Is Abortion or Adoption right for me?
Are you pregnant and not sure what to do? First, take a deep breath—then find out about each of your options so you can make a confident choice.
If you feel like you can’t parent right now, abortion and adoption are two options that you may want to consider. Let’s talk through some of the details and learn more about them.
What is Abortion and How Does It Work?
Taking pills to end a pregnancy might seem simple, but it’s still a medical procedure with possible side effects or risks. It’s important to know what to expect before you take anything.
There are two different abortion methods available and they depend on how long you have been pregnant.
How does the abortion pill work?
With the abortion pill (medical abortion), you would take two different pills to end your pregnancy: mifepristone and misoprostol. You take the mifepristone first. It works to block your body from making progesterone, which stops the fetus from growing. Then, later on, you take misoprostol which causes you to cramp, have contractions and bleed. This drug aborts the fetus out of your uterus.
The Mayo Clinic lists the following potential physical risks of the abortion pill:
Incomplete abortion
Heavy and prolonged bleeding
Infection. Fever, Dizziness
Digestive system discomfort
An ongoing pregnancy, if the procedure doesn’t work
What is a surgical abortion?
A surgical abortion is a medical procedure for ending a later pregnancy when you are further along (more than 10-12 weeks). Surgical abortions are performed in a clinic, typically by an OB-GYN doctor, and often involve some sedation, like medicine to help you relax, or general anesthesia.
There are several types of surgical abortion, but the most common procedure, is called a dilation & curettage (D&C). Basically the doctor opens your cervix using medicine or small instruments. Then the pregnancy tissue is removed using a small curette (a spoon-shaped or looped instrument) to scrape the fetus out of your uterus along with gentle suction.
Here are the possible physical risks of a surgical abortion, asshared by NIH:
Excessive bleeding that might require a transfusion
Damage to the cervix
Scar tissue on the uterine wall
Infection, dizziness, fever
Severe cramping and pain
Some women report negative emotional or mental health effects following an abortion. Consider how each pregnancy option may affect your mental and emotional health immediately and in the future.
What is Adoption and How does it work?
Making an adoption plan can be tough and emotional—but it can also be really rewarding. It’s a way to give both you and your child a happy, healthy future.
Adoption today is different than it used to be. Birth moms have a lot more control, which means you get to make choices that feel right for you and your baby. For example:
You can view various family profiles based on your preferences and values.
You can interview potential adoptive parents before making your choice.
You can choose the adoptive family you want to parent your child.
You decide how often you want to visit your child and/or receive updates and photos. (You would work with the agency or lawyer to make the agreement official.)
You might receive some practical assistance help through an adoption agency while you’re pregnant to help meet your physical needs.
You would have peace of mind knowing that your child is growing up being loved and cared for.
Three types of Modern Adoption Plans:
Adoption isn’t one-size-fits-all—you get to choose what feels right for you. Here are the common types of modern adoption plans:
Open adoption means you stay in touch with the adoptive family. That could look like texts, pictures, or even visits sometimes. A lot of women like this because they can see their child growing up and know they’re safe and loved, while still having that connection.
Semi-open adoption is kind of a middle ground. You might get updates or photos, but it usually goes through an agency or someone helping manage things. So you’re still in the loop, just with a little more space.
Closed adoption means everything stays private and there’s no contact. It’s not as common, but it’s always your choice if that’s what feels best.
Whatever you decide, your feelings might be all over the place—and that’s totally normal. You could feel sad, relieved, confused, or even a mix of everything at once. There’s no “right” way to feel. And you’re definitely not alone—there are many online support groups and websites for birth moms now. You’ve got people in your corner. 💛
No pregnancy decision should be taken lightly but making an adoption plan can offer an incredible chance at a healthy, stable future for both you and your child.
Schedule Your Free Appointment To Explore Your Options
Book a Free Appointment Today. We’re Here for You
No matter what you decide, we care about YOU! Your life matters. You have time to pause, gather all the information, and make a fully informed decision—on your own terms, with real support. We are here for you. Contact us to make an appointment.
Mosaic Virginia Locations: Alexandria, Herndon, Fairfax and Lansdowne
Mosaic Virginia does not provide or refer for abortion services. We provides services at no cost to you and without discrimination to people of any age, race, income, nationality, religious affiliation, disability, or other arbitrary circumstances. We are pro-woman and a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. We do not provide or refer for abortion services.
