Expert: Doctor Early Options - 11/6/2009

Question
I just found out last Tuesday That I am pregnant. I took two pregnancy tests and were both positive. I am so scared I did nor plan this and I am not ready for this. my last period was on September I ma not sure when though. I ma thinking of abortion but I do not know I am a religious person and abortion is forbidden in my religion my fiance does not want me to stop this pregnancy but i know this will hurt my parents a lot what do i do????

Answer
Dear Malika,
I see many women in your situation who want to end a pregnancy, but do not have a close person in their lives who will support this decision.  Many women in this situation choose to take the Abortion Pill.  The experience of the Abortion Pill is almost identical to a natural miscarriage.  There is no way anyone can know (including a doctor) that you induced (caused)the abortion, rather than assuming it happened spontaneously.  Early miscarriage is common and normal, so the doctor should not require you to get a surgical procedure, and should only give you reassurance about future pregnancies.  I don't know where you live, but if you want to write back with that information, I may be able to help you find someone who offers this method.  

Most religions are supportive of ending early pregnancy, before there is "movement" which happens after 12 weeks.  I have spoken with people in the Muslim and Jewish religions, and there is some support for early pregnancy termination.  Historically even the Catholic church accepted early termination of pregnancy.  Until 10 weeks of pregnancy there is no visible embryo.  I have found that this information has helped women feel more comfortable with their decision.

You will find more information on early pregnancy and the Abortion Pill on my website: http://www.earlyabortionoptions.com  

Let me know if I can be helpful in any way,
Doctor Joan