If you recently heard your girlfriend tell you she’s pregnant, you may be considering abortion and wondering how you’re going to pay for it. Usually, insurance only covers legal dependents, such as a spouse or children. Contact your company’s human resources department to find out what they cover.

Is Abortion in Your Girlfriend’s Best Interest?

Any abortion is a major medical decision with specific physical and emotional risks. Before the two of you decide it’s the best course of action, you might want to do your research.

Physical Consequences

Depending on how far along your girlfriend is, she could have either a medical (abortion drugs) or surgical procedure. The FDA approves the use of abortion drugs through 10 weeks of pregnancy only.

For her health and safety, your girlfriend should receive a Pre-Abortion Screening, which includes pregnancy testing and an ultrasound. Why an ultrasound? An ultrasound detects exactly how far along she is in her pregnancy. It also determines if the location of the pregnancy is correct (if not, it could be life-threatening) and if the pregnancy is developing.

Some physical risks of the abortion pill (a medical abortion) include:

• An incomplete abortion
• An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection

A surgical procedure is often more expensive but doesn’t take as long. However, it also has physical risks due to the use of medical instruments.

Emotional Consequences

Research has determined that, at least for some women, abortion directly affects their overall mental health. One study discovered the following:

• Abortion is consistently associated with higher rates of mental illness compared to women without a history of abortion.
• The abortion experience directly contributes to mental health problems for at least some women.
• There are risk factors, such as pre-existing mental illness, that identify women at the greatest risk of mental health problems after an abortion.

Don’t Pressure Her

Many women report feeling pressure to get an abortion from either a family member or their partner. The two of you should determine the best outcome for both of you. You need to share your thoughts and concerns, but only she has the right to decide what happens ultimately.

There’s more to consider than just the finances when it comes to abortion. Talk it out and reach out for advice and support. We’re here for both of you.

Talking to a Willowbrook Team Member

Although our name may say “Women’s Center,” we’re here for you, too. You need to be able to talk about your fears and future. We’re here to listen.

Have your girlfriend schedule a no-cost, confidential Pre-Abortion Screening at one of our two locations. She’ll receive confirmation of her pregnancy and the information you both need to make a confident decision. Contact us today.

Willowbrook Women’s Center does not perform or refer for abortions.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.