If you’ve already ruled out parenting for your pregnancy, then abortion and adoption are your two alternatives. While both of these options will involve forgoing your parental duties, they have more differences than similarities.
We will share considerations for both options, bearing in mind that only you can make the best decision for yourself and your future.
Key Differences Between Abortion and Adoption
There are two significant differences between abortion and adoption.
1. Carrying to Term Versus Termination
In an adoption situation, you will carry your pregnancy to term. This means you will experience the ups and downs of pregnancy, doctor’s appointments, and delivery.
Depending on how far along you are and your state’s abortion laws, you can choose medical abortion or surgical abortion. While the former utilizes drugs to terminate the pregnancy and expel the fetus and tissue from your body, the latter involves a licensed medical professional performing a surgical procedure.
Consider how you’d feel about each choice as you think through carrying to term or terminating.
Both options are highly personal choices.
2. The Outcome and the Emotions
It goes without saying that an adoption ends with a newborn, while an abortion does not. This can lead to separate emotional experiences and even a sense of loss in both adoption and abortion.
If you choose adoption, you will craft your desired adoption plan (open, closed, or semi-open) and select an adoptive family. When it’s time to place the newborn with the adoptive family, you could feel a range of emotions, but if you developed an attachment you might feel a sense of loss.
However, if you choose an open or semi-open adoption plan, this means you will still be able to have contact with your biological child either with the adoptive family or through a third party. This might lessen some feelings of loss for women who want to keep in touch.
With an abortion, women can feel a range of emotions from relief, to sadness, to even guilt.
Women who abort due to pressure or abort while ignoring their maternal desires or moral beliefs might be at a higher risk for negative mental health impacts.
Remember, you are the best predictor of how you might feel after an abortion or adoption.Ask yourself hard questions and think through both options.
Exploring Your Options?
It’s natural to wonder “What if?”
“What if I choose adoption?” “What would happen if I selected abortion?”
We encourage women to explore their options during an unexpected pregnancy so they can feel confident and informed in their choice.
If you’re in this situation, we can help. Schedule an appointment with us today to ask questions and receive free pregnancy services. We’re only a call or text away!