedure is identical to the first trimester one (mentioned above). After the cervix is stretched open and the uterine contents suctioned out, any remaining fetal parts are removed with a grasping tool (forceps). A curette (looped shaped tool) may also be used to scrape out any remaining tissue.
After 16 weeks, much of the procedure is done with the forceps to pull fetal parts our through the cervical opening, as suction alone will not work due to the fetus' size. The doctor keeps track of what fetal parts have been removed so that none are left inside as this can be potentially cause infection. Lastly, a curette, and/or the suction machine are used to remove any remaining tissue or blood clots, which if left behind could cause infection and bleeding.
Medication Methods for Second Trimester Induced Abortion26 (PP. 178-92), 54
This technique induces abortion by using medicines to cause labor and eventual delivery of the fetus and placenta. Like labor at term, this procedure typically involves 10-24 yours in a hospital's labor and delivery unit. Digoxin or potassium chloride is injected into the amniotic fluid, umbilical cord or fetal heart prior to labor to avoid the delivery of a live fetus. The cervix is softened with the use of seaweed sticks and/or medications. Next, oral mifepristone and oral or vaginal misoprostol are used to induce labor. In most cases, these drugs result in the delivery of the dead fetus and placenta. The patent may receive oral or intravenous pain medications. Occasionally, scraping of the uterus is needed to remove the placenta.
Potential complications include hemorrhage and the need for a blood transfusion, retained placenta and possible uterine rupture (splits open).
INTACT D&E (Partial Birth Abortion) FROM 20 WEEKS AFTER LMP TO FULL-TERM
The goal is to remove the fetus in one piece, thus reducing the risk of leaving parts behind or causing damage to the woman's body. This procedure requires the cervix be opened wider; however, it is still often necessary to crush the fetus' skull for removal as it is difficult to dilate the cervix wide enough to bring the head out intact.
Consider
the immediate risks of abortion Abortion carries the risk of significant complications such as bleeding, infection and damage to organs. Serious medical complications occur infrequently in early abortions, but increase with later abortions.26 (pp. 111-92) There is evidence that induced abortion can be associated with significant loss of both emotion and physical health long term.35 Getting complete information on the risks associated with abortion is limited due to incomplete reporting and the lack of record-keeping linking abortions to complications. The information that is available reports the following risks:
Heavy Bleeding Some bleeding after abortion is normal. However, if the
cervix is torn or the uterus is punctured, there is a risk
of severe bleeding known as hemorrhaging. When this
happens, a blood transfusion may be required.5, 30
Infection Infection can develop from the insertion of medical
instruments into the uterus, or from fetal parts that are
mistakenly left inside (known as an incomplete abortion).
This may cause bleeding and/or a pelvic infection requiring antibiotics and may result in the need for a surgical procedure to fully empty the uterus. Infection may cause scarring of the pelvic organs.5, 37, 38, 39
Anesthesia
Complications
from general anesthesia used during abortion surgery may
result in convulsions, heart complications and
death, in extreme cases.
RH Sensitization
Every pregnant woman should receive blood type testing to learn if her blood type is "Rh positive" or Rh negative." Pregnant women who are Rh negative should receive Rhogam, an injection given to prevent the formation of antibodies that may harm the baby. If an Rh negative woman does not receive Rhogam with each pregnancy, she may develop antibodies which can cause serious complications with her next pregnancy. Rhogam is needed for Rh negative women who undergo abortion.40
Death In extreme cases, complications from abortion (excessive bleeding, infection, organ damage from a perforated uterus and adverse reactions to anesthesia) may lead to death.5, 26 The risk of death immediately following an induced abortion performed at or below 8 weeks is extremely low (approximately 1 in a million) but increases with length of pregnancy. From 8 weeks to 16-20 weeks, the risk of death increases 30 times, and from 8 weeks to 21 weeks and over, it increases 100 times (1 in 11,000).41
Finding out the real risks associated with abortion is difficult due to incomplete reporting of complications and scientific bias, yet you should be equipped to be able to give full informed consent before going through a procedure or taking medicine that could have long-term effects on your health.36, 42
Abortion and Pre-term Birth
Women who
undergo one or more induced abortions carry a significant
increased risk of delivering prematurely in the future.43, 44, 45, 46, 47
Premature delivery is associated with higher rates of
children with cerebral palsy, as well as all other complications (brain, respiratory, bowel, and eye problems).48,49
Abortion and
Breast Cancer
Medical experts continue to debate the
association between abortion and breast cancer. Research has shown the following:
1) Carrying a pregnancy to full term gives
a measure of protection against breast cancer, especially a woman's first pregnancy.50 Terminating such a pregnancy results in loss of that protection.
2) The hormones of pregnancy cause breast tissue to grow rapidly in the first 3 months, but it is not until after 32 weeks of pregnancy that breasts are relatively more cancer resistant due to the maturation that occurs.51, 52
3) A Number of reliable studies have concluded that there
is an association between abortion and the later development of
breast cancer.53, 54
Psychological / Emotional Impact Following abortion, many women experience initial relief. The perceived crisis is over and life returns to normal. For many women, however, the crisis isn't over. Months and even years later, significant problems develop. There is evidence that abortion is associated with a decrease in long-term emotional and physical health.35, 55
In line with the best available evidence, women should be informed that abortion significantly increases risk for:
Clinical depression56, 57, 58, 59
Anxiety57, 58
Drug and alcohol abuse57, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder35, 65
Suicidal thoughts and behavior57, 66, 67, 68
Women who have experienced abortion may develop the following:
Guilt
Grief
Anger
Anxiety
Depression
Suicidal Thoughts
Difficulty bonding with partner or children
Eating disorders
The bottom line is that scientific evidence indicates that abortion is more likely to be associated with negative psychological outcomes when compared to miscarriage or carrying an unintended pregnancy to term.62, 64, 69, 70, 71
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, pregnancy centers offer confidential, compassionate support groups designed to help women work through these feelings. You are not alone.
RELATIONSHIP IMPACT
Many couples choose abortion believing it will preserve their relationship. Research on this topic reveals just the opposite. Couples who choose induced abortion are at increased risk for relationship problems.72
Women experiencing lack of support and pressure to abort from their partners were more likely to choose abortion.73
Spiritual Consequences People have different understandings of God. Whatever
your present beliefs may be, having an abortion
may affect more than just your body and your mind -- there is a spiritual side to abortion that deserves to be considered. Have you considered what God thinks about your situation? How does God see your
unborn child? These are important questions to consider.
Women who have experienced abortion may develop the following:
Guilt
Grief
Anger
Anxiety
Depression
Suicidal Thoughts
Difficulty bonding with partner or children
Eating disorders
You have the legal right to choose the outcome of your
pregnancy. Real empowerment comes when you find the strength and resources necessary to make your best choice. Here are some
other options.
Parenting Choosing to continue
your pregnancy and to parent may feel overwhelming at first. The good news is that there are a lot of resources designed to specifically help people in your situation.
The caring people at your local pregnancy resource center are ready to connect you with these needed resources such as:
Prenatal Care
Childbirth preparation classes
Parenting classes
Infant supplies
... to help you be successful in your choice to carry. Many women and men find the help they need to make this choice a positive one.
Adoption
Developing an adoption plan empowers you to create a positive future for yourself and your child. Adoption may not be the first thought in your mind if you face an unplanned pregnancy, However, you may be pleased to learn that you may select the parents who will raise your child and that you may have some level of ongoing relationship with your child, if you wish.
With adoption you have the lifelong satisfaction of knowing that you gave your child the chance for a life of his or her own. Research has shown that pregnant teens and women who make an adoption plan are more likely to finish schooling, have better jobs and overall report a high level of satisfaction with their decision for adoption.
Each year thousands of women make this choice. This loving decision is often made by women who first thought abortion was their only way out.
Help is Available Facing an unplanned
pregnancy can seem overwhelming. That is why knowing where
to go for help is important. Talk to someone you can trust -
your partner, your parents, a pastor, a priest or perhaps a
good friend. Also, the caring people
here at the Valley Care
Pregnancy Centre are available to help you through this
difficult time. If you do not live in the Annapolis Valley
of Nova Scotia, call 1-800-395-HELP to find a pregnancy
center near you.
Abortifacient A substance, drug or device causing the destruction of the embryo or fetus.75
Abortion Ending a pregnancy or causing the destruction of the embryo or fetus.76
Cervix The narrow, lower end of the uterus. Conception (or Fertilization)
Joining the male
sperm and the female egg to create the smallest form of human life (fertilized egg).
Embryo Human life in the earliest weeks of development, during
which time all the organs are formed. Fetus A developing unborn baby with an observable human
structure; the stage following embryo. Full Term Pregnancy The point at which the pregnancy has completed at least 37 weeks from the mother's last menstrual period. Gestation
In human pregnancy, it is the length of time from a woman's LMP until birth.77 Implantation
When the fertilized egg attaches to the inner uterine lining.78 Last Menstrual Period (LMP) The date when a woman starts her last menstrual period
before conception. This is the point in time from which
the pregnancy and the age of the unborn baby are typically measured. Off-Label Use Prescribing a medication to be used in a manner or for a condition that was not included in the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's original approval.18, 79
Placenta A pancake-like structure that provides nourishment to the baby through the mother's bloodstream.
Trimester An interval of three months used to measure three
successive stages of pregnancy: first trimester, second
trimester, and third trimester. Uterus Female organ where the unborn baby develops during
pregnancy.
This
information (except the reference to the fetal sac paragraph and image and the YouTube
video) is taken with permission from a brochure entitled, "Before You Decide" copyright 2011.
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