Hesperian Health Guides
Deciding about an Abortion
Your decision to have an abortion will often depend on whether safe abortion is available where you live. It also depends on how an abortion or a baby would affect your life.
If safe abortion is not available, you might consider giving the baby up for adoption, if this is acceptable to you and your community.
It may help to think about these questions:
- Will you be able to care for a baby? Do you have enough money to raise a child?
- Is pregnancy a danger to your health?
- Who will help you support a child? Can you talk with them about this decision?
- Is your religion or family against abortion? If yes, how will you feel if you have one?
- How will the abortion be done?
- For how long have you been pregnant?
- Could you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or HIV? You may need treatment before the abortion. You may be at more risk of having an STI if you are young, single, and have a new partner, or if you have signs of an STI. If you feel that you are at risk, see the STI chapter.
- What complications (problems) can be caused by the abortion?
- Where can you go for emergency care if you have complications? How will you get there?
The information below may help you decide whether safe methods of abortion are available in your community
| If you are helping someone decide about an abortion: Give them respectful advice and friendly support. Do not tell anyone else about their decision unless they want others to know. |
 I will be your friend no matter what you decide to do.
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This page was updated:22 Jan 2024