Looking for Answers?
We know that you are confused and looking for answers. Here are some of the questions that are asked most frequently about Abortion and Pregnancy. For more in-depth answers we strongly urge you to call our toll-free help line. We have qualified medical experts who offer a safe and comfortable place to talk through your situation. Remember all of your information is confidential, so you can feel completely private.
When does the unborn baby’s heart begin beating?
The heartbeat begins to beat 18 – 25 days/3 - 4 weeks after conception.
When does the unborn brain begin functioning?
The brain can begin generating electrical brain waves as early as 40 days/5 - 6 weeks after conception.
How early can a baby survive outside the mother’s womb?
Twenty weeks after conception is the accepted minimum.
What can your center offer me?
This center offers both information and medical services. They provide information about all of your options in a safe, compassionate and confidential environment. All of the services offered by their qualified medical staff are free, including the all-important ultrasound which determines whether or not you have a viable pregnancy.
Ok, I’m pregnant… what are my options?
You have 3 choices:
- Parenting
You decide to carry and deliver your baby, raising it as your child. The center offers all kinds of support and resources to teach you healthy parenting skills.
- Adoption
You decide to carry and deliver the baby, making arrangements to have a welcoming family raise the child.
- Abortion
You decide to terminate your pregnancy, not carrying your baby to full term.
What happens during an abortion?
That is determined by what kind of abortion you elect. There are several procedures available and each depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy. The most common are:
- Manual Vacuum Aspiration (occurs up to 7 weeks after your last period)
During this surgical procedure, a long tube is inserted into the uterus, a syringe is attached to the tube and the embryo is sucked out.
- Suction Curettage (occurs between 6 and 14 weeks after your last period)
Because the baby is a bit larger, the cervix must be stretched open. A hard plastic tube is inserted into the uterus and connected to a suction machine. The suction machine pulls the fetus’ body apart and out of the uterus, then a loop-shaped tool called a curette scrapes the fetus parts out.
- Dilation and Evacuation (occurs between 13 and 24 weeks after your last period)
This procedure is offered in the 2nd trimester. Because the fetus is too large for suction to be effective, after the cervix is stretched open a doctor uses forceps to remove the fetus parts. The skull is crushed for easier removal and the uterus is scraped clean with a curette.
- Dilation and Extraction (occurs from 20 weeks after your last period to full term)
For two days the cervix is stretched. On the 3rd day, the legs of the fetus are held with forceps, and the doctor delivers the fetus up to the head. Scissors are inserted into the skull of the fetus and a suction catheter is placed in the opening to remove the brain. The skull collapses and the fetus is removed. This procedure is known as a partial birth abortion.
Are there any risks associated with abortion?
Yes, as with any medical procedure there are certain risks to your health. Following are some of the top risks associated with abortion:
- Heavy Bleeding
- Infection
- Damage to the cervix
- Scarring of the uterine lining
- Perforation of the uterus
Please also keep in mind that in addition to medical risks there are psychological and emotional risks involved. The staff at our center will be happy to explain all risks at length.
Why is there so much controversy surrounding abortion?
The ongoing discussion is whether or not the fetus growing inside of you is a human life. If it IS determined to be a human life then it is entitled to all of the rights that human beings are bestowed, including life. If it ISN’T a human life then it does NOT have the rights of a human being.
How do you determine if the fetus is a human being?
As Christians, we believe God to be the final authority on all aspects of life. In His word (the Bible), He refers to the unborn as “child”, “children”, “son”, an “infant”, a “baby” and a “man-child”. He also refers to the women who carry the fetus(s) as “mother”. God does not make any distinction between the born and the unborn, therefore we don’t either.
Where in the Bible does it talk about this?
Here are a few examples:
Genesis 25:21,22
Rebekah is pregnant with twins and “the children struggled together within her” The Hebrew word BEN (used here) is the most common Old Testament word for ‘child’ or ‘son’ (Gen. 25: 1-4, 3:16).
Job 3:3
When Job was conceived, it was said “There is a man-child conceived” The Hebrew word GEBER (used here) elsewhere refers to ‘man’ (Job 4:17, 10:5, Psalms 127:5, 128:4).
Luke 1:41, 44
When Elizabeth was pregnant, the life in her womb was called “babe” or “baby”. The Greek word BREPHOS (used here) is one of the most common words for ‘baby’. It is always used when addressing a human life separate from its mother.
For more complete and additional answers to any of your questions, please contact us.