What About Abortion?

8 weeks in the womb

Abortion

Termination of pregnancy.

Embryo

Human life at its earliest developmental stage.

Fetus

A developing unborn baby with an observable human structure.

Trimester

A three month interval used to measure the three stages (1st, 2nd, 3rd) of pregnancy.

Uterus

The muscular female organ that contains the developing unborn baby.

11 weeks

You think you might be pregnant.

And if you are right, you are not only going to possibly experience stress, fear, and confusion about what to do, your body may also experience some deep emotional mood swings from the hormonal changes that occur at pregnancy making your situation "feel" even more hopeless! Take time to calm down and...

Before you make a decision...

educate yourself on your options and the possible effects of each decision. Here at Life Hope you can find plenty of material to help and our compassionate volunteers and staff are more than willing to be with you through the process. Many of them have had similar experiences; they deeply feel for you and the position you are in as you wonder which of the three available options to choose.

1. Parenting

Choosing to continue your pregnancy and to parent your child is no small task! But with the caring support, parenting education, and other resources you will find at Life Hope, you will join the ranks of many women who have found the hope and help they needed to make this choice.

2. Adoption

Each year over 50,000 women in America make this loving choice! Women who first thought abortion was their only way out, decided to give their children a chance at life through adoption. At Life Hope we can help you understand the great changes that have happened in adoption policy, and we can also help get you plugged into someone who can help you through the adoption process.

3. Abortion

At Life Hope we don't refer for or provide abortions. There are many reasons! First, in most abortions, no serious complications occur, however even 1 abortion that has ended in serious complications is too much for us! (And there ARE SOME risks of physical complications.) Second, there are still some major questions about long term effects on future pregnancies, health, emotional impact, and the spiritual well being of the mother. (The father and even other family members can experience strong negative side effects, too!) And finally, Life Hope is not only deeply concerned about moms but we are deeply concerned about babies, too. As our name suggests, we "Hope for Life" for all, from the biggest full grown mom, to the smallest unborn baby!

16 weeks

Yes, it is true in the State of Washington...

abortion is legal. If you are feeling like you cannot wait to search out the other options and you are planning on having an abortion soon, then know that...

You have the right to...

• Insist your abortion is only performed by a licensed physician
• Know if this physician has ever been suspended or had their license revoked
• Know if this physician has a history of medical malpractice
• Find out whether the physician has malpractice insurance in case something goes wrong with the procedure
• Insist that, if you are injured, you will be immediately transferred by ambulance to the nearest emergency hospital or trauma center.

And, regardless of your age, marital status or any other factor remember,

1. No one can legally force you to have an abortion against your will
2. And seek medical attention immediately if you, after the abortion, think you are suffering complications!
3. And finally, please consider waiting long enough to find out if your pregnancy is even one that can continue on its own. Many ladies naturally miscarry on their own. At Life Hope we can set up a free ultrasound so a doctor can check for what's called "viability". Have an ultrasound before an abortion procedure is preformed and take the time to educate yourself on facts, procedures, and possible effects of abortion.

Remember, no one has to live with the consequences...

of this decision as much as you do. If you have some one trying to force you into a quick decision, Life Hope has positive pregnancy packs with a DVD that explains abortion facts, procedures, and possible effects that you can take home and share with them.

20 weeks

Know there's help here at Life Hope for anyone...

who may be suffering emotionally and spiritually from a past abortion. Some people don't seem to suffer right away, if at all, from their decision, and others are overwhelmed afterwards and de-habilitated. And other family members can suffer, too! So, at Life Hope we have peer counseling and referrals for the HEART program, (Healing and Encouragement for Abortion Related Trauma).

Remember, YOU DO have the legal right to choose the outcome of your pregnancy...

But real empowerment comes from finding the strength and resources to make the BEST choice for you, your family, and your baby!