"Let Us Be Your Light of Hope"
Choices
“I made the right decision for both of us.”
Birthmother “I knew that my decision would be the hardest thing in the world for me. But it wasn’t about me. It was about her. It was about what I could give her: a family, stability, a chance for the future.”
Birthmother “It was a tough decision, but I am glad I decided on adoption.”
Birthfather “I would tell people how wonderfully everything turned out, how there is a reason I was placed with my parents, and maybe it would be good to consider adoption as a great option when faced with an unplanned pregnancy.”
Person who was adopted “As an Adoption Specialist, I know how much clients need and appreciate complete and accurate information. I am ready and willing to share information with those who may wish to consider adoption.”
Adoption Specialist from a health clinic Information excerpted from the National Council for Adoption brochure, “Adoption it may be your answer”
Adoption Resources
Bethany – 1.800.238.4269
www.bethany.org
Catholic Human Services – 1.231.947.8110
www.catholichumanservices.com
Child & Family Services – 1.231.946.8975
www.cfsnwmi.orgCourageous
Choice – 1.877.480.8255
www.courageouschoice.com
Facts About Adoption
Children who are adopted generally:
- Have a strong feeling of security within their family
- Do extremely well in school and attain a higher level of education
- Attend college in greater percentages than the general population
- Have a healthy sense of self-esteem, optimism, and social competency
- Have superior access to health care and educational opportunities
- Experience lower rates of crime and drug abuse
- Adoptive families evidence high levels of warmth, communication, discipline and cohesion
- Most adopted adolescents demonstrate successful adjustment at a rate that rivals adolescents in general
- Adopted adolescents are as likely to report positive identity as their non-adopted sibling, reporting satisfactory resolution of identity concerns at rates as high or their than their peers.
- For most adopted adolescents, adoption is seen as a fact of life that is accepted with relative ease
- Overall, adoption does not typically complicate the period of adolescenceAdolescents adopted as infants exhibit extremely high rates of strong attachment to adoptive parents.
- 95% of parents say they experience strong attachment to their adopted child
- Families of adolescents adopted as infants are statistically more stable than the national average (11% of adoptive families experience divorce compared to 28% in a national sample).
- The normative communication pattern in adoptive families is one of quiet openness. For most families, talking about adoption is “no big deal” in either tone or frequency.
Abortion
Questions and Answers
Should I be concerned about having an abortion?
Abortion is not just a simple medical procedure. For many women, it is a life changing event with significant physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences. Most women who struggle with past abortions say that they wish they had been told all of the facts about abortion.
What can I do about people pressuring me?
Remember, no person will be required to live with the consequences of this decision as much as you will. If your boyfriend or parents are pressuring you to make a quick decision, explain your needs and try to involve them in counseling to explore your positive options. You have the right to continue with this pregnancy.
Can I have a baby and still live my life?
You may see this unplanned pregnancy as a major roadblock in your life. Thankfully, there are other routes that can get you back on track. Be encouraged to know that many women in the same situation have found the necessary help and resources to make positive choices and realize their dreams.
Explore Your Options
You have the legal right to choose the outcome of your pregnancy. But real empowerment comes when you find the resources and inner strength necessary to make your best choice. Here are some other options.
Parenting
Choosing to continue your pregnancy and to parent is very challenging. But with the support of caring people, parenting classes, and other resources, many women find the help they need to make this choice.
Adoption
You may decide to place your child for adoption. Each year over 50,000 women in America make this choice. This loving decision is often made by women who first thought abortion was their only way out.
So you’ve had an abortion.
Think you’re alone?
Think Again…
By the age of 45, 1 out of 2.5 women in the U.S. has had at least one abortion.
Lighthouse Pregnancy Care Center is forming an Abortion Recovery Support Group. Many women in our community carry a heavy burden of one or more abortions in their past. They may be afraid their secret may get out which can keep them from experiencing forgiveness and begin their path to true healing.
Symptoms of Post Abortion Syndrome
- Feelings of shame, guilt, anger
- Depression
- Avoiding pregnant women and babies
- Substance abuse
- Low self esteem
If you have had an abortion and suffer from any of the above symptoms we encourage you to take that first step and join us for our Abortion Recovery Support Group. The group is strictly confidential and there is no charge. We realize it takes a lot of courage to seek help. Many women who have gone through a post abortion group say it was the beginning they needed to enable them to move ahead in life in a more healthy way.
For more information about the Abortion Recovery Support Group
including dates and times call LPCC at
231-398-7984
Contact Us
Manual Vacuum Aspiration
(Within 7 weeks after LMP-Last Missed Period)
This surgical abortion is done early in the pregnancy up until 7 weeks after the woman’s last menstrual period. The cervical muscle is stretched with dilators (metal rods) until the opening is wide enough to allow the abortion instruments to pass into the uterus. A hand held syringe is attached to tubing that is inserted into the uterus and the fetus is suctioned out.
Suction Curettage
(Within 6-14 weeks after LMP-Last Missed Period)
In this procedure, the doctor opens the cervix with a dilator (a metal rod) or laminaria (thin sticks derived from plants and inserted hours before the procedure). The doctor inserts tubing into the uterus and connects the tubing to a suction machine. The suction pulls the fetus’ body apart and out of the uterus. One variation of this procedure is called Dilation and Curettage (D&C). In this method, the doctor may use a curette, a loop-shaped knife, to scrape the fetal parts out of the uterus.
Most Common Abortion Procedure
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Dilation and Evacuation (D & E)
(Within 13-24 weeks after LMP)
This surgical abortion is done during the second trimester of pregnancy. Because the developing fetus doubles in size between the eleventh and twelfth weeks of pregnancy, the body of the fetus is too large to be broken up by suction and will not pass through the suction tubing. In this procedure, the cervix must be opened wider than in a first trimester abortion. This is done by inserting laminaria a day or two before the abortion. After opening the cervix, the doctor pulls out the fetal parts with forceps. The fetus’ skill is crushed to ease removal.
Dilation and Extraction (D & X)
(From 20 weeks after LMP-Last Missed Period)
This procedure takes three days. During the first two days, the cervix is dilated and medication is given for cramping. On the third day, the woman receives medication to start labor. After labor begins, the abortion doctor uses ultrasound to locate the baby’s legs. Grasping a leg with forceps, the doctor delivers the baby up to the baby’s head. Next, scissors are inserted into the base of the skull to create an opening. A suction catheter is placed into the opening to remove the skull contents. The skull collapses and the baby is removed.
Also known as Partial Birth Abortion
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RU486, Mifepristone
(Within 4-7 weeks after LMP-Last Missed Period)
This medical abortion is used for women who are within 30 to 49 days after their last menstrual period. This procedure usually requires three office visits. The RU 486 or mifepristone pills are given to the woman who returns two days later for a second medication called misporstol. The combination of these medications causes the uterus to expel the fetus.
Also known as the Abortion Pill