Making a decision about your unplanned pregnancy is difficult. You can feel all alone as you make one of the most important decisions of your life. You have options, but only you can decide whether abortion, making an adoption plan, or choosing to parent is right for you.
The caring team at Crossroads Life Center wants you to know you are not alone. We are here to walk alongside you to help you discover what is the best next step in your pregnancy journey.
We encourage you to come to Crossroads for a free pregnancy test first to help confirm your pregnancy. Let’s review your pregnancy options.
Are You Considering Abortion?
The fear of telling others, pressure from a partner or family, and the inability to care for a child at this time are some reasons women choose abortion. But it is also essential to think about the physical and emotional side effects of abortion.
Kentucky bans all abortion except when it concerns saving the mother’s life. You would be required to travel to obtain an abortion. The FDA has approved medical abortion (aka the abortion pill method) through ten weeks gestation only (70 days or less since the first day of a patient’s last menstrual period).
The abortion pill method uses two drugs to terminate and expel the pregnancy from a woman’s body.
Physical risks of abortion using the abortion pill method include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by a surgical procedure
- An ongoing pregnancy
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
There are also psychological complications linked to abortion:
- Alcohol or illegal drug dependence
- Mood disorders (including depression)
- Anxiety disorders
Have You Considered Making an Adoption Plan?
Myths and misconceptions surround adoption. Yes, like all of your choices for your unplanned pregnancy, it involves loss. But, by choosing your specific adoption plan, you can craft your child’s future. There are three different adoption plans.
- Open Adoption
The birth parents select the potential adoptive parents to raise their child in an open adoption. Once matched, the adoptive parents and birth parents exchange identifying information. Together, they determine the best form of communication, exchanging photos, letters, and possible visits. - Semi-Open Adoption
This plan is similar to an open adoption. But instead of exchanging identifying information, a third party, such as your adoption agency, distributes the correspondence and sets up meetings. Everyone has more privacy. - Closed Adoption
For total anonymity, choose a closed adoption. The courts seal the original birth certificate and share no identifying information. The adoption agency chooses the adoptive family for you.
Nowadays, agencies offer birth mothers support for pregnancy-related expenses such as medical care, rent, utilities, etc. They also provide emotional support before, during, and after placement. The trained volunteers at Crossroads can provide referrals to reputable adoption agencies and answer your adoption questions.
Crossroads is Here for You
As you face this difficult time in your life, remember that the caring team at Crossroads is here for you. Call us at (270) 651-2299 or (270) 524-1994 to schedule an appointment. If you need 24-hour confidential support, call 1-800-712-HELP (4357) or text “HELPLINE” to 313131.