Abortion Archives - Journey Women's Center | Enid, OK

What is the difference between the Plan B and Plan C pills?

Journey Women's Center — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 15:10:37 +0000

When navigating reproductive health options, it’s important to understand the differences between these two medications. Plan B, or the “morning after” pill, and Plan C, abortion pills, serve different purposes and work in fundamentally different ways. Journey Women’s Center provides education, as well as practical and emotional support, empowering women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

Key Differences: Purpose, Timing, and How They Work

The primary difference between Plan B and Plan C lies in their purpose and timing. Plan C is designed to terminate an existing pregnancy, while Plan B is intended to prevent pregnancy before it occurs. Plan C is found to be effective within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy and requires a specific two-step process.

In contrast, Plan B is a single-dose pill taken after unprotected sex and is most effective when used promptly. The abortion pill works by inducing a miscarriage, whereas Plan B works by preventing ovulation, fertilization, or implantation.

Plan B: What It Is and How It Works

Plan B, also known as the “morning-after pill,” is an emergency contraceptive intended to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It contains a high dose of levonorgestrel, a hormone commonly found in birth control pills.

Plan B works primarily by delaying ovulation, meaning it prevents the release of an egg from the ovary. If ovulation has already occurred, Plan B may also work by preventing fertilization or by preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. Plan B is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, recommended within 72 hours.

While Plan B has been found to be effective, it does not always prevent pregnancy. Plan B does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. If you have had unprotected sex, it is important to guard your health and get tested. Untreated, sexually transmitted infections can greatly impact your reproductive health and cause infertility in both men and women.

Plan C: What It Is and How It Works

Plan C, often referred to as the abortion pills or a medication abortion, involves a two-step process using two different medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for the pregnancy to continue. Without this hormone, the lining of the uterus breaks down, and the pregnancy cannot proceed.

Misoprostol, taken 24-48 hours after mifepristone, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. This method is used to terminate an existing pregnancy and is effective up to 10 weeks gestation.

Pre-abortion Screening Before Taking Plan C

If you have had a positive pregnancy test and are considering Plan C, it is important to get a pre-abortion screening. Journey Women’s Center provides free and confidential services, pregnancy testing and limited OB ultrasounds that confirm whether a pregnancy can progress. Contact us to schedule your free limited-OB ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy.

Miscarriage occurs in 25% of pregnancies and may require medical attention. Plan C does not eliminate an ectopic pregnancy a non-viable pregnancy due to implantation in the fallopian tube. This can be life-threatening and requires medical intervention.

Prior to 2020, Plan C pills were purchased through an abortion provider. Providers would perform an ultrasound in order to rule out an ectopic pregnancy. They would accurately assess the duration of the pregnancy, as the medication was not as effective after 10 weeks gestation. They were required to provide surgical intervention in case of an incomplete abortion or severe bleeding and have the ability to provide care through other qualified physicians, should any complications arise. Providers would test for anemia and Rh-status, which can affect future pregnancies.

Though Plan C is affordable and accessible, these safety measures are no longer in place for women having self-managed abortions at home.

Journey Women’s Center provides a safe space to think through options, along with education about what to expect, possible risks, when to seek medical attention, and after-effects. We also provide abortion recovery services to women who may be struggling following an abortion.

Plan C is not a 100% safe process. If you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding (soaking through more than two pads per hour for two consecutive hours), fever, or any other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

If you take the pill then regret your decision, there is a chance you could reverse your abortion.

Empowering Informed Decisions

Understanding the differences between Plan B and Plan C is essential for making informed decisions about reproductive health. While both medications play significant roles in managing reproductive outcomes, they serve distinct purposes and operate differently within the body. By being informed, women can better evaluate their options to make safe choices that align with their needs and circumstances.

Always seek professional medical advice to ensure the safe and appropriate use of any medication.

If you have further questions or need support, Journey Women’s Center is here to provide education and compassionate care.

The post What is the difference between the Plan B and Plan C pills? appeared first on Journey Women's Center | Enid, OK.

Considering A Self-Managed Abortion? Know These Important Facts First

Journey Women's Center — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 19:53:18 +0000

A self-managed abortion is when a woman terminates her pregnancy without any supervision or assistance from a medical professional.
You may have missed a period and taken an at-home pregnancy test (or five!). You weren’t planning to get pregnant and now you’re wondering what to do. You may have heard about abortion-on-demand or self-managed abortions and this option seems private, inexpensive, and convenient. But there are some things you should know before purchasing medication online.

Are the Plan B pill and the abortion pill the same thing?

The simple answer is “no”. The “Plan B pill”, or the “morning after pill”, is a form of emergency contraception and can be purchased over the counter. It is supposed to be taken within the first 72 hours of unprotected sex or contraception failure. Though the Plan B pill can prevent ovulation, fertilization, and implantation, it cannot guarantee that you won’t get pregnant and it does not protect you from getting a sexually transmitted infection or disease.

The abortion pill, or medical abortion, is a two-step process to terminate a pregnancy. Medical abortions are performed under medical supervision with medication that has been approved by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration). The Plan B and abortion pills are very different and while there are possible side effects with both, it’s important to understand the purpose of each and whether there are any risks involved. For more information about the abortion pill, check out our post: Do I Need the Abortion Pill? What You Need to Know.

How can I know if I’m really pregnant?

It’s important to point out that a positive pregnancy test does not determine whether a woman has a viable pregnancy, or a pregnancy that has the potential to progress. In fact, statistics show that 1 in 4 pregnancies will end in miscarriage. The reasons for miscarriage are largely unknown and they often occur early in the pregnancy, sometimes before a woman even realizes she is pregnant.

Pregnancy tests purchased at the store, simply detects the presence of the hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone in a woman’s urine. Pregnancy tests are inexpensive and convenient, but they are not always 100% correct. Tests can easily show a “false-negative” or a “false-positive”, especially if the test instructions are not followed correctly. For more information, check out our post: How Soon After Sex Can I Know If I’m Pregnant?

In order for a pregnancy to be viable, it must meet two criteria: the gestational sac and fetus must be implanted in the uterus and there must be the presence of fetal heart tones. First, if implantation has happened outside the uterus, the pregnancy cannot progress. Ectopic pregnancies happen when the fertilized egg implants in the woman’s fallopian tube. The abortion pill cannot resolve an ectopic pregnancy. This serious condition happens in about 1% of all pregnancies and requires immediate medical attention.

Second, if fetal heart tones are not detected, the body should miscarry naturally, since a pregnancy will not progress without a live and growing fetus. The abortion pill is not necessary when the criteria for a viable pregnancy are not met. Women are encouraged to make an appointment with their OBGYN to ensure that the miscarriage is complete and there is no risk for infection.

Limited OB ultrasounds confirm a pregnancy. Under the supervision of a medical professional (OBGYN), an ultrasound will show whether a fetus has implanted inside the uterus and whether fetal heart tones are present. Measurements taken during an ultrasound also provide vital information about how far the pregnancy has progressed. The abortion pill has been proved ineffective after 10-11 weeks gestation. Pregnancy Resource Centers provide limited OB ultrasounds to confirm pregnancy for free! Contact Journey Women’s Center to book your free ultrasound.

Are Self-Managed Abortions Safe?

Though the perceived benefits of receiving the abortion pill by mail , such as privacy, convenience, and cost, may seem appealing to women facing an unplanned pregnancy, the risks of taking medications purchased online far outweigh the benefits.

The FDA has strong warnings against purchasing medication from outside the US, as these medications have not been tested or regulated, and may be unsafe to take. This creates an incredible risk for severe ramifications, as women can place their reproductive health and lives at risk.

In addition, the side-effects of the abortion pill can mimic those of an ectopic pregnancy, which is a life-threatening condition if left untreated. Knowing the dates for your last menstrual period does not accurately determine exactly how far your pregnancy has progressed and without an ultrasound, there is no way to determine whether a pregnancy is viable and whether an abortion is necessary.

Pregnancy Resource Centers offer FREE limited OB ultrasounds. Their services are completely confidential. They provide a safe space for women to explore their options and make an informed decision. Pregnancy Centers offer compassionate care, provide practical help and connection to community resources, as well as on-going support. If you think you might be pregnant and are thinking about purchasing the abortion pill online, take a moment to first contact your local Pregnancy Center. They will take the time to listen to you, answer your questions, and determine whether your pregnancy is viable. It’s your decision. We’re here to help you.

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Do I Need The Abortion Pill? What You Need To Know

Journey Women's Center — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 19:42:27 +0000

If you missed your period and have had a positive result on a pregnancy test, you might be thinking about the abortion pill. Did you know that the abortion pill is not necessary if your pregnancy is not viable? A viable pregnancy is one which is capable of growing and developing.

Find Out If Your Pregnancy Is Viable

While a pregnancy test detects the presence of the hCG hormone, which is present only in pregnancy, it doesn’t confirm that a pregnancy is viable. For a pregnancy to be viable, it must meet two qualifications:

1) The gestational sac and fetus must be implanted in the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies are not viable because the fetus has implanted outside of the uterus in the fallopian tube, ovary, cervix, or abdominal cavity. Ectopic pregnancies, which account for about 1-2% of all pregnancies, cannot survive and will need to be surgically removed. The abortion pill will not resolve an ectopic pregnancy. This is a serious condition, that if left untreated, is life-threatening to the mother.

2) There must be a presence of a heartbeat, or fetal heart tones. The heart begins to beat at 5 weeks and 1 day. The abortion pill is unnecessary if there is no heartbeat. The body will either naturally miscarry the pregnancy, or you will need to be seen by a doctor who can perform a D&C (dilation and curettage) to clear the uterine lining of placental tissues, in order to prevent infection.

Only ultrasounds confirm pregnancy viability. Ultrasounds provide vital information, including where the gestation sac and fetus are located, and whether there are fetal heart tones. Measurements taken during an ultrasound will show how far the pregnancy has progressed. The abortion pill should only be taken before 10 weeks LMP. Taking the pill later than the FDA recommends increases the risk factors and may result in an incomplete abortion.

Recently, a client came to Journey Women’s Center. The ultrasound confirmed the presence of a gestational sac, but there was no fetus visible and no heartbeat detected. She had an abortion scheduled later that week. In addition to informing her that an abortion may be unnecessary, we encouraged her to return to the Center for a follow-up ultrasound a week later, per our Medical Director’s authorization. When the sonographer measured the gestational sac again the following week, our suspicions were confirmed. The gestational sac remained empty and there had been no change in the measurements. We helped our client schedule an appointment with a local doctor. Her pregnancy was not viable and she did not need an abortion.

A blighted ovum, or anembryonic pregnancy, occurs in about 20% of known pregnancies. This happens when an embryo stops or fails to develop and is reabsorbed into the body, leaving an empty gestational sac. If a fetus is visible, but no heart tones are detected, this likely indicates a miscarriage. The treatment for a miscarriage is similar to that of a blighted ovum. Under the direction of a doctor, your body may naturally miscarry (within a couple of weeks) or your doctor will either prescribe medication or schedule a D&C. Either way, it’s important to see a doctor to determine the best course of action.

Did you know that Pregnancy Centers provide pregnancy tests and limited OB ultrasounds free of charge? They also provide information about the abortion pill and can answer your questions. Pregnancy Centers are here to help, regardless of your decision. They want to provide a safe space to explore your options as well as help and support for your future. Find your local Pregnancy Center to schedule your free appointment. If you’re near Journey Women’s Center, contact us! We would love to help you.

3 things to know before purchasing the abortion pill

After confirming a viable pregnancy, there are three things to consider before purchasing the abortion pill.

1) Know what to expect

The abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion or RU-486, is actually two pills. The first pill (mifepristone) is prescribed by a doctor and taken at an abortion clinic within 7 – 10 weeks of a confirmed pregnancy. This pill blocks the effects of progesterone. The second pill (misoprostol) is taken at home within 6-48 hours of the first pill. This pill causes cramping, bleeding, and induce the body to empty the uterus.

Since every medical procedure carries the risk of complications, it’s important to ask what risks are involved in taking the abortion pill. For some women, bleeding can last anywhere from 4-45 days and after-effects can range from mild to severe. Find out whether the clinic provides follow-up or emergency care, in the event of unforeseen complications.

2) Know your rights

No one can force you to have an abortion against your will. Parents cannot force minors, husbands cannot force spouses, etc. Your decision must be voluntary (non-coerced). If you feel pressured to get an abortion that you don’t want, you can contact the police or your local Pregnancy Center for help.

You have the right to know the name of the physician performing the abortion and whether he is licensed and board-certified. You have a right to refuse signing the Release of Liability, which releases the physician from any responsibility for injury caused during the procedure.

3) Know that you can change your mind

If you have taken the first or second pill, know that it’s not too late if you change your mind. The Abortion Pill Reversal can reverse the effects of the abortion pill and allow the pregnancy to continue with about a 65% success rate.

Abortion pill reversal success story

Madison* was a senior in high school when she found out she was pregnant. Her plans to attend college meant it wasn’t a good time to have a baby, plus she feared her parent’s reaction.

She took the first abortion pill at the clinic and immediately regretted her decision. Instead of taking the second pill, she contacted our Center. We put her in touch with the Abortion Pill Reversal hotline. The doctor called in a prescription for progesterone, and she had another ultrasound a few days later to make sure everything was okay. She recently sent us a picture of her happy baby boy with a note of thanks for walking with her each step of her journey.
*Pseudonym

WARNING: Do not risk your life by taking an abortion pill purchased online.

We are so accustomed to scrolling and clicking on the things we want and need, that buying the abortion pill online might seems like a simple solution. The FDA (Federal Drug Administration) oversees the safety of all drugs and medications and warns against purchasing medication online.

It is unregulated and can have serious complications. We’ve all fallen prey the online images of that cute dress, but when it finally arrives the color is off, the cut is wonky, and it just doesn’t fit right. The wrong dress only means disappointment. Taking unregulated medication can have life-altering implications. Don’t put your body or future reproductive health at risk.

Contact your local Pregnancy Center for confidential and free services, help and support.

The post Do I Need The Abortion Pill? What You Need To Know appeared first on Journey Women's Center | Enid, OK.

Is the Abortion Pill an Option for Me?

Journey Women's Center — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 19:22:12 +0000

When considering whether the abortion pill is an option for you, it is important to be fully informed before making this decision. Whether you’ve recently missed your period, or you are beginning to experience pregnancy symptoms, your concerns are realized soon after taking a pregnancy test.

A pregnancy test does not confirm a pregnancy

Did you know that a pregnancy test does not confirm pregnancy? Pregnancy tests, specifically over-the-counter tests, detect the presence of the hCG hormone in your urine. This hormone is only present in women who have a fertilized egg, but pregnancy tests don’t determine whether the pregnancy is viable. For a pregnancy to be viable, there must be implantation in the uterus and a fetal heartbeat. If implantation occurs outside the uterus, this is considered an ectopic pregnancy and requires immediate medical attention. If there is not a fetal heartbeat, your body will naturally expel the embryo through miscarriage. Blood tests can measure the levels of hCG hormone in your body; an increase in the hormone levels early in pregnancy is an indication that the pregnancy is progressing. However, only an ultrasound can determine pregnancy viability.

Abortion options

Medical abortion, or the abortion pill, is only an option for women who are less than 10 weeks gestation. Unless you diligently track your period cycle on an app or calendar, it’s very easy to forget or lose track of time. Ultrasounds not only confirm that a pregnancy is viable, they also help in determining gestation, or how far your pregnancy has progressed.

Where to get free ultrasounds

Did you know that Pregnancy Resource Centers (PRC) offer limited (non-diagnostic) OB ultrasounds free of charge? Contact us to schedule your free ultrasound. An ultrasound can typically run between $100-$150 without insurance. After administering a pregnancy test, PRCs can schedule an ultrasound to confirm the viability of your pregnancy and gestation (how far along you are). If your pregnancy is not viable, then your body should naturally miscarry the fetus. Ultrasounds are also vital in ruling out ectopic pregnancies, where an embryo has implanted outside the uterus. Not only is this pregnancy not viable, but ectopic pregnancies can cause serious and potentially life-threatening complications if not addressed immediately!

Be fully informed before your abortion

It is your right to be fully informed. Each state has different laws regarding abortion procedures and patient rights in an abortion. In Oklahoma where we are located, you have a right to know the medical risks associated with an abortion and the medical risks associated with carrying a pregnancy to term.

No one can legally pressure you to get an abortion

Women sometimes experience pressure from their parents or partners to abort. However, it is against the law to force someone to have an abortion against their will. By law, the father of the baby is responsible to help financially in supporting his child. Oklahoma law also states that abortions cannot be performed on minors, anyone under the age of eighteen, without the written consent of one parent.

For more information about medical abortion, Oklahoma law, and your rights click here.

How the abortion pill works

The abortion pill is actually two pills. Mifepristone, or Mifeprex, is the first pill administered at the abortion clinic. This pill blocks your body’s production of the hormone progesterone. The second pill, Misoprostol (also known as Cytotec), is typically taken at home between 6-48 hours after the first pill. While the first pill blocks progesterone, the second pill expels the embryo from your body.

This process can take anywhere from a day to three weeks to be completed. It is important to keep your follow-up appointment to confirm whether the abortion was complete. On average, most women experience cramping as well as bleeding, which can last anywhere between 9-45 days. Cramping and bleeding can range in severity and women may experience other side effects, such headache, nausea, and flu-like symptoms.

FDA warns against purchasing the abortion pill online

The FDA warns about purchasing the abortion pill online, as these drugs have safety restrictions on how they can be distributed to the public. For more information about the abortion pills go to the FDA’s website: Mifepristone and Misoprostol.

You are not alone

Telling a friend or family member what you’re going through can help you process through your feelings and be able to think about what is the best decision moving forward. Pregnancy Resource Centers not only provide free services to women facing unplanned pregnancies, they provide a safe space to explore your options.

The staff are kind and caring; they are available to listen to your story, answer your questions, educate about the options available to you, and provide connections to resources and support groups within the community. PRCs listen without judgement and love without agenda. It’s normal to feel anxious, scared, and confused. But don’t let those feelings stop you from getting the information you need. There is help and hope.

Recommended blog post Three Things to Know Before Getting an Abortion.

The post Is the Abortion Pill an Option for Me? appeared first on Journey Women's Center | Enid, OK.

My Abortion Story

Journey Women's Center — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 18:52:12 +0000

It was my last day of high school. The graduation ceremony wasn’t until later, but I had more pressing matters at the moment. My friend went with me to the Pregnancy Resource Center. I took a pregnancy test. The kind woman who worked there tried to talk with me and offer me some materials. I didn’t want them. I wasn’t really listening. I was in shock. The same thought played over and over in my mind, “I can’t have this baby.”

I cried through my graduation ceremony, as did many of my classmates. Everyone assumed my emotions had to do with this life-chapter closing. But deep down I feared that they would discover my secret. What would they say? What would they think about me? Would they try to influence my decision? I knew that among my circle of friends, abortion was an acceptable solution. I knew my parents would be disappointed, and the thought of them finding out terrified me!

I called the clinic to set up an appointment and feared they would see the long-distance charge on our phone bill. My friend and I devised our story, a day spent shopping in the big city. We made our plans. She would leave me at the clinic while she shopped so we had something to show for our trip and weren’t completely lying to our parents. We asked the clinic workers when I would be finished, and set a time for her to pick me up. Neither of us had cell phones.

They escorted me from the waiting room to another room filled with a dozen other women waiting to speak with the clinic worker and sign paperwork, or waiting their procedure. They chatted with one another, explaining their reasons for abortion. It was strange. My decision made sense to me. I was going to college! In my mind, this wasn’t a baby. This was a problem. And abortion was the solution to my problem. But here were women who were married and others who had children! Their decision to abort made no sense to me.

Soon it was my turn. My memories are cloudy but as I woke from the fog of anesthesia, I quickly became aware of the urgency in the worker’s movements. They had trouble waking me up. Before I knew it, I was ushered outside the clinic, the doors shut and locked behind me. It was closing time. I still felt so out of it. And now, here I was sitting on the edge of the sidewalk. Hot. And alone.

Soon my friend was there to pick me up. We drove home with shopping bags and story in hand, while my resolve grew. “It’s over. It’s done.” In the years that followed, I strived to put it out of my mind. I see now that my lifestyle choices and beliefs in women’s empowerment were mainly a way to justify my decision. Eventually I met and married my husband, but I kept my secret. I still feared being exposed. It felt like the “unforgivable”. I believed others would judge and reject me if they knew the truth, and so the weight of my secret and shame continued to grow.

It was a casual remark. A father admiring his newborn daughter in wonder, “How could anyone do that? It’s hard to believe anyone could have an abortion.” We were back in church and I was wrestling with truth. My thoughts shifted from trying to justify my choice, to knowing fully that my decision didn’t line up with God’s Word. As I learned about God’s grace and forgiveness, I began to forgive myself. I shared my secret with a close friend who was a Christian. She encouraged me to tell my husband. He was gracious and kind. The condemnation I had expected came only in my fears and through the deceptive lies of the enemy.

I had believed that abortion was the only answer to my problem. I had believed it would be finished and I could move on. But it never went away. My secret doesn’t weigh heavy now. Though the effects of my decision have been long-lasting and far-reaching, I know and have experienced the freedom found in God’s forgiveness.

There is a part of me that wishes I could have listened to the woman at the Pregnancy Resource Center, that I could have accepted her help, that I could have trusted God rather than react in fear. That’s not my story, but I hope that my story can help someone who finds themselves in the same place. Because the truth is – you are not alone, there are people willing to walk with you through this journey.

Restore – Post-Abortion Support Group

If you’re seeking hope and healing from an abortion(s) we have a post-abortion support group available to you. We would love you to join. We only accept a small number of women per session. Whether your abortion was two weeks ago, or twenty years ago, we are here for you. Check out the post-abortion support group here.

The post My Abortion Story appeared first on Journey Women's Center | Enid, OK.

3 Things to Know Before You Get An Abortion

Journey Women's Center — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 18:33:09 +0000

Being pregnant was not part of the plan. You were being careful, maybe even on birth control. How could this happen? And now? This is not a good time. Now what? Abortion? You start searching Google for information and you’re early enough, so it seems pretty simple. But is it? What do you need to know about abortion?

3 things to know before you get an abortion

1. Get an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy

Know For Sure. Watching that positive line on the pregnancy test appear confirms the fact that you’re pregnant. Or so you think. The reality is that pregnancy tests simply detect the presence of the hcG hormone. This hormone is found in women about eight days after ovulation. Cells that eventually become the placenta are what produce the hcG hormone. But did you know that the hcG hormone is still present in women who have had a miscarriage? It can sometimes take up to 2 weeks after a miscarriage for the hormone levels to disappear. Statistics show that 25% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, and many of those occur in the first 12 weeks, first trimester, of the pregnancy. Miscarriages happen for various reasons and sometimes before a woman even realizes she is pregnant.

Only an ultrasound can confirm a pregnancy

So while a home pregnancy test can show evidence of the hcG hormone, it does not confirm a pregnancy. Ultrasounds confirm pregnancy. Both the implantation of the fetus inside the uterus as well as the presence of a heartbeat confirm the pregnancy is viable.

Ectopic pregnancies are not viable

Ectopic pregnancies are not viable, as the fetus has implanted outside of the uterus in the fallopian tube, ovary, cervix, or abdominal cavity. Ectopic pregnancies, which account for about 1-2% of all pregnancies, cannot survive and will need to be surgically removed. The heart begins to beat at 5 weeks and 1 day. Sometimes it is difficult to pinpoint the heartbeat on an ultrasound performed this early. By 7 weeks gestation, if a heartbeat cannot be found, it is a likely indication that a pregnancy is not viable, which also means that an abortion is unnecessary.

Pregnancy Resource Centers offer medical-grade pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, and consultations with an RN free of charge. If you’re trying to decide what to do, contact a local Pregnancy Resource Center to find out for sure if you’re pregnant. See our list of free services here.

2. Explore all your options

In order to make an informed decision, you need to know what options are available to you.

Maybe you are struggling to make ends meet, and though abortion may be an option, it’s also expensive.

But then, so is parenting, and you can’t see a way to pay for medical bills, let alone provide for another person.

Adoption is an option that many don’t consider at first. It does involve incredible sacrifice, but adoption also provides a family for your baby and a baby for a couple who desperately longs for children to love. Open adoption provides a way to build relationships with the adoptive family, know your child, watch them grow up, and play an important role in the life of your child. Often medical expenses are completely covered, and many adoption agencies have on-going support for birth moms, such as counseling and practical help. Some agencies provide free housing in maternity homes for women making an adoption plan.

These homes provide a safe place to live and offer companionship with other women walking through the adoption process. Check out our list of Maternity homes in the Oklahoma here.

There are many things to consider when deciding between abortion, parenting, and adoption. Pregnancy Resource Centers offer a safe space to think through your options. The staff and volunteers are there to listen, answer questions, and provide information about what options are available to you. They want to walk alongside and provide emotional and practical support as you think through your decision.

3. It’s your decision

Decisions aren’t made in isolation, completely on their own. Most times, there are several factors that have a lot of influence on the decisions we’re trying to make.

It might be parents who have laid down the rule, “If you get pregnant, find another place to live because it won’t be here!” Maybe a boyfriend has told you, “You have to get rid of it” and you feel that a break-up is imminent if you don’t. Maybe friends or someone from church, has weighed in and given their “two cents”. Maybe fear itself is screaming in your ear, “What will people think?” You can feel the pressure heavy on your shoulders. Making this decision is complicated.

The reality is that this is your decision. No one can coerce, or force you, to do something against your will. You might be threatened with or may even face rejection, condemnation, and hardship. That is a lot to face alone. But you are not alone. Pregnancy Resource Centers have caring staff and volunteers that take the time to listen to you without judgment of the situation you’re facing and without any hidden agenda. They are there to answer questions and provide you with practical help and support, because they genuinely care about your well-being which extends long after any decision you make.

Being pregnant was not part of the plan. But you get to decide how you want to move forward, and to move forward you need to know for sure that you’re pregnant, know what your options are, and be empowered to make the best decision. We are here to help and support you as you make your decision. If you need someone to walk you through you options without judgement or agenda, please walk in or set an appointment.

The post 3 Things to Know Before You Get An Abortion appeared first on Journey Women's Center | Enid, OK.

What are my pregnancy options?

Journey Women's Center — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 13:51:19 +0000

Whether you’ve missed your period or watched that little line appear on the pregnancy test, you’re at a crossroads. Right now, you’re trying to decide what to do. You’re pregnant and your mind is racing with questions of, “what now?”.

Maybe you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or even a little scared. These emotions are completely normal. Abortion might seem like the easiest solution. No one will know that you are pregnant and you can move on with your life. But it’s not quite that simple, and it’s important to know your options.

Three Pregnancy Options

Abortion

Abortion is the ending of a pregnancy through a medical or surgical method.

There are possible complications and risks involved in any abortion. Medical abortions, or the abortion pill, involves taking a pill at the abortion clinic (mifepristone) and another at home (misoprostol). An ultrasound is required to determine the gestation (how far along you are), as these can only be performed up to 10 weeks.

Severe cramping and bleeding (up to 45 days) can occur with the abortion pill, and it’s important to have a follow-up appointment to verify the abortion is complete. Pregnancy resource centers offer free ultrasounds that determine whether the pregnancy is viable – growing in the uterus (not ectopic), whether a heartbeat is present, and accurately measure how many weeks the pregnancy has progressed.

Surgical abortions, such as suction aspiration or dilation and evacuation, can be performed past 10 weeks. These procedures have higher risks and an increased chance of complications.

Pregnancy resource centers offer education about abortion procedures and information about the laws in your state and your rights in an abortion.

Adoption

Adoption is the process of legally transferring parental rights to another.

There are several different types of adoption, but the important thing to know is that you as the “birth parent” are in control of the adoption process.

Types of Adoption

From choosing whether to work with an adoption agency or with a lawyer in a private adoption, birth parents choose the adoption plan that works best for them. In a closed, or confidential adoption, there is no contact between the birth and adoptive parents; all communication is done through a third party.

Open adoptions vary in the amount of contact before, during, and after the adoption process and will look different for every individual. Again, this process largely depends on you, the birth parent, and the amount of contact you desire to have with your biological child. Adoption can be a challenging process, but the sacrificial love of a mother who finds herself unable to parent and chooses to place her child in the caring arms of a family is a beautiful gift.

Parenting

Parenting is the process of promoting and supporting the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood.

Whether you’re thinking about parenting as a single mother or with a partner, parents need encouragement and support to raise their child. Pregnancy resource centers can connect you with mentors, childbirth and parenting classes, and other resources that can support you in the parenting process.

If you’re in the Enid, OK area we provide a free support group for mothers.

No matter what you choose, your life is forever changed. It’s important to be informed and take time to think through your options.

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