Kourtney Kardashian's unplanned pregnancy presented the reality TV star with a very tough choice that many women have faced: Would she keep the baby or have an abortion?
"I definitely thought about it long and hard, about if I wanted to keep the baby or not, and I wasn't thinking about adoption," Kardashian, 30, said in a recent interview with PEOPLE. "I do think every woman should have the right to do what they want, but I don't think it's talked through enough. I can't even tell you how many people just say, 'Oh, get an abortion.' Like it's not a big deal."
The magazine reported that the baby's father, Scot Disick, was supportive of her decision either way. Kardashian said after doing a lot of research, and talking to her friends and family, she decided that abortion wasn't a good option for her
"I was just sitting there crying, thinking, 'I can't do that,' " she says. "And I felt in my body, this is meant to be. God does things for a reason, and I just felt like it was the right thing that was happening in my life."
She said that even with all the information and advice, in the end the choice was hers alone.
"I really wanted to think it through for myself, and not hear what my sisters were saying, or what Scott was saying. Even though I took it all in, I wanted it to be my decision," she says.
Things to Consider Before Getting an Abortion
By Christine Emmick
Pictures Don't Lie
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and when it comes to your future, it's important to get all the facts. Before considering abortion, make sure you get an ultrasound picture. You can get a free ultra sound from any one of many pregnancy care centers. OptionLine also refers women to a pregnancy center in their area if they need support, pregnancy test, equipment, clothing or post abortion counseling. Call them at (800) 395-HELP.
Know the Health Risks
All medical procedures come with some risk, and an abortion is no exception. Aside from post abortion syndrome--an emotional disorder that happens immediately after or sometimes years after a woman has an abortion--there are also some medical risks. A report from the Mayo Clinic says that a surgical abortion may cause scarring to the inside of the uterus or weaken the cervix, which may affect your ability to carry a child in the future. Some reports link abortion to an increased risk of breast cancer, while others show little connection. In addition, the FDA reported that after using mifepristone and misoprostol, drugs used to induce a chemical abortion, several women experienced what they called "serious adverse events." These events unfortunately included several deaths. These deaths were from sepsis, or blood infection, which is another known risk from any type of abortion. However, legal abortions are relatively safe, and the risk of complications is quite low.
Do Some Heartfelt Research
You should decide for yourself the basic question of when life begins, and then decide if and how that answer affects your plans. You can hear a heart beating in a pregnancy about one week after you miss your period. It may actually start beating sometime before, and since a heart beat requires brain activity, the brain is active even sooner. The brain stem is formed before most women even know they are pregnant. However, most fetuses are not viable (able to survive outside the womb) until at least 23 weeks gestation.
Know What You are Getting Into
Getting the details of the procedure before you make your decision is important. One type of abortion, RU-486, might seem as easy as popping a pill, but this method actually forces the body to abort the fetus by blocking pregnancy hormones and prevents the fetus from receiving nourishment. Other methods, like the D and C, D and E and suction and aspiration require a stretching of the cervix and then a removal of the "products of conception," with either a vacuum or knife. You have the right, up until the time of the start of the abortion, to change your mind. You also have the right to know what the risks of the procedure are, and receive counsel before the procedure.
Make Sure You Get All the Facts
Know exactly what the procedure entails and what risks are associated with it. And just like you wouldn't get all your information about where to buy a car from a car dealer, don't get all your information about abortion from an abortion provider. Explore all of your options, so you can decide what is best for you confident that you have all of the facts.
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About this Author
Christine Emmick is a foods writer with over five years experience in the natural and organic foods market. She specializes in creating all natural versions of family favorite recipes. Emmick holds her Bachelor's degree in Community Ministry from Geneva College and has written many nutrition articles for health websites.
