Education on Abortion and Alternatives


Understand Federal Law 

In January 1973, the Supreme Court issued its 7-2 ruling in Roe v. Wade.  This decision included three basic rulings:

  • A woman’s constitutional right to privacy includes the right to determine the outcome of her pregnancy.
  • An unborn child is not a “person” within the meaning of our Constitution.
  • A state may only ban abortions in cases when the unborn child has already reached viability and there
    is no threat to woman’s health.

More than three decades have passed since Roe v. Wade was decided.  Today, in the United States, we observe the
following consequences:

  • One out of every four pregnancies results in an abortion.
  • Each year, about 1.3 million abortions are performed.
  • Since 1973, there have been more than 40 million abortions performed.

Christians must continue to pray and to act to change the morally bankrupt laws that leave our unborn children without
protection.  Until Roe v. Wade is overturned, a great injustice will continue to be perpetrated upon our society. However,
pregnancy center ministry:

  • Transcends these political solutions. 
  • Is rooted in the compassion and love of Jesus Christ. 
  • Is not about changing laws, nor is it even ultimately about saving babies.
  • Addresses the needs of individual women.
  • Is about sharing the Gospel and empowering people to make positive, life affirming choices.

When hurting women encounter Jesus Christ in the midst of their crisis, their lives are forever changed.

Understand State Laws of Texas 

The Center staff and volunteers will make every effort to be prepared to explain state laws in Texas according to current
published materials.

The booklet, "A Woman's Right to Know," explains Texas Law and gives information to women considering abortion. 
Below are direct quotes from this brochure:

  • Texas law says your doctor must talk to you about certain things before you can have an abortion. 
  • Texas law requires a doctor to notify a parent of a patient who is less than 18 years of age (a minor)
    before the minor can have an abortion unless the court grants a waiver.  Ask the doctor or clinic for
    the parental notification booklet, “So You’re Pregnant, Now What?”, if you are a minor.  After you
    get this information, your doctor must wait 24 hours before your abortion can be performed.
  • You and your doctor should talk carefully and privately.  Some of the things your doctor must talk about
    with you include:
    • How long you’ve been pregnant.
    • The medical risks of having an abortion.
    • The medical risks of continuing your pregnancy.
  • Abortion is ending the pregnancy by using medicine or a surgical procedure.  In Texas, the legal definition
    of an abortion is the use of any means to terminate the pregnancy of a female known by the attending physician
    to be pregnant with the intention that the termination of the pregnancy by those means will with reasonable
    likelihood result in the death of the fetus. 
  • Some women consider an abortion because the pregnancy may threaten the woman’s life or health, or her baby
    may have severe birth defects.  Other women choose to end their pregnancy without any known problems with
    their health or with their unborn child. 
  • Spontaneous abortion (often called miscarriage) can occur when problems with a pregnancy cause the woman to
    lose that pregnancy naturally.
  • A doctor should evaluate you if you are thinking about having an abortion.  Only a doctor can perform an abortion. 
    Discuss your situation with your doctor.  Ask about any risks you might face.  You can expect the following things
    to happen:
    • If you are a minor, a parent must be notified or you will have to ask a judge to waive that notification.
    • You will be asked about your medical history.
    • You will get a physical exam.
    • Some lab tests will be done.
    • You will find out for sure if you’re pregnant and how long you’ve been pregnant. 
    • Your doctor will do a pelvic exam and may do an ultrasound.
    • You will get counseling.
    • You will talk about your feelings about abortion.
    • You will find out about the risks of having an abortion.
    • You will find out the risks of having a baby.
    • Your questions will be discussed and answered.
    • You will get some information about abortion.  You will have at least a full day to read this information
      before the appointment for your abortion.
    • You will sign a consent form for your abortion.

Remember, it is your right and the doctor’s responsibility to inform you fully prior to the procedure.  Ask all of your
questions and make sure you understand the answers.  You have a right to view your medical records, including your
ultrasound, at any time.

Understand Minor’s Right To Refuse Abortion 

The goal for volunteers and staff of The Center is for parents and children to work together through the challenges
presented in unplanned pregnancies whenever possible.

In instances where a minor who is pregnant refuses an abortion that a parent desires, the client and her parent, when
possible, will be informed of the right of the pregnant woman to refuse abortion, even if the woman is a minor. Steps will
then be taken to address the barriers that the minor client and her family may face with practical solutions.

No minor client may be placed in housing, or harbored in any way without parental consent. In instances in which parental
coercion rises to the level of abusive threats or conduct, the proper authorities must be notified.

Understand Abortion Procedures

KEEP IN MIND THAT THE CENTER STANDS FIRM FOR RIGHT TO LIFE AND NEVER ADVOCATES
ABORTION.

Abortion Procedures

Medical Nonsurgical Abortion  (FDA allows up to 49 days after LMP)

Medical abortion is a way to end a pregnancy with medicines without a surgical procedure.  Only a physician can perform a medical abortion.

The gestational age must be determined before getting any of these medicines. 

To have a medical abortion, you must: 

  • have access to an emergency room and a telephone.
  • be able to attend all the visits (several visits may be required).
  • be able to follow the doctor’s instructions and understand what may occur with the procedure

Mifepristone (RU 486) and methotrexate are two of the medicines used.

  • Mifepristone is given to a woman by mouth, or vaginally.
  • Methotrexate is usually given by injection, but may also be given by mouth.  Methotrexate can cause serious birth defects if your pregnancy doesn’t end.

After receiving mifepristone or methotrexate, you may bleed and pass clots, tissue, and the unborn child within hours to days.  The bleeding can last up to three weeks or more.  Your doctor will tell you when you need to return to be checked. 

If you are still pregnant at that visit, you will be given a second drug (misoprostol), either by mouth or vaginally.  Approximately two weeks later, you will return for an important follow-up visit.  Your doctor will determine whether your pregnancy has completely ended.  If you are still pregnant, a surgical procedure will be necessary.
D&C (Dilatation and Curettage) - First 12 Weeks
This is a surgical procedure with vacuum aspiration. Unless there are unusual problems, this procedure may be done in a doctor’s office or a clinic.  The doctor first opens (dilates) the cervix and then empties the uterus with suction.  After suctioning, the doctor may scrape the walls of the uterus to make sure the unborn child, placenta, and contents of the uterus have been completely removed.
D&E (Dilatation and Evacuation) - After 12 Weeks

The procedure will generally be done in a doctor’s office or clinic, but may sometimes be done in a hospital.  The doctor will often use ultrasound to determine how far along you are.

To prepare for the procedure, the doctor will open (dilate) the cervix.  Most women experience some pain, so the doctor may give you a painkiller — either locally by shots in the area of the cervix by a general anesthetic or a sedative (which will leave you conscious).  The uterus will be scraped and the unborn child and placenta removed. 

After 16 weeks of pregnancy, the unborn child and placenta are removed, piece-by-piece, using forceps or other instruments. 

This procedure will take less than an hour.
Induction (Abortion by Medicine Started Labor) - After 16 Weeks

The procedure will generally require a hospital stay of one or more days.

Medicines will be used to start labor.  These medicines can be put in the vagina, injected in the uterus (womb) or given into the vein (intravenously or by IV). The medicines used cause the uterus to contract and labor to begin.  Sometimes more than one medicine will be used.

This procedure may take from several hours to several days

Your doctor may use instruments to scrape the uterus and make sure that the unborn child, placenta, and other contents of the uterus have been completely removed.

A woman who has had previous surgery to the uterus or a woman with placenta previa should discuss this with her doctor.
D&X (Dilatation and Extraction) - After 16 Weeks Gestation

This procedure may be done in the clinic or in the hospital for more advanced pregnancies.

The doctor will dilate (open) the cervix. 

The doctor will grasp the unborn child’s foot with an instrument and deliver the child except for the head.  While the head is kept in the birth canal, scissors are used to make a hole in the back of the head, a tube is inserted, and suction is applied. 

The contents of the unborn child’s skull are suctioned out, the bones of the head collapse, and the child is delivered dead. If the unborn child is born alive, the attending physician has the legal obligation to take all reasonable steps necessary to maintain the life and health of the child.

Understand Abortion Risks

The section, "Making an Informed Decision," of the booklet, "A Woman's Right to Know," explains the different kinds
of associated medical risks for each type of abortion.  Below are direct quotes from this brochure:

Abortion Risks - The risks are fewer when an abortion is done in the early weeks of pregnancy.  The further along in the
pregnancy, the greater the chance of serious complications and the greater the risk of dying from the abortion procedure.

Statistics of risks

  • One death per every 530,000 abortions if you are at eight weeks or less.
  • One death per 17,000 abortions for pregnancies at 16–20 weeks.
  • One death per 6,000 abortions at 21 weeks and more.

Other factors that affect the possibility of complications include:

  • The skill and training of the doctor.
  • The kind of anesthesia used.
  • Your overall health.
  • Abortion procedure used.

Another section of the booklet explains long-term medical risks from abortion.  Below are direct quotes from this brochure:

Emotional side effects
See section “Understand Long Term Abortion Complications” for details.

Medical future side effects
 The following may make it difficult to become pregnant or carry a baby to term:

  • Infection
  • Cut or torn cervix

Premature birth risks increase significantly with multiple abortions according to some large studies.  Very early births (less
than 28 weeks) have an increased risk of:

  • Death
  • Lasting disabilities including mental retardation, cerebral palsy, lung and gastrointestinal
    problems, and vision and hearing loss

Danger of Breast Cancer
Below are direct quotes from “A Woman’s Right To Know”:
Your chances of getting breast cancer are affected by your pregnancy history.  If you have carried a pregnancy to term
as a young woman, you may be less likely to get breast cancer in the future.  However, you do not get the same protective
effect if your pregnancy is ended by an abortion.  The risk may be higher if your first pregnancy is aborted.While there
are studies that have found an increased risk of developing breast cancer after an induced abortion, some studies have
found no overall risk.

There is agreement that this issue needs further study.  If you have a family history of breast cancer or clinical findings of
breast disease, you should seek medical advice from your physician before deciding whether to remain pregnant or have
an abortion.  It is always important to tell your doctor about your complete pregnancy history.

 

Potential Side Effects  

 

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  • Cramping of the uterus or pelvic pain.

X

X

  • Nausea or vomiting.

X

X

  • Diarrhea.

X

X

  • Warmth or chills.

X

  • Headache.

X

  • Dizziness.

X

  • Fatigue.

X

  • Fever

X

  • Infection.

X

X

X

X
  • Allergic reaction to the medicines.

X

  • Complications from anesthesia such as respiratory problems, nausea and vomiting, headaches, or drug reactions.

X

  • Damage or rupture of the uterus (womb).

X

  • The possibility of a live-born baby.  *

X

  • Water intoxication.

X

  • Hemorrhage (heavy bleeding) possibly requiring treatment with an operation, a blood transfusion, or both.

X

X

X

X

X
  • A hole in the uterus (uterine perforation) or other damage to the uterus.

X

X

X
  • Injury to the bowel or the bladder.

X

X

X
  • A cut or torn cervix (cervical laceration).

X

X

X
  • Complications from anesthesia such as respiratory problems, nausea and vomiting, headaches, or drug reactions.

X

X

X
  • A possible hysterectomy as a result of complication or injury during the procedure.

X

X

X

X
  • Emergency treatment for any of the above problems, including possible need to treat with an operation, medicines, or a blood transfusion.

X

X

X

X
  • Incomplete removal of the unborn child, placenta, or contents of the uterus, requiring an operation.

X

X

X

X

X
  • Inability to get pregnant due to infection or complication of an operation.

X

X

X

X

X
  • Rarely, death.

X

X

X

X

X

Breast Cancer – “While there are studies that have found an increased risk of developing breast cancer after an induced abortion, some studies have found no overall risk.”

Emotional Trauma – Some women may feel guilty, sad, or empty reporting serious psychological effects of: anger, anxiety, depression, grief, regret, flashbacks, and nightmares.

DO YOU WANT TO TAKE THE CHANCE?

Understand God’s Perspective on Life

It may be in our heart to save the unborn baby, but the mother’s heart must be changed for she is the one who will choose
life or death for her baby.  If she finds Jesus, God will lead her to make right choices.  The Center provides the Abortion
From God’s Perspective card to help Christians understand what the Bible says about the topics of life and abortion.

God’s Perspective on Life and Abortion

God created man in His image and He declares sanctity of life
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Ge 1: 26 - 27).
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart (Jer 1: 5).

God has concern for the safety of the unborn child
If men who are fighting hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman's husband demands and the court allows.  But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life,  eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise (Ex 21: 22 - 25).

God knows and cares deeply for each person before conception
Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him (Ps 127: 3).
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.  When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.  All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.  How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!  How vast is the sum of them!   (Ps 139: 13 - 17)

God says the taking of human life is not a choice
You shall not murder (Ex 20: 13).
There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers (Pr 6: 16 – 19).

God has a plan to help you and your unborn child
This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live  (Dt 30: 19).
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you (Jer 29: 11 – 12).

God promises He will be with you in the midst of your crisis
You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.  Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy.  In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me (Ps 86: 5 – 7).