TeenHealthFX - Answers - Having Children After An Abortion

Pregnancy: Questions/Concerns About Becoming A Parent / Question
Published: March 13, 2003

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I'm a 19 year old and had an abortion two years ago. Can I still have children???

Signed: Having Children After An Abortion

Dear Having Children After An Abortion,

Luckily, for most women, an abortion is a safe medical procedure. This is not to say that emotionally it is not a tough decision and the emotional recovery can be significant. As far as your physical health and ability to have children in the future following an abortion with little or no complications, women are usually able to have children. It would be best to discuss this with your physician (or more appropriately your gynecologist) when you go for your annual exam.

If you are planning on getting pregnant in the near future, you should definitely speak with your physician/gynecologist to discuss how to make yourself both physically and emotionally ready for a pregnancy. It is in your best interest to be honest with any doctor you go to regarding the fact that you have had an abortion, to ensure that they give you the most appropriate advice. You did not mention if you were trying to get pregnant now, or are just wondering about the future. So, here are SOME of the many things that you will need to think about regarding your emotional, physical, and financial readiness to have a child.

Questions to ask yourself BEFORE you get pregnant:

Do you want to have a child?
Why do you want to have a child?
Does your partner want to have a child? Why or why not?
Will your partner be an active participant in the child's life?
Prenatal care and the delivery can be expensive, do you have insurance? Do you qualify to get care at a clinic?
If you are in school, who will watch the child? How will you pay for daycare?
If you work, will you continue to work? If you do, who will watch the child? If you decide not to work, will you be happy being a stay-at-home mom?
How will you afford all of the things a baby needs?
Are you willing to lose sleep so you can stay up all night with a sick or cranky baby?
Are you willing to miss parties and outings with friends because you need to stay home with your baby?

Just a reminder, until you are ready for your next pregnancy, make sure that you are using birth control (such as birth control pills or Depo Provera) as well as a barrier method (like condoms, latex gloves, or dental dams) to protect yourself from a Sexually Transmitted Disease.

Pregnancy is a major life-altering event that can be very enjoyable if it is done when you are really ready. FX recommends talking to a trusted adult, physician, or therapist to help you get all of the facts so that you can make an informed decision. To find a therapist in northern NJ, call the Access Center for Behavioral Health at (888) 247-1400, or to find a physician in northern NJ, call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971-6475. If you live outside the area, call your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood.

Signed: TeenHealthFX