The choice to parent is a challenging and rewarding decision. Many women would say that an unplanned pregnancy turned their world upside down, but their child turned it right side up. Parenting is a very courageous and loving choice.

You will not be alone in your decision to parent. 

We also offer material assistance (maternity clothes, baby clothes, diapers, baby supplies, etc.) and support groups for expecting moms and new parents. Additionally, we have access to a large network of local resources - including referrals for healthcare, housing, food, clothing and employment.

If your current life circumstances are making a decision to parent difficult, let Aid for Women offer you our assistance and support. We will help you during your pregnancy and in planning a future for yourself and your child. We care about you and your baby and will help you find the courage and resources you need to parent your child.

Watch Janessa's Story  |  Abortion  |  Adoption

What are the physical risks and side effects related to MEDICAL ABORTIONS (Abortion Pill)?

Immediate and long-term physical risks and side effects of medical abortions may include: cramping, headaches, nausea, fatigue, fever and chills, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, infection, heavy bleeding, trauma from seeing embryonic parts expelled and possible birth defects if pregnancy is not successfully terminated. All methods of medical abortion have an associated failure rate, and surgical abortion may be required to complete the abortion. Reasons for surgical intervention include prolonged or excessive bleeding, incomplete abortion (remnants of fetal tissue in the uterus) or an ongoing pregnancy.

What are the physical risks and side effects related to SURGICAL ABORTIONS?

Immediate physical risks and side effects of surgical abortions may include: cramping, nausea, fever, abdominal pain, anesthesia complications, infection, damage to the cervix, heavy or prolonged bleeding, endotoxic shock, convulsions, blood clots, tearing of the uterine lining and death. Long-term physical risks and side effects of surgical abortions may include: scar tissue, damage to reproductive organs, increased risk of infertility and increased risk of miscarriage. In addition, while the medical research is inconclusive, some studies show a link between abortion and breast cancer as well as cervical cancer.

How will I feel after an abortion?

The reality and trauma of an abruptly ended pregnancy can bring on emotional and psychological side effects, ranging from regret to more serious complications like depression. You may experience these effects immediately following the abortion or unexpectedly several months to years later. The intensity or duration of these effects will also vary from one person to another. Emotional and psychological side effects may include: regret, anger, guilt, depression, anxiety, sense of loneliness or isolation, loss of self-confidence, flashbacks of pregnancy or abortion, insomnia or nightmares, eating disorders, relationship issues and suicidal thoughts.

It may seem like having an abortion is the easy solution to an unplanned pregnancy, and you can just move on. It is not that simple. It can be a life-changing event with significant physical and emotional consequences. Many women who have had past abortions will continue to struggle their entire lives with their abortion decision and wish they had been better informed about abortion procedures and the many risks and side effects.

DID YOU KNOW? 

In the early weeks of pregnancy, the fetus pain sensory receptors are quickly developing, and the baby’s capability of experiencing pain increases as the pregnancy progresses.

Questions? Aid for Women is here to help. Call our 24-hour helpline at (312) 621-1100.

Medical and Surgical Abortion Procedures  |  Parenting  |  Adoption

It is important to confirm exactly how far along you are in your pregnancy and to understand the changes happening within your body as you think about the options that are available to you. Aid for Women offers free on-site ultrasound exams to determine the baby’s gestational age, the common term used to describe how many weeks along you are in the pregnancy.

Day 1 | CONCEPTION

At the moment of conception, when the sperm fertilizes the egg, a new and unique individual is formed. This new life may be smaller than a grain of sugar, but all the inherited features of this person are already set — whether it’s a boy or girl, the hair and eye color and the dimples of the cheeks.

Week 4 (You’ve missed your period!) | BEATING HEART

By the time you miss your period, the baby has already gone through lots of growth, including the beginning development of her brain and spinal cord. The heart now beats at a steady rhythm. Eyes, ears, arms and legs are beginning to form. The baby is about 1/4 inch in length.

Week 6 | A LITTLE FACE, FINGERS AND TOES

The baby is quickly developing into a little person. Her face makes its first appearance with tiny eyes, nose and mouth. Blood flows through the baby’s veins, and her fingers and toes are forming. The baby is about 1/2 inch in length.

Week 8 | TEETH, EYELIDS AND ORGANS

Her teeth buds appear, and facial muscles are developing. Eyelids begin to form to protect her tiny eyes, and every internal organ is now present. The baby is about 3/4 inch in length.

Week 10 | BONES, MUSCLES AND FINGERNAILS

The baby’s ears, bones, muscles and nerve connections continue to form. Her fingerprints and fingernails begin to develop. You cannot feel it yet, but the baby is moving her body and facial muscles. The baby is about 1 inch in length.

Week 12 | TASTE BUDS, HAIR AND SWALLOWING

The baby’s vocal cords and taste buds are forming. Fine hair begins to grow on her upper lip, chin and eyebrows. She is able to swallow and responds to skin stimulation. The baby is about 2 inches in length.

Week 14 | FACIAL EXPRESSIONS AND NERVE CELLS

The baby is making facial expressions and is active although you still cannot feel the movements. A burst in the production of the baby’s nerve cells begins and continues for the next month. Her kidneys are functioning to filter and reprocess her blood. Your baby has reached about 3 to 4 inches in length.

Week 16 | SOMERSAULTS AND SLEEPING HABITS

The baby is becoming more active and can turn somersaults at this point. You may start feeling “flutters” of her movement. Her nostrils are visible, and she starts to develop sleeping habits. Your baby has reached about 5 inches in length and will continue to grow rapidly in the coming weeks.

Week 18 | TWISTING, KICKING AND HEARING

Your baby may be large enough now for you to feel her twisting, kicking and punching. Your baby’s nervous system is rapidly maturing and forming more complex connections. Your baby has reached about 6 to 7 inches in length.

Week 20 | LOOKING LIKE A NEWBORN

The baby is starting to look like a newborn infant as the skin becomes less transparent and fat begins to develop. The baby is also starting to act like a newborn by sucking her thumb and developing sleeping habits. The baby has reached about 10 inches in length.

Week 22 | BABY HEARS YOU

Your baby’s hearing is growing more acute, making her more conscious of sounds that come from inside your body (which means she can hear your heartbeat and hiccup!). Her eyes will soon begin to open, preparing to see the outside world. The baby has reached about 11 inches in length and weighs about 1 pound.

DID YOU KNOW?

Babies as young as 22 weeks have survived with the assistance of medical technology. A normal pregnancy will continue for 36 to 41 weeks.