For Men
Abortion seems like an easy and legal solution but it does have significant risks that you may not understand. That is why it’s important that both of you become educated on all your options. Abortion is a forever choice that can never be reversed so it’s important you understand all the implications.
First of all, women can choose abortion without the permission of the baby’s father. Communication between you and your partner is essential at this point. Many post-abortive women (women who have made this choice) report that they were waiting for their boyfriends/husbands to stop them. Men seem to have been programmed to respond with a common statement, “It’s your choice. I’ll support whatever decision you make.”
Sadly, women regularly report that they WANT to hear their partner’s honest opinion and do not want to make this choice alone. By saying, “It’s your choice,” she may hear, “I don’t want this baby.”
She is looking to you for support because she can’t confide in many people about this crisis situation. When women hear men say, “It’s your choice and I’ll support you,” they perceive the man wants her to abort. So please be careful that you don’t say something that you could regret.
What she truly needs is your assurance that you will stand beside her in whatever way she needs through this situation. Inform her immediately that she doesn’t need to have an abortion to please you. Tell her you want to help her in making any choices that will impact both your futures.
Here are some ways to help a woman in an unplanned pregnancy:
Confirming the Pregnancy:
The first thing you need to do is find out that she is really pregnant and learn about all your options. A local pregnancy center provides confidential and free pregnancy tests along with many support services. They exists to help both of you come to an informed decision.
To help her understand your support, find your local pregnancy center on this website and take her for the pregnancy test. She has more to lose in this pregnancy than you do because it will impact her physically.
If she truly is pregnant, understand her body is being overwhelmed by hormone changes that can impact her in making good decisions. Having your emotional and physical support will reassure her that you care.
It is also important after a positive pregnancy test to have an ultrasound performed to determine if the child is going to survive to birth. It is estimated that as many as 25% of all pregnancies ends naturally through miscarriage. If she is going to lose the baby naturally, you do not need to consider abortion option. Most local pregnancy centers offer free ultrasounds.
Abortion has many risks to the woman at an emotional, psychological, spiritual and physical. While you may not experience the abortion physically, abortion can impact your life as well. Learn more about these risks at this link – Abortion Risks
Learn more about what a preborn child looks like: HERE
Should she have a viable pregnancy (one that will likely continue to birth), your local pregnancy center can help you in a variety of ways. Our support services include, but are not limited to:
- Pregnancy verification through ultrasound services
- Clothing – both maternity and baby clothes
- Material assistance – cribs, car sets, etc.
- Prenatal and infant care education
- Childbirth classes
- Community referrals
- Assistance with securing medical insurance
- In some cases, free STI/STD testing
Visiting pregnancy center means you don’t have to be alone in supporting her in this pregnancy. They can also help you in relaying the pregnancy to both families and explore all your options.
Another interesting thing about abortion is that many couples don’t remain together after making this choice. Abortion doesn’t seem to be the glue that holds a relationship together but tears it apart. Feelings of betrayal and hurt, compounded with the grief over the loss that can result after abortion, can separate two hearts forever. If you care about this woman, visit a local pregnancy center for more support.
At the abortion facility:
If you and your partner determine to have an abortion, here is a list of important information to gather before the procedure. Ask the abortion clinic staff these questions:
- What kind of abortion will she have?Will it be medication or surgical? Ask about the risks of the abortion procedure. It’s important to sit through this discussion with your partner. Most women appreciate a man who wants to be with them through this difficult time.
- Who is the abortionist and what are their credentials? Be sure to write down their name. Don’t sign any papers that might release the abortion clinic from any medical liability if they should injure her during the procedure.
- Check to see if the facility is clean and sanitary. Abortion clinics are rarely inspected by governmental agencies. Infections often result when women visit dirty clinics. If the facility doesn’t appear spotless, find another one.
- If the abortion clinic offers ultrasounds, insist on being allowed to view the screen. Both of you have a right to view any medical tests that are being conducted.
- Should your partner have any doubts, take her home. There is no rush to make this decision as the procedure is the same up until 12 weeks. Any hesitation on her part could result in significant regrets in her future.
- Accompany her throughout the facility. Should the facility staff seek to isolate you from your partner, be immediately suspicious and take her home. Your partner needs you now more than ever. She also needs someone to ensure that she isn’t harmed in any way. Whatever the facility rules are, there is no reason you cannot hold her hand through this procedure.
Remember that abortion doesn’t erase a mistake – it adds new problems! Abortion is PERMANENT. There is no “undoing” this decision. Research all your options and know that pregnancy centers are there to help.
After Abortion
If you choose abortion or already have participated in this decision, be prepared that both of you may experience what is called Abortion PTSD (sometimes called post-abortion syndrome). According to many studies that have been done on this subject, you may experience one or many of the following emotional issues:
- Fear of failure
- Fear of being judged
- Fear of making decisions
- Fear of taking risks
- Feeling of defeat
- Feeling unworthy
- Depression
- Guilt
- Shame
- Panic Attacks
- Addictions
- Suicidal thoughts
- Sexual dysfunctions
- Sense of loss
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms understand that you are not alone and pregnancy centers exist to help you find healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Do I need an appointment?
Answer: Walk-ins are welcome. However, it is best to make an appointment to minimize your office wait time.
Question: What is the cost?
Answer: All services are free and confidential.
Question: What should I expect when I come for my visit?
Answer: Upon your arrival, a friendly receptionist will guide you to meet your client advocate. This advocate will offer you a judgment-free space to talk, followed by essential information and a pregnancy test. In the event of a positive test result, a dedicated medical professional will perform a limited ultrasound to verify the pregnancy's viability and estimate the age of the fetus.
Question: How long after sex does it take for a pregnancy test to work and how accurate is the test?
Answer: Pregnancy tests can be performed 7 to 10 days after conception. A client with a negative result may be invited to return within 2 weeks for a repeat test if she has not had her period.
If you have taken a home pregnancy test, you may want to confirm results with a laboratory-quality test at your local pregnancy center. These pregnancy tests detect HCg levels within 7 to 10 after conception.
Question: Will you tell anyone about my visit?
Answer: Pregnancy centers maintain a rigorous privacy and confidentiality policy. Clients' information is safeguarded against unauthorized disclosure, respecting their right to privacy, except in instances mandated by law. This includes situations necessary for public health, preventing harm to the client or others, or in specific circumstances where the use or disclosure of information is justified without prior consent, such as in cases of abuse reporting or suicide/homicide prevention.
Question: When should I schedule an appointment?
Answer: High-quality, medical-grade pregnancy tests are capable of detecting pregnancy from the first day after your initial missed period. We advise scheduling an appointment if you've missed a period, have any queries related to pregnancy, or suspect that you might be pregnant.
Question: How far along do I have to be to get a free ultrasound?
Answer: After an initial consultation with a client advocate, many pregnancy centers offer on-site ultrasound scans. These limited ultrasounds are conducted by a licensed nurse sonographer or a registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS) and are subsequently reviewed by a licensed physician. The purpose of an ultrasound is to confirm the viability of the pregnancy and to establish the gestational age.
Question: I already know I'm pregnant and I want an abortion, what's next?
Answer: It is advisable to have an ultrasound to confirm the viability of your pregnancy and to ensure it is located within the uterus, as 20% to 25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Moreover, the ultrasound helps in determining the stage of your pregnancy, which is essential in making an informed decision about the type of abortion procedure you may consider. Many pregnancy centers offer a limited ultrasound free of charge.
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