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You Have the Right to Know

When we are faced with a pregnancy we do not want, we immediately have negative feelings and thoughts.  The options that are available to support the unplanned evolution are far from the surface.  Every reason to reject the situation seemingly forced upon us falls into a formidable list.

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  1. What will people think?

  2. I’m too young.

  3. Not the right time.

  4. Not with this man!

  5. I’m not doing this again!

 

These negative facts often push out the heavier realities of truth.  As women considering an abortion, we have the right to know of physical and emotional side effects and long term complications that will outweigh a trail of what-ifs and wrong timing.

Abortion Information
The Law

It is against the law for anyone to make you have an abortion. If anyone is trying to force you to have an abortion, contact your local state law enforcement to receive protection from threatened violence or coercion.
Forcing a minor to have an abortion is considered child abuse. If this is happening to you, contact the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) at www.dcfs.state.la.us or call the Child Protection Hotline at (885) 4LA-KIDS (885-452-5437).  The hotline is open 24/7.
The father of your child is required by law to provide child support, even if he does not want to parent.  DCFS can help locate the father and help with paternity results.  (For more information visit www.dcfs.state.la.us or call the customer service center at 1(888) LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578).
According to Louisiana Law, you must receive abortion education of the risks and possible side effects at least 24 hours before you have an abortion. (We offer this education at the Pregnancy Center free of charge.)
By law, an ultrasound must be performed before any abortion to determine the age of the fetus.
You have the right to:
1.) View the screen
2.) Receive an explanation of the images
3.) Receive a photographic print.
(We perform ultrasounds free of charge at the Pregnancy Center.)

Long Term Medical Risks

Future Childbearing​

Abortion can cause:

  • Infertility from infections or complications.

  • Tubal pregnancies due to scar tissue forming after uterine scraping which can block fallopian tubes.

  • Multiple miscarriages from damaged cervical muscles.

Cancer of the Breast​

The risk of breast cancer is 50% higher for women who have had an abortion than those who have been pregnant and have not had an abortion.  The highest risks are for women who have an abortion when they are younger than 18 or older than 29.  The risk of breast cancer rises with every subsequent abortion.​

Emotional Risks​​

Most often, the immediate feeling after making a decision for abortion is relief.  However, from the moment some women are on the table listening to the suction machine, or experiencing the intense pain from induced labor by the RU-486, they realize they have given in to negative fear with deep regret.  Their guilt, and intense grief, can forge a path for drugs or alcohol abuse. Even suicidal urges can be experienced.  Emotional numbness, sexual problems, lowered self-esteem, anorexia, and other eating disorders can be part of the aftermath.

Physical Risks of Abortion

Hemorrhage/Heavy Bleeding​
On occasion, it is necessary to receive a transfusion to replace lost blood from heavy bleeding during abortion.  Even with a medical (RU-486) abortion, bleeding can last 13-15 days or more.
Pelvic Infection
The abortion procedure can cause infection requiring antibiotics and may result in the need for a surgical procedure to fully empty the uterus.  Incomplete abortion (leaving any part of the baby or after-birth in you) could lead to a fatal infection.  Infection may cause scarring of the pelvic organs.  Serious infection in very young, vulnerable organs could lead to infertility (the inability to get pregnant in the future).
Perforation of the Uterus Wall
If an abortion tool pushes through the wall of the uterus, or if the suction tube touches the wall during an abortion, it will mean an immediate surgery and possible hysterectomy.  This will not take place at the abortion clinic, and you would have to be transferred to a hospital if an emergency arose.
Cut or Torn Cervix
The opening of the uterus may be damaged while being forced to open.  This could lead to multiple miscarriages until recognized and stitched at a strategic time during future pregnancies.
Drug Related Complications
Adverse reaction to the cervical numbing drugs or pain medication can only be addressed by transportation to a hospital.  Time for treatment is vital for protection from irreversible complications.

Our friendly staff has experience in abortion counseling and in post-abortion counseling.  We would love to discuss this information in further detail with you and cover any questions you may have.  Please call to schedule an appointment with us at (985) 542-0492. We are here to help.

Sources:
“A Women’s Right to Know” – LA Department of Health and Hospitals
“Abortion Raises Breast Cancer Risk” – Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer.  Rev. 7/11

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