As Abortions Rise in Economic Difficulties, Pregnancy Assistance is Available

Bear cycles, economic recessions, great depressions, or any other descriptive term for a market correcting itself economically (what goes up must come down, right?) does not have to result in an increase in abortions nationwide. It can, but it does not have to.

According to an article in Texas/Nation compiled from Associated Press, "Doctors and clinics are reporting that many women are choosing abortions and men are having vasectomies because they cannot afford to have a child." Many times, there are potential long-term emotional and physical consequences to abortions that will outweigh the cost of having and raising a child. In the case of a vasectomy, when the economy goes back up or if they change relationships, will these men be able to get the procedure reversed and be able to conceive?

"Abortions are a choice made out of fear and desperation," according to Lori Kibler, a crisis volunteer counselor with Pregnancy Help Now. "They don't have any support, family, or friends and they don't know about the resources available to them."

She explains that there is a great website to start with at pregnancycenters.org, which provides information to connect you with local pregnancy centers in your area that will provide free pregnancy tests and pregnancy information, morning after pill information, abortion information, STD testing and pregnancy confirmation.

The biggest fears that women whom Kibler has counseled were "being able to financially care for their children and to be responsible to care for another human life."

Kibler says that she explains to those she counsels that "it is a natural instinct to care for your child, God enables women to tap into their maternal instincts after the birth of their children to protect their young, even animals have it, it is very natural."

She gives an example of many women fearing that they were not ready or capable of caring for a child often find that they become very nurturing mothers after the baby is born and bonding happens developing their own personal style of parenting.

When it comes to the finances, Kibler says, "There are many resources available to single mothers and low incomes families."

She says that some young ladies were able to get grants to go back to school and get a college education while the state provide funding for child care and day care. These resources can be found at a crisis pregnancy center and at a local social service office.

In the case of the mother who already has several children, Kibler says that "even though they think that having another child will be hard on them financially, physically, and sometimes emotionally there is always a way to find support. When you choose to have that abortion and look at your children, there is always a child missing. Some women feel that having another child will make their current children do without; however, if you make the children a part of the pregnancy like having them help with the name, clothes, and preparations then they are usually excited.

"Older children can actually help with the smaller children and usually don't mind at all. If you have 10 children and aborted 1, you would always know that one was missing. Women try to make these decisions out of emotions, primarily fear; however, that is not wise because emotions can change daily even hourly. We foresee into the short-term future many negative things like struggling financially or taking care of another toddler, but we forget to see that this child that might be aborted could solve AIDS in 25 years or become a doctor or even a president."

During the pregnancy, there also many free hotlines available as well as message boards, websites, and local pregnancy centers that will offer support through your pregnancy. WIC programs provides formula and baby food after the baby is born as well as food for the mother while pregnant. Medicaid will provide the mother with prenatal care for the full term of the pregnancy and up to three months post partum and the child will most likely qualify for 1 year covering vaccines and other appointments. Many times it is renewable at the end of the year, you simply must remember to fill out the paperwork and keep appointments. Many pregnancy centers will provide free counseling, parenting classes, birthing classes, diapers, clothing, and supplies like cribs and high chairs. Many fire stations or communities have programs supplying free car seats too.

Kibler recommends that "before you make any decision, make sure that you have all the accurate information in detail and be sure to think things through because it is a life changing decision, no matter what decision you make."

Most people are less likely to regret their decisions when they make their decisions consciously understanding all their options completely. Kibler also requested that I include a link to afterabortion.com because 1 in 2.5 women have abortions and many need support while recovering from their abortion and do not know where to find it.

Sources:

The Associated Press - Meltdown impact extends to abortion, birth control - The Daily News Galveston County News
Interview: Lori Kibler - Crisis Volunteer Counselor - Pregnancy Help Now
PASS Support Website, Post Abortion Healing and Help, Post Abortion Stress Syndrome Healing and Support