Abortion Alternatives

Women who are seeking abortion alternatives can turn to one of the many service organizations that offer both practical help and emotional support to individuals who are facing an unplanned pregnancy. Anyone who is considering abortion but is experiencing doubts should definitely explore all options before following through with the termination of a pregnancy. The long term emotional impact of abortions can take a serious toll on the lives of women. While there are many organizations that favor legalized abortions, there are also a great number of groups that oppose this practice on moral grounds. It is important that any woman who feels uneasy about aborting the child seek help from a sympathetic counselor who will respect her doubts and not attempt to pressure her to follow through with a step that will have life long repercussions. Abortion is not the only answer for those who are faced with unplanned pregnancies. There are a number of viable abortion alternatives. A woman could choose to carry the child to term and then place the newborn up for adoption. Or she could opt to raise the child herself. Many organizations provide help and support to women who wish to keep their child, but may need assistance of some kind to do so.

A crisis pregnancy center can be a good place to turn if a woman suspects that she may be pregnant and is not sure what to do next. Pregnancy tests and many other valuable resources are available at these facilities. In general, a crisis pregnancy center will be faith based in nature and in the business of offering abortion alternatives. While they will provide information about abortions, they will not act as advocates for this procedure. Their role is to make sure that a woman fully understands the ramifications of aborting a child and to offer help and counsel that will help the woman choose not to terminate the pregnancy. These centers make no apologies regarding their stance on this controversial issue and they will never advise a woman to abort her child.

Understanding abortion alternatives is particularly important for young women who may feel coerced or pressured to terminate a pregnancy. Pressure to sweep the problem under the rug by aborting the unplanned pregnancy can come from a variety of sources. Parents may be concerned about the stigma that is attached to a teenager's pregnancy. The child's father may also attempt to coerce the mother to abort the child. To force another person to submit to abortions is against the law. Any woman who is uncomfortable with the decision to abort should know that they do not have to submit to this procedure if they do not wish to. A responsible doctor will never pressure a patient into taking such a drastic step. In fact, a medical professional should take pains to make sure the the patient has been informed about what the procedure entails and that they have a choice in the matter. Any woman who is feeling pressured should make it plain that this is not how she wishes to handle the situation. It is also important to refuse to sign any documents that give consent to terminate the pregnancy. If the pressure that is being applied is financial there are organizations that offer abortion alternatives. These groups can help a woman find lodging, work, and other types of support that will enable the mother to carry the child to term.

Along the same line, women have specific rights regarding the decision to surrender parental rights and allow the child to be adopted. While placing a child up for adoption presents just one of a number of positive abortion alternatives, the decision can be a difficult one. Most states allow a grace period of around six months after the child is born. This grace period permits the birth mother to change her mind about placing the child for adoption. In an open adoption, if the mother has selected a set of adoptive parents, but changes her mind before the child is surrendered to these parents, she has the right to do so. There are occasions when a mother simply finds it impossible to surrender the newborn, even though she was convinced that this is the step that she wished to take before the child was born.

Any woman who is sensing pressure or coercion regarding adoption issues should know that the final decision is hers. Adoptions are wonderful abortion alternatives, but a birth mother does have specific rights under the law. Those who are reaching out to help are generally committed to compassionate support along with helping an expectant mother deal with the strong emotions that she is feeling. The Bible instructs believers to be happy for those who are experiencing positive blessings and to support and identify with those who are experiencing sorrow. "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." (Romans 12:15)

Once a woman has decided to place the baby for adoption, there are still other choices to be made. The mother will need to decide which type of adoption she is interested in pursuing. A closed adoption means that the birth mother and the adoptive parents have no contact whatsoever. Semi open adoptions offer a little more contact. For example, there will usually be no face to face meeting with the birth parents, but there may be an exchange of photographs or letters. In open adoptions, there will usually be a number of in person meetings between the birth mother and the adoptive parents. The amount of contact that continues during the life of the child may vary with each situation. Whatever choice a mother might make, seeking out solid abortion alternatives is of vital importance.