Some conversations are more complicated than others. It’s one thing to tell your partner you want to break up, but it’s another when you have to tell them you’re pregnant and want an abortion. Do you have to tell him? No. Should you tell him? Probably. Here’s why.
Have You Done Your Research First?
Before you choose abortion, you need more information. For instance, do you know the number of weeks you have been pregnant? Are you positive you are actually pregnant? Have you had the location of your pregnancy checked?
The answers to these three questions are crucial.
Knowing How Far Along You Are In Your Pregnancy
If you know the number of weeks you have been pregnant, you will know which abortion procedure you qualify for. The FDA approves the use of the abortion pill drugs up to 10 weeks of pregnancy only (70 days from the first day of your last period).
Other experts recommend not using these drugs after nine weeks (63 days). Why? Because the farther along you are in your pregnancy, the less effective the drugs are. You run the risk of an incomplete abortion (pregnancy tissue remains in your body), infection, or heavy and prolonged bleeding.
Confirming Your Pregnancy
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. That’s more than one in four pregnancies!
Because it takes your body time to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels, you can still get a positive pregnancy test result after a miscarriage. That’s why it’s critical to take more than one pregnancy test.
The Location of Your Pregnancy
Although rare, some pregnancies form outside the uterus. They are called ectopic pregnancies. You need to see a healthcare provider, not an abortion provider if the location is wrong. It can possibly be a life-threatening issue.
Should I Tell My Partner?
What are your reasons not to tell your partner about your desire to have an abortion? Would he respond angrily, putting you in an unhealthy situation? Maybe you are afraid he would disapprove of abortion and try to talk you out of it. Or, you’re concerned he’ll leave you if he knows you’re pregnant.
Not telling him puts the burden of this choice on you completely. Abortion is a serious medical procedure. It has potential physical and emotional consequences. You shouldn’t have to make this decision alone.
Legally, you do not have to tell him. The choice is entirely yours, but wouldn’t you want to know if the shoe were on the other foot?
How Can SouthWest Options Help Me?
SouthWest Options for Women can give you the answers you need with a free and confidential limited obstetrical ultrasound after a positive pregnancy test from us. An ultrasound can tell you how far along you are, if your pregnancy is growing, if you’ve had a miscarriage, and the location.
We never want you to feel alone. Whether you need more information, pregnancy-related services, or a shoulder to cry on, we’re here for you.
Make a free and confidential appointment online or call (952) 938-4496. You are not alone.