Do you think that you might be pregnant? Facing an unplanned pregnancy isn't easy. We can connect you with trained consultants who are available to take your calls and e-mails at answers@optionline.org 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They'll listen to your needs, and connect you to a local pregnancy center that offers free pregnancy tests, consultations about all pregnancy options, and many other confidential services. 

take our risk assessment

Any of the circumstances below might lead you to regret an abortion later. How many apply to you? The more you check, the greater the risk.

To sum it up, the women who are most at risk for suffering harm after an abortion either feel pressured into having the abortion, or feel uncertainty or ambivalence about their choice.


I'm having trouble making a decision.
I feel ambivalent
I still have my doubts about whether I should have an abortion. 

If you feel ambivalent or conflicted - or if you are still having doubts, any of these could cause you to regret an abortion. 



I have a strong belief that abortion is wrong.
I come from a religious/conservative background.
I have negative feelings about abortion.
I wouldn't consider an abortion if it were illegal.
If I have an abortion, I don't want anyone to know because I'll feel ashamed.
I'll be afraid of what people will think if they find out I had an abortion.
It needs to be kept secret.
I'm afraid of what people will think if they find out I'm pregnant. 

Women who go "against their conscience" are more likely to suffer emotional harm after an abortion.



I originally wanted to be pregnant but things aren't working out so I'm thinking about abortion.
I wanted this child, but he/she has some physical problems/fetal abnormalities.
I want this child, but it'll be bad for my health if I continue this pregnancy.
I've always loved kids and want some of my own some day.
I'm married but there are just real problems with having a child at this point (can't afford, etc.)
I already have children.
For whatever reason, I didn't use contraceptives and now I'm pregnant.
I find myself thinking about this baby a lot - for example, I wonder if it's a boy or girl and I think about what my due date would be if I continued this pregnancy. 

Women who have a strong maternal instinct or who feel conflicting maternal desires often experience emotional harm if they choose abortion. If you are in the second or third trimester of your pregnancy and are now thinking of abortion, it could mean that you're really undecided about what to do or that someone's pushing you to abort now that they know you're pregnant. These are also risk factors that could lead you to regret an abortion later. 



I feel pressure to have this abortion from:
my husband or boyfriend
my parents
a doctor, counselor, employer, or others 

I feel like no one will let me decide.
I feel like abortion is my only choice.
I have to make a decision soon.
I don't know if I really have all the information I need to make a decision.
 I don't know that much about abortion and its risks, or about what my child looks like at this point. 

This is really important to think about. Are you feeling pressured by someone else to have an abortion? Many women have abortions because others put pressure on them or because nobody supports them. Often, these are the women who suffer emotional harm later. Other women consider abortion in order to save a relationship, but then it doesn't work out anyway. Some studies show that up to 80% of couples break up after an abortion. It's ok to give yourself a little time. This is a decision that you have to live with the rest of your life. 



I am a teenager/minor. 

Women who had abortions when they were teenagers/minors tend to have more problems later and regret their abortions. 



I have trouble knowing how to cope/handle stressful situations.
I feel like I have no voice and that no one would listen to my opinion anyway.
I've had trouble keeping a job and I worry about providing for a child.
I've had some trauma in my past and I'm just not sure how to deal with it.
I have been sexually abused or assaulted in the past.
I'm pregnant because I was raped.
I'm pregnant because of incest.
I just don't want to think about all of this stuff. 

Studies have shown that these factors may also make it harder to cope with an abortion. 



I don't have too many friends to help me right now.
The guy doesn't even know I'm pregnant.
My husband/boyfriend says it's all up to me.
I'm having to make this decision all by myself.
My relationship with my boyfriend/husband isn't very good and/or very stable right now. I can't count on him.
My parents and family don't seem to care what I do. No one is supporting me.
My husband/boyfriend doesn't seem to care what I do. He isn't supporting me either way (having the baby or having the abortion.)
My boyfriend/husband is going to come with me if I go get an abortion. 
 My boyfriend/husband said that if I don't have the abortion, our relationship is over.
I've had an abortion before. 


If you are pregnant and would like more information, 

call Optionline at 1-800-395-HELP, go to: www.optionline.org
or email the online counselors at: answers@optionline.org

They have counselors ready to help you dialogue about your pregnancy options! They are available to help you...

Additional information regarding medical abortions can be found here: ru486

-List provided by www.Optionline.org