Why do Women Have Abortions?
While abortion has become a heavily politicized topic, the key to protecting life lies not in lawmaking but in understanding why women have abortions in the first place. While each woman is different and decisions are made based on multiple factors, the most common reasons for abortions typically fall under the following two categories.
Pressures of an Unexpected Pregnancy
Pregnancy is not an easy experience for many women. Even a planned pregnancy can bring with it a host of difficult symptoms, including nausea, cramping, bloating, and fatigue. 1 Naturally, such symptoms are incredibly difficult for a woman to deal with when she also has other responsibilities that must be attended to. Women who have jobs, for instance, may not be able to take paid sick leave even if they can’t keep food down; if they take too much time off, they may lose their jobs and thus any health insurance their job provides. A woman who already has one or more other children may find it hard to care for them because she doesn’t have the energy she needs to attend to them and take care of herself. Young women in college or university will likely find that pregnancy makes it difficult to keep up with studies, and they may feel as if they are forced to choose between their future career and having a baby.
There are also a lot of financial pressures when an unexpected pregnancy occurs. The current inflation rate is 8.3%, far higher than previous years.2 The cost of gas, utilities, housing, and groceries have risen exponentially, putting pressure on many women who were already struggling to get by. What’s more, the average cost of having a baby in the United States is nearly $19,000 and close to $3,000 of this bill isn’t covered by health insurance.
Emotional pressures can also be difficult to bear during pregnancy. A woman who is in a relationship with a man who isn’t supportive of the pregnancy may feel pressured to have an abortion in order to maintain a stable relationship. Women who have a rocky relationship with parents may likewise feel pressured to end the pregnancy if the parents are unable or unwilling to offer emotional support during this trying time.
Fears Associated with an Unexpected Pregnancy
In addition to the very real pressures women due to an unexpected pregnancy, there are also many fears that plague women as they decide whether to keep the baby or have an abortion. College and university students often fear that they will not be able to continue their studies unless they have an abortion. Furthermore, many students worry that, if they have to drop out of their studies, they will not be able to find a good job in the future and would thus be unable to properly care for the baby. Women who have a job may worry that having a baby will negatively impact their careers. They fear they may be passed over for promotions or even lose their job altogether if the company doesn’t want to work with someone who will need extra time off during pregnancy and immediately after childbirth.
Women may also fear they don’t have what it takes to raise a child in today’s world. It’s a very real fear, even for women who have one or more other children, as raising children hasn’t gotten any easier over the years. Thanks to TV and the internet, negative influences are more prevalent than in years past. Crime is on the rise in many cities, the public education system is replete with problems, and supply chain shortages can wreak havoc on women whose children have special dietary and/or medical needs.
Financial fears also come to the fore during this time, as struggling women fear they will not be able to earn the money needed to support their child and give him or her a good life. There may also be health-related fears, especially if a woman has a genetic condition that can be passed down to the child, or if she has health problems that would make it difficult for her to hold down a job and care for the new little one.
Options Available to Women Seeking an Abortion
Why do women have abortions? In most cases, it is due to pressures, fears, or a combination of the two. Pregnancy can be challenging even in the best of circumstances; it’s often positively overwhelming for women facing an unplanned pregnancy and little or no support from family members and friends.
However, abortion isn’t the only option for women who are facing an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy. Caring Network offers free medical services such as ultrasounds and consultations to help pregnant women assess how far along the pregnancy is, the viability of the pregnancy, and more. What’s more, our organization provides practical assistance for women who want to keep their babies but need financial and practical support in order to do so. Our support team not only helps a woman during pregnancy but also after birth so that she can focus on recuperation and bonding with her new little one. We also offer support and assistance to women who choose to form an adoption plan.
A woman who is dealing with an unplanned pregnancy needs and deserves support and care so that she can take care of her own health, prepare for the birth of the new little one, and make wise, well-informed decisions. At Caring Network, we offer free limited medical services, pregnancy consultations, access to baby bank supplies, and emotional support so pregnant women do not have to struggle on their own. We work with women of all ages and walks of life, offering loving, compassionate care. Every person who walks through our doors receives assistance, counsel, and a listening ear during this challenging time. If you or someone you know is facing an unplanned pregnancy, get in touch with us at your convenience and we will do everything in our power to help you throughout your pregnancy and afterward.
