What Abortion Is
Before you make any medical decision, it is important for you to have information about the possible consequences. Abortion is a medical procedure. Like any medical procedure, there are risks. You have the right to be fully informed about those risks.

Gathering information on the types of abortion procedures and their risks will help you make an informed decision. Remember, the choice is yours and even though others' opinions matter, you must live with the consequences. No one can force you to have an abortion. But, you are not alone. We are here to help you find the information you need to decide what is best for you.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Is there anyone pressuring me to have an abortion?
• Am I informed of all the procedures and risks?
• Have I talked with someone who has been through an abortion to discuss her experience?
• How have I viewed abortion in the past?
• Have I called 1-888-LIFE AID or a local pregnancy support center to talk with someone who will help me discuss the pregnancy, parenting and adoption support services available?
• Have I been provided with all the information required under the PA Abortion Control Act?

There are two categories of abortions-medical (chemical) and surgical abortions. Medical or chemical abortions use strong medications to end the pregnancy and cause contractions to deliver the unborn child, usually early in the pregnancy. Surgical abortions use a series of instruments inserted through the cervix to terminate the pregnancy by forcibly removing the unborn child.

The baby's heart has already begun to beat by the time the mother misses her period and begins to wonder if she might be pregnant (about 31 days after the mother's last menstrual period). During the seventh through the tenth week, when the majority of abortions are performed, fingers and genitals appear and the child's face is recognizably human. See Pennsylania Department of Health, Abortion - Making a Decision, based on information presented by Williams Obstetrics, Eighteenth Edition, 1989.

Abortion is a life-altering decision. You need to consider all the facts. Call us and we'll connect you with a counselor who can help you find the information you need.

Call us at 1-888-LIFE AID or click here to find the counselor and services nearest you.