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SAMPLES OF ALL 5 TIP CARDS Before YOU DECIDE
Before YOU DECIDE
the Abortion Pill
Adoption as a Parenting Plan
What About Adoption?
Mifeprex, Mifepristone
The “Abortion Pill” is actually two different drugs (mifepristone + misoprostol) approved by the FDA to abort pregnancies up to 10 weeks from a woman’s last menstrual period.1
OPEN1 You choose the type of family your child grows up in. You communicate with the adoptive parents and child throughout their life. You may even have ongoing visits with the child and adoptive parents.
HOW DOES IT WORK?2
The first drug (mifepristone) blocks the hormone progesterone which is necessary for the embryo to live and grow. The baby’s attachment to the uterus breaks down, usually causing death over the next several days. The second drug, misoprostol, causes cramping and bleeding that expels the embryo and pregnancy tissue.
PARTIALLY OPEN 2 You can choose the type of family your child grows up in. You may also learn how your child is doing through pictures or letters that the adoption agency or lawyer shares with you. You usually will not know your child’s full name or location.
CONFIDENTIAL3 If you decide that you do not want contact with your child later, the adoption agency will choose your baby’s new family. You and the family won’t know any details about each other’s identity, but the agency may share medical information to help the family care for your child.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?3
For pregnancies up to 10 weeks LMP, one out of 100 need a surgical scraping to stop hemorrhaging, and it fails to cause abortion in about 7% of these pregnancies or is incomplete. The failure rate increases as pregnancy advances, as does the risk of complications: bleeding, infection, Rh sensitization, missed ectopic pregnancies, possible psychological distress on seeing human parts expelled. It is four times riskier than a suction aspiration abortion.4
Considering Adoption?
Whichever type of adoption you might choose, it’s a good idea to get counseling (available for free) that can help you adjust after your baby is born and plan for the future. Learn more by talking with a licensed adoption agency or adoption attorney, or by gathering information online.4
Getting an ultrasound to confirm that the baby is inside the uterus is critical because mifepristone/misoprostol won’t abort ectopic pregnancies (embryo located outside the uterus), which can be life-threatening. The FDA cautions against buying abortion-inducing drugs from online illegitimate pharmacies. These drugs may be expired, fake, tainted, or otherwise contaminated.5
Before YOU DECIDE Could Abortion Affect Me Later? You have the right to understand the possible risks of your decision. The data about the long-term effects of abortion is incomplete. Plus, scientific bias, and failure to tie complications to the abortion procedure, limits what we know.1
Before YOU DECIDE What I Need to Know...
About Fetal Development
1ST TRIMESTER
Here’s what we do know:
CONCEPTION (2 WEEKS LMP*)
EMOTIONAL
In line with the available evidence, abortion increases the risk of: • Clinical depression and anxiety2 • Drug and alcohol abuse3 • Symptoms consistent with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)4 • Suicidal thoughts and behavior5 • Men are also at risk for emotional and relationship difficulties following abortion. Some experience guilt, anxiety, powerlessness, numbness, anger, relationship struggles, and more.6
Day 1 (~2 weeks from LMP)
RELATIONAL Research reveals that couples who choose abortion are at increased risk for problems in their relationships.10 Women experiencing a lack of support or pressure to abort from their partners were more likely to choose abortion.11 Women who face intimate partner violence are significantly more likely to experience abortion.12
SPIRITUAL Whatever your spiritual beliefs may be, having an abortion may impact you deeply. What thoughts do you have about your spiritual development and your unborn baby’s future as a spiritual being?
A unique individual comes into existence. Their hair and eye color, and gender are established.1
5 WEEKS 1 DAY LMP
The baby’s heart begins beating just 22 days after fertilization.2 This is just one week after a missed period.
6 WEEKS LMP
6 WEEKS LMP
The embryo’s heart activity can be seen during an ultrasound. The brain is dividing into its three main parts.3
PHYSICAL Research shows that: • Carrying a pregnancy to full term gives a measure of protection against breast cancer (especially a first pregnancy before the age of 30).7 Abortion results in loss of that protection. • A majority of peer reviewed studies show an increased risk for later development of breast cancer among women who have experienced induced abortion.8 • Induced abortion increases the risk of future premature delivery and premature birth (before 32 weeks), and also raises a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.9
Christianadoptions.org | Mylifemygift.com
8 WEEKS LMP
9 WEEKS LMP
The embryo begins to make spontaneous movements and bones begin to harden.4
9 WEEKS 4 DAYS LMP
The baby has distinct fingers and can hiccup.5
11 WEEKS LMP
11 WEEKS LMP6
Thumb sucking begins, and the ability to grasp things, open the mouth, sigh, and stretch. The face, hands, and feet can sense light touch.
12 WEEKS LMP
Unique fingerprints begin to form.7
13 WEEKS LMP *LMP: last menstrual period
13 WEEKS LMP
The nose and lips are formed.8