You or a Friend Considering Teenage Abortion? Choose Life!

Read this article containing facts about abortion you should know before making a decision

by Melisa Steele and Shelley Hitz

Teenage abortion has the potential to leave many scars...physically, emotionally and spiritually. Take the time to be informed before making any decisions!

What is the Definition of Abortion?

The definition of abortion can be quite simply put as the termination of an unborn baby, a quick fix to becoming “un-pregnant”. The history of abortion can be dated all the way back to 1550 BC where pregnancies were terminated through the use of special herbs, sharp instruments and by applying pressure to the abdomen.

Today the most common method used for an teenage abortion is Suction Aspiration. It’s usually done within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and involves the use of a machine 30 times more powerful than a household vacuum.

Other methods of abortion used today are:

• Dilation and Curettage - also known as D&C
• Dilation and Evacuation
• Saline Amniocentesis or Salt Poisoning
• Prostaglandin Chemical
• Hysterotomy
• Partial Birth

Though all these methods used throughout the history of abortion are quite gruesome in detail and take the life of an unborn baby, there has always been a debate if abortion was right or wrong. The Supreme Court case of Roe vs. Wade made it legal in the United States on January 22, 1973. However, the question needs to remain on the table, if it’s morally right. Since its legalization 40 million unborn babies have be killed and more than 1.3 million continue to be killed each year!

When Does Life Begin?

Did you know that from day one, every unborn baby has its own unique DNA already mapped out? Therefore, what that baby will look like is already set….the color of their eyes, their height, etc.

Life begins at conception.

Check this out…

• At just 3 weeks the baby’s eyes and spinal cord are visible and the brain begins to develop.
• At 4 weeks, the heart is beating and the circulatory system is in place.
• At 7 weeks muscles and nerves can work together.
• At 9 weeks more than 90% of the body structures found in a full-grown human are present. All parts of the brain and spinal cord are formed. The heart pumps blood to every part of the body.
• At 10 weeks the whole body of the unborn baby is sensitive to touch and can begin making facial expressions!

Teen Who Took Abortion Pill is 'Haunted' After Seeing Her Baby Was 'Starting to Look Like a Person'

Does a Girl Have The Right to Make The Decision Herself Regarding Teenage Abortion?

Our lives are full of choices and she definitely has the right to make that decision, as God gave us the gift of free will. Like any major decision in your life, it’s important to use wisdom. Wisdom is choosing the best over the mediocre in life.

How do we gain wisdom? James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” We gain wisdom by spending time with the Wisdom Giver. That includes the Bible, God’s Word to us.

Not sure if you can trust the Bible? I also went on a journey to find the truth, to make my faith my own. Find out what I learned about the Bible here.

God's Word tells us that our bodies are not our own. (Ezekiel 18:4; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Psalms 127:3) He also says that only He holds the right to give and to take away life. (1 Samuel 2:6; Psalms 139:13-16).

What About Teenage Abortion In The Case Of Rape?

I’ll admit that that’s a hard question to address, but would like to point out that only 1% of abortions are due to rape. Of the remaining abortions, 6% are for the health of either the mother or the baby and the remaining 93% are for convenience!

Are There Any Complications In A Teenage Abortion? Any Abortion Pros And Cons?

The only positive emotion felt after an abortion is relief and it doesn’t last. It is commonly followed by a numbness that leaves the aborted woman unable to feel or express her emotions. 60% of women will experience negative emotions such as guilt, nervous disorders, trouble sleeping and regret. Some will even need to be prescribed medications by their doctor.

In teenage abortion the impact can be even greater. Over half of girls age 17 and younger experience depression, withdrawal and an obsession with needing to become pregnant again. Not only is there psychological trauma but there are also physical dangers.

Let’s take a look at some of the physical damage a teenage abortion can cause:

• Infections that can lead to you becoming sterile
• Increase in miscarriages
• Bleeding – sometimes excessive
• Abdominal pain
• Ripping of the uterus and/or cervical injury
• Fevers and vomiting
• Convulsions
• Hemorrhaging
• Endotoxic shock
• And in some cases even death

What If It’s Me?

If you find yourself in an unwanted pregnancy and are contemplating an abortion, please don’t make a quick decision. Your baby’s life depends on what you decide. Think about how far along you are and realize your baby is growing and developing within you. If possible, get an ultrasound and see your baby before you make this decision. This is a real child within you. Your baby.

Whatever the inconvenience... whether sports, college, or someone pressuring you... the inconvenience is temporary. However, your baby’s lifespan could be between 70 to 80 years. What will your baby grow up to become? You can find out if you choose life for your baby.

I sometimes wonder how the world would be different if every baby was given the chance to live. What if one of the millions of babies aborted through the years had the capacity to become a scientist and find the cure for cancer or other illnesses? I wonder...what if? But, I’ll never know. Something to think about.

There Are Other Options Besides Abortion.

Are finances an issue? Realize that there are many agencies to help you and your baby. You aren’t alone and there are people to help.

If you are unable or unwilling to care for your baby at this time in your life, please consider adopting your baby to a loving family. There are many parents waiting to adopt, but unfortunately, there are very few babies available to adopt. Instead of considering abortion as the only option, realize that you have the choice of giving your baby life.

Carrying an unplanned child to full term can be a hard decision to make, but the consequences of an abortion can be even harder as it brings on a pain of its own.

What If I’ve Already Had a Teenage Abortion?

If you’ve had an abortion, acknowledge the grief and pain in your life. Ask and trust God for forgiveness and grace.

Get help – deep wounds require healing. You cannot do it alone, you need support and encouragement.

We also would like to pray for you and support you. So send us your prayer requests.

About the Author

Other Resources

Poems about abortion - "Darling"

It Wasn't Just You

Jeremiah's Fate

Abortion Essays

Healing the Hurt PDF eBook - for those who are healing from the trauma of past abortions.

References:
Northeast Christian Church- Pastor, Derek Lauer
Obstetrics and Gynecology (May, 1985)
Pregnant Pause
Just Facts
Teen Breaks



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