crisis pregnancy centers

[The Lord says] "Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you." (Isaiah 49:15)

The measure of any civilized society is its commitment to the protection of the innocent.

Facing an unplanned pregnancy is very hard. It is perfectly normal to be experiencing a whole range of emotions, including fear, anger, confusion, doubt, even depression. We want you to know that you are not alone. We are here to help you and care for you in every way we can. We also are here to offer you the best information possible because we believe that before you decide what you are going to do with your pregnancy, you deserve to know the facts. The law gives you the right to be fully informed about this important decision.

(Before continuing, you might want to visit our list of frequently asked questions to see if any of your specific concerns are answered there.)

Your Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body experiences many changes. Some common, early symptoms that you might be pregnant include a missed period, nausea, tenderness in your breasts, frequent urination, tiredness, and mood swings.

Most of the pregnancy tests on the market are very reliable. However, to confirm that you are in fact pregnant we recommend a visit to an appropriate health care provider. Also, your doctor may request an ultrasound exam to confirm the status of your pregnancy. Realize that this is important information to get whether you are considering abortion or continuing with your pregnancy.

Pregnancy Signs

• Missed Period
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Overly Tender Breasts
• Frequent Urination
• Feeling Tired
• Mood Swings

For more about the development of your baby, see Pregnancy, the First 9 Months.

CPC's Policy Regarding Abortion

First and foremost, we believe in the sanctity of human life. Since we affirm that all life is created by God and precious to him, and humans are created in the image of God and thus hold the greatest value, we therefore have the highest reverence and esteem for human life. Thus, we place the highest value (as does God) on life from its beginning at conception until its end at natural death.

As a result of our commitment to the great worth of human life, we do not believe in recommending, providing for, or referring for abortion or any substances used to cause abortion, except to save the life of the mother. Nor do we believe in recommending, providing, or referring single women for contraceptives. These policies support our mission of "saving lives and protecting futures."

We do, however, offer assistance free of charge whenever possible. The value we place on life is shown through our many programs and services, which are listed below.

The Crisis Pregnancy Centers of Greater Phoenix, Inc. provide:

• pregnancy verification and viability through ultrasound;
• counseling and education to women and families in crisis as a result of an unplanned pregnancy;
• counseling for birth parents and their families who are exploring the option of adoption, and ongoing support for those who choose adoption;
• healing and hope to those who have experienced abortion;
• education to youth about premarital sexual abstinence, healthy relationships, and positive life choices;
• low-cost testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs) and counseling;
• referrals to and collaboration with other agencies.

General Patient Rights

For the woman who is seeking to have a legal abortion, you have the right to . . .

• insist that your abortion is performed only by a licensed physician.
• know if this physician's license has ever been suspended or revoked.
• know if this physician has a history of medical malpractice.
• verify that this physician has malpractice insurance in case you are injured or killed during the procedure.
• insist that if you are injured during your abortion you will be immediately transferred by ambulance to the nearest emergency hospital or trauma center.

Remember that protecting your health and legal rights is your responsibility!

Do not . . .

1. allow anyone to perform an abortion on you before he or she has completely filled out the Physician's Information form available here.
2. give up your legal rights under any circumstances. At the abortion clinic you will probably be asked to sign a statement saying that you will not hold the clinic or doctor liable if you are injured or killed during the abortion. No competent attorney would advise you to sign such a statement! Do not do it.

Various Abortion Procedures

For information about the different abortion procedures, click here.

Emergency "Contraception"

For information about emergency "contraception," click here.

Forced Abortion

Regardless of your age, marital status, or any other factor, no one has the legal right to make you have an abortion. In the end it is your choice and so you have ultimate responsibility for this decision, and no one else.

If someone is trying to force you into this decision against your will, contact your local CPC by calling (866) 303-LOVE.

Post-abortion Checklist

Were you physically or emotionally injured as a result of your abortion?

Were you mislead or lied to by the doctor or any other employee of the abortion clinic?

Was the abortion done against your will or without your written permission?

Did anyone tell you that you couldn't change your mind about having the abortion?

Were you assaulted, physically detained, or otherwise treated improperly at the clinic?

If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, then contact your local CPC by clicking here.

Medical Alert

Abortion injuries can be fatal. If you experience any complications following your abortion seek medical attention immediately.

Medical Alert for Underage Patients

In states like Arizona it may be possible for you to legally obtain an abortion without telling your parents. However, if you experience any complications from your abortion let your parents or legal guardians know about it immediately. Abortion injuries can be fatal and your parents or primary caregivers are the ones best equipped to help you get the medical attention you need.

Important Information for Underage Patients

Mandatory Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse or Statutory Rape

If you are a minor (under the age of 18), be aware that state law may require the abortion clinic to report information about you to a law enforcement or child protective services agency.

All healthcare workers are required by law to report reasonable suspicions of child sexual abuse to the state. Because a female minor is too young to legally consent to sexual activity, any evidence of sexual activity by her creates reasonable suspicion of child sexual abuse and must be reported.

This is the law even if (1) you are allowed to obtain an abortion without your parent's knowledge, (2) your parents consent to the procedure or accompany you to the clinic, and (3) regardless of the actual age of the person with whom you are sexually active.

Click here to download the Physician's Information Form

Immediate Risks of Abortion

Some side effects may occur with induced abortion. These include abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In most abortions, no serious complications occur. However, complications may happen in as many as 1 out of every 100 early abortions and in about 1 out of every 50 later abortions. Such complications may include the following:

Heavy Bleeding

Some bleeding after an abortion is normal. There is, however, a risk of hemorrhage, especially if the uterine artery is torn during surgery. When this happens, a blood transfusion may be required.

Infection

Bacteria may get into the uterus from an incomplete abortion resulting in infection. A serious infection may lead to persistent fever over several days and extended hospitalization.

Incomplete Abortion

Some fetal parts may not be removed by the abortion. Bleeding and infection may occur. Mifepristone or RU486 may fail in up to 1 out of every 20 cases.

Allergic Reaction to Drugs

An allergic reaction to anesthesia used during abortion surgery may result in convulsions, heart attack, and, in extreme cases, death.

Tearing of the Cervix

The cervix may be cut or torn by the abortion instruments used in surgery.

Scarring of the Uterine Lining

Suction tubing, curettes, and other abortion instruments may cause permanent scarring of the uterine lining.

Perforation of the Uterus

The uterus may be punctured or torn by abortion instruments. The risk of this complication increases with the length of the pregnancy. If this occurs, major surgery, including a hysterectomy, may be required.

Damage to Internal Organs

When the uterus is punctured or torn, there is also a risk that damage will occur to nearby organs such as the bowel and bladder.

Death

In extreme cases, other physical complication from abortion including excessive bleeding, infection, organ damage from a perforated uterus, and adverse reactions to anesthesia may lead to death. This complication is very rare and occurs, on average, in less than 20 cases per year.

Other Risks of Abortion

Abortion and Breast Cancer

Medical experts are still researching and debating the linkage between abortion and breast cancer. However, here are some important facts you need to know:

1. Carrying a pregnancy to full term gives protection against breast cancer that cannot be gained if abortion is chosen.
2. Abortion causes a sudden drop in estrogen levels that may make breast cells more prone to cancer.

A 1994 study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that "Among women who had been pregnant at least once, the risk of breast cancer in those who had experienced an induced abortion was 50% higher than among other women."

Effect on Future Pregnancy

Scarring or other injury during an abortion may prevent or place at risk future wanted pregnancies. The risk of miscarriage is greater for women who abort their first pregnancy as well.

Emotional Impact

Many women experience strong negative emotions after abortion. Sometimes this occurs within days and sometimes it happens years later. This psychological response is known as Post-Abortion Stress (PAS). Several factors that impact the likelihood of Post-Abortion Stress include the following: the woman's age, the abortion circumstances, the stage of pregnancy at which the abortion occurs, and the woman's religious beliefs.

Spiritual Consequences

It is a simple and basic fact that people have different understandings of God. Whatever your present beliefs may be, there is a spiritual side to abortion that deserves your consideration. Having an abortion affects more than just your body or your psychological state—it also affects a human life (the baby) and your relationship with God. Take the time to ask yourself, "What is God's desire for me in this situation? How does God see my unborn child?" These are important questions to consider.

Various Symptoms of Post-Abortion Stress (PAS)

• Guilt
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Suicidal Thoughts
• Anniversary Grief
• Flashbacks of Abortion
• Sexual Dysfunction
• Relational Problems
• Eating Disorders
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse
• Adverse Psychological Reactions

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 alternatives choices:

Parenting

Choosing to continue your pregnancy and to parent your child is very challenging. But with the support of caring people, parenting classes, and other resources available to you, many women find the help they need to keep their children. For more information about parenting, click here.

Adoption

You may decide to place your child for adoption. Each year over 50,000 women in the United States make this choice. This loving decision is often made by women who first thought abortion was their only way out. Even if you are not yet ready to be a parent, you can still give your baby the gift of life by choosing adoption. For more about adoption, click here.

Help Is Available!

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can seem overwhelming. That is why knowing where to go for help is so important. Talk to someone you can trust—your parents, a pastor, a priest, or perhaps a good friend. Also, the caring people at your local CPC are available to help you through this difficult time. To get in touch with the center nearest you, simply click here.