An unplanned pregnancy is life-changing. No matter what decision you make, your life will be forever affected. You have choices, but only you can decide what’s best for you now and in the future. We want to offer as much information as possible to help you make a confident, empowered decision. 

The outcome of abortion and adoption is very different. Abortion terminates your pregnancy, but with adoption, you must carry your pregnancy to term and then place your child with another family. They both involve grief and loss. 

Is Abortion Right for Me?

Only you can decide if abortion is the answer to your unplanned pregnancy. Often, women feel pressured by family or their partner to choose abortion, but no one can legally force them to make this choice. 

Missouri banned abortion a year and a half ago. The FDA does not recommend ordering the first drug for the abortion pill method online. So, to protect your health and safety, you must travel out of state to have one. 

It’s essential you confirm your pregnancy with a pre-abortion screening before traveling. 

What Is a Pre-Abortion Screening?

A pre-abortion screening involves several steps:

• First, you want to take a pregnancy test or retake one. Although most at-home tests are reliable, it is possible to get a positive result and no longer be pregnant.
  The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. You may have miscarried if you get a positive test the first time and a negative result the second time.
• Your next step is to have STD testing. Often, STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) have no immediate symptoms, so people don’t get tested. But if you have an abortion with an STD, you could be putting your sexual health at risk.
• Your third step is ultrasound. An ultrasound scan confirms if your pregnancy is viable. A viable pregnancy is growing with a detectable heartbeat. If a heartbeat is not detected, it’s either too soon or you have miscarried.
  The ultrasound also determines how far along you are in your pregnancy. The FDA approves the abortion pill method through 10 weeks only (70 days or less since the first day of your last menstrual period). You need to be sure you have the correct date.

Knowing the location of your pregnancy is also essential. Some pregnancies do not implant in the correct location (this is known as ectopic). An ectopic pregnancy is extremely dangerous and could be life-threatening. Ultrasound can determine your pregnancy’s location.

• Finally, you want to discuss abortion methods, side effects, and potential risks. Although Willowbrook Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortion, we offer accurate information so you know what to expect.

By coming to Willowbrook, you can receive a pre-abortion screening free of charge.

Is Making an Adoption Plan Right for Me?

Again, only you can decide what is the best outcome for your unplanned pregnancy. Myths and misunderstandings surround the adoption process, so getting as much information as possible before deciding to place your child for adoption is best. The process is always free for birth parents.

There are different adoption plans to choose from. How much contact you wish to have with your child and their adoptive family determines your chosen plan. Today, an open adoption is the most popular.

Open Adoption Plan

An open plan allows you to select the potential adoptive parents and the future you want for your child. After finding the perfect couple, you meet them and exchange information such as full names, phone numbers, and addresses. Together, you determine what type and how much contact you are comfortable with.

Semi-Open Adoption Plan

A semi-open plan is very similar to an open plan. You pick the adoptive couple and the future you want for your child, but a third party, such as your adoption agency, handles your communication. It provides everyone more privacy while allowing you to stay in touch.

Closed Adoption Plan

You would not communicate with the adoptive family or your child with a closed adoption plan. The adoption agency chooses the adoptive couple for you based on your requirements. The courts seal the original birth certificate, and you would have no contact.

You need to work with a professional adoption agency to make an adoption plan. You want the counseling and support they provide before, during, and after the process. 

In most cases, you can receive funds for pregnancy-related expenses through the agency. Medical care and legal fees are always covered, but the agency may cover other costs such as rent, utilities, maternity clothes, and food.

The Advocates at Willowbrook Women’s Center can provide referrals to reputable adoption agencies that can explain the process further and discuss whether making an adoption plan is right for you.

Make an Appointment

Whether you choose abortion or adoption, the decision needs to be yours. You are the only one who knows what’s best. Schedule a no-cost and confidential appointment today. We can confirm your pregnancy and discuss both options. There is no judgment, lectures, or pressure when coming to Willowbrook. We’re here to help you.