Considering an Abortion?

Many women considering an abortion because their pregnancy seems ill timed. They may be in the midst of studies, have just taken on a new job, be about to travel overseas or thought they'd completed their family.

It is Important to Not Feel Pressured Into Making a Rushed Decision

At Pregnancy Counselling Services we are here to talk to you about your concerns before making a decision.  It is vital that you feel in control of your pregnancy decision making process and that the final choice about your pregnancy is yours.  Many women who have had an abortion say that their decision was made either because they felt coerced or they felt they had no other choice. 

What Are Your Options?

We encourage you to understand your options so that you can make a fully informed decision about your pregnancy.  The important thing to consider before deciding to have an abortion is that this decision can impact the rest of your life. 

Are You Fully Informed?

It is very important that you understand all the possible physical and emotional consequences after abortion.  Abortion may be explained as a clinically safe procedure, however, please be aware of possible physical and psychological effects:

Physical Complications:

  • The abortion has not been properly completed (2-3 percent cases) which requires the procedure to be repeated
  • Infection inside the uterus. This is usually easily treated with antibiotics (2 percent - 1 in 50). It is important to carefully observe follow-up instructions
  • Blood clots staying in the uterus. This requires another suctioning, similar to the original abortion operation (1 percent)

Very rarely, there could be:

  • A hole or tear in the uterus which usually heals itself
  • A hole or tear in the cervix which can be repaired with stitches at the time of the abortion
  • Excessive bleeding due to failure of the uterus to contract, this may require a blood transfusion which is avoided unless the bleeding is life threatening
  • Failure to get pregnant again - this occurs following 1 in every 100 pregnancies, whether there is a miscarriage, abortion, or a live or stillbirth. Very rarely amenorrhoea (absence of periods), may follow abortion
  • An increased risk of miscarriage and premature birth in future pregnancies following abortion.  This is thought to be more likely following two or more abortions, or if the abortion is carried out after 13 weeks of pregnancy

Psychological Side Effects:

Women who are more likely to suffer emotional problems after an abortion are those who:

  • Believe that abortion is wrong
  • Felt unsure about whether to have an abortion
  • Were pressured by others
  • Originally wanted the baby, but felt pressured, by extreme difficulties in their situation, into seeking an abortion
  • Made a decision late in the pregnancy
  • Had little support from their partner or family

 Symptoms may include:

  • Problems with relationships
  • Depression
  • Loss of self-esteem
  • Anxiety and guilt
  • Sadness and regret
  • Flashbacks

(from 'Considering An Abortion- What are your options?'  Ministry of Health 1998)

In addition, recent research has shown other possible symptoms:

  • Anger
  • Self Harm
  • Abusive drugs and alcohol

 

For more information (this list is not complete) please:

Go to:  www.postabortionpaths.org.nz  or,

Phone or Email Us for the following written materials:

  • 'Considering an Abortion? What are your options?' and/or
  • 'Insights into the After Affects of Abortion' 

 

New Zealand Law

New Zealand Law clearly sets out the grounds under which abortions are permitted.  These are listed for your information:

  • Your life, or mental or physical health is in serious danger from carrying on the pregnancy, or
  • There is a great risk that the baby would be severely physically or mentally handicapped, or
  • Your pregnancy is a result of incest, or
  • You are under the legal care or protection of the man who fathers your child, or
  • You are severely mentally handicapped.

 

 

Have you considered talking confidentially to a Pregnancy Counsellor? 

We are here to listen and to help you consider your choices and express your needs, so that you can make sound decisions for yourself

A counsellor is available to you on the telephone 24 hours a day

We are available and willing to meet with you for face to face counselling

Our service to you is free

Alternatively, you can also contact us by email