Abortion and Informed Choice

How often is the information provided to the woman in her doctor's office or the clinic's office several days before the abortion procedure? 

There are not many of us who can make an Informed Choice under pressure from a paraent or boyfriend, or at the last minute, or full of fear, etc.?

Our Project Rachel women have told us that, when you arrive at the facility, all you want to do is 'get it over with'. That is no atmosphere in which anyone can make an informed choice.

Informed Choice does not mean that the woman will necessarily change her mind about having the abortion. 

Informed Choice means that she will have an opportunity to make a life-deciding choice without the immediate pressure.

  • 64% of abortions involve coercion.
  • 84% of women having abortions were not fully informed.
  • 52% felt rushed and 54% uncertain beforehand, yet

  • 67% received no counseling beforehand, and

  • 79% were not informed about alternatives.

  • Most suffer trauma symptoms and face a significantly higher risk of injury or death after abortion.

  • Coercion is common and can escalate to violence.

  • Homicide is the leading killer of pregnant women.

(bulleted info from Elliot Institute - reply@afterabortion.info)

 

The following may be some facts that a woman considering an abortion should have.

The Ultrasound:

  • Am I offered the opportunity to see my baby in utero? 
  • If I am considering an abortion, why would the ultrasound screen be turned away so I could not see it? 
  • Do I have a right to know the sex of my child?
  • Is that the heart beating at 8 weeks?

The abortion procedure: 

  • Is there pain involved?
  • How long will it take?
  • What exactly is the abortion technique that the doctor will use -- suction, saline, etc.
    • Explain these to me please.
  • Will I hear any noises like a machine?
  • If it is only a blob of tissue, why do they record the time of death of the baby?
  • What medications are offered - beforehand, during, after?
  • Will I be awake or asleep?
  • Will the doctor introduce himself to me? 
  • Will I get to see his/her face or do they come into the room masked?
  • Why might I need to have a follow-up appointment with either this doctor or my own doctor?
  • Will the baby feel any pain during the abortion procedure? 
  • Who can go with me, where will they wait?
  • Are there any physical complications that I should be aware of?
  • Might I suffer any emotional/psychological pain? What would be the most traumatic one?  How long will these last?
  • Any other questions you may have?

 

Please check out www.abortionfacts.com/effects/effects for information on complications. maternal deaths. etc.