Considering Abortion

Is abortion the right option for me?

Abortion is common, and people have abortions for many different reasons. Only you know what’s best for you, but information and support can help you make the best decision for your unique situation.

Is Abortion Best for You?

If you’re thinking about having an abortion, you’re not alone. Millions of people face unplanned pregnancies every year, and about half of them decide to get an abortion. Overall, about 1 in 4 women in the U.S. will have an abortion by the time they’re 45 years old. The decision to have an abortion is personal, and you’re the only one who can make it.

People decide to end a pregnancy for many reasons including:

• They want to be the best parent possible to the kids they already have.

• They’re not ready to be a parent yet.

• It’s not a good time in their life to have a `baby.

• They want to finish school, focus on work, or achieve other goals before having a baby.

• They’re not in a relationship with someone they want to have a baby with.

• They’re in an abusive relationship or were sexually assaulted.

• The pregnancy is dangerous or bad for their health.

• The fetus won’t survive the pregnancy or will suffer after birth.

• They just don’t want to be a parent.

Deciding to have an abortion doesn’t mean you don’t want or love children. In fact, 6 out of 10 people who get abortions already have kids — and many of them decide to end their pregnancies so they can focus on the children they already have. And people who aren’t already parents when they get an abortion often go on to have a baby later, when they feel they're in a better position to be a good parent. The bottom line is, deciding if and when to have a baby is very personal, and only you know what’s best for you and your family.

What can I think about to help me decide?

Family, relationships, school, work, life goals, health, safety, and personal beliefs — people think carefully about these things before having an abortion. But you’re the only person walking in your shoes, and the only person who can decide whether to have an abortion.

Here are some things to consider if you are thinking about an abortion:

• Am I ready to be a parent?

• Would I consider adoption?

• What would it mean for my future if I had a child now?

• What would it mean for my family if I had a child now?

• How would being a parent affect my career goals?

• Do I have strong personal or religious beliefs about abortion?

• Is anyone pressuring me to have or not have an abortion?

• Would having a baby change my life in a way I do or don’t want?

• Would having an abortion change my life in a way I do or don’t want?

• What kind of support would I need and get if I decided to get an abortion?

• What kind of support would I need and get if I decided to have a baby?

Decisions about your pregnancy are personal. There are lots of things to consider, and it’s totally normal to have many different feelings and thoughts when making this decision. That’s why it’s important to get factual, non-judgmental information about abortion. Support from family, friends, partners, and other people you trust can also be helpful. But the decision is 100% yours.

Who can I talk with about getting an abortion?

Lots of people lean on others to help them with their decision. It’s good to choose people who are understanding and supportive of you.

When you’re looking for a reliable health center, beware of anti-abortion “crisis pregnancy centers.” These are places that may seem like normal medical clinics and claim to offer information about pregnancy options and abortion, but they don't provide abortion or a full range of health care. They often give you false or misleading information about pregnancy, abortion, and birth control, and they usually don't have to follow privacy laws. Crisis pregnancy centers are often located very close to Planned Parenthood health centers or other real medical centers, and have similar names — they do this to confuse people and trick them into visiting them instead.

No one should pressure you into making any decision about your pregnancy, no matter what. So it’s important to get the info and support you need from people who give you the real facts and won’t judge you.

If you’re having a hard time finding someone in your life to talk with, check out:

• All-Options: All-Options has a free hotline that gives you a confidential space to talk about making decisions about a pregnancy. They’ll give you judgment-free support at any point in your pregnancy experience, no matter what you decide to do or how you feel about it.

• Abortions Welcome: Abortions Welcome has nonjudgmental written and interactive resources to support you in making your decision, including a clergy counseling line, where you can talk to compassionate clergy and religious counselors about spiritual concerns.

How will I feel after having an abortion?

You’ll get written after-care instructions and a phone number you can call if you have any questions or concerns.

Plan on resting after your abortion. You can usually go back to work, school and most other normal activities the next day. Avoid hard work or heavy exercise for a few days. You can use pads, but tampons are not recommended for the first few days. You can have sex as soon as you feel ready, but waiting 3 or more days is recommended.

Most people feel fine within a day or two, but it’s common for bleeding to last for several weeks after the abortion pill. Cramping can happen for a few days.

It’s totally normal to have a lot of different emotions after your abortion. Everyone’s experience is different, and there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to feel. Most people are relieved and don’t regret their decision. Others may feel sadness, guilt, or regret after an abortion. Lots of people have all these feelings at different times. These feelings aren’t unique to having an abortion. People feel many different emotions after giving birth, too.

It’s rare to have serious, long-term effects on your mental health after an abortion. But everybody’s different, and certain things can make coping with an abortion hard — like if you had to have an abortion for health reasons, or you didn’t have support.

Most people feel better if they have someone supportive to talk to after an abortion. But even if you don’t think there’s anybody in your life you can talk with, you’re not alone. Your Her Safe Harbor provider or counselor is happy to talk with you by phone, email, text or Signsl app, or help you find a licensed counselor or a non-judgmental support group. You can also call Exhale or All-Options, free after-abortion talklines. They will give you confidential and non-judgmental emotional support after your abortion — no matter how you’re feeling. For spiritual support before, during, or after an abortion, check out Abortions Welcome.

Will an abortion affect my health?

Abortion is safe. Unless there’s a rare and serious complication that’s not treated, there’s no risk to your overall health or your ability to have healthy pregnancies in the future. Having an abortion doesn’t increase your risk for cancer, and it doesn’t cause depression or mental health issues. Abortions don’t cause infertility either. In fact, it’s possible to get pregnant quickly after you have an abortion. So it’s a good idea to talk to your nurse or doctor about a birth controlplan for after your abortion.

There are many myths out there about abortion. The providers and counselors at Her Safe Harbor can give you accurate information about any concerns you have.

There are two ways of ending a pregnancy: in-clinic or procedural (sometimes called surgical) abortion and medication (the abortion pill). Both are safe and very common. If you’re pregnant and thinking about abortion, you may have many questions. We’re here to help.

Important Notice for Patients in States with Abortion Bans or Restrictions

If you reside in a state with abortion bans or restrictions do not fill out our consultation form. Click here to connect by phone.