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Poverty and Abortion: How Income Impacts Abortion

For many men and women facing an unplanned pregnancy, financial concerns are a determining factor in their decision. Are they financially secure? Did they recently lose employment? Can they afford a child? Are there community or religious resources available to help?

Some women and their partners can’t see past the poverty they are facing and choose to have an abortion instead, often creating even more difficulties for their lives. Abortion impacts our society in many ways, but in particular, it leaves its mark on our poor. Read more as we explore the topics of poverty and abortion, and how income impacts abortion.

Caring Network is here to reduce the suffering from and desire for abortion in our area. By offering free services and compassionate support, our centers are accessible to all, regardless of income. We come alongside women and their partners, connecting them with community resources to assist them through pregnancy and beyond. We empower choices for life while setting families up for long-term success. If you’d like to hear more about our mission, reach out to us today.

How Does Abortion Impact the Poor?

#1 – HIGHER ABORTION RATES – BELOW POVERTY LEVEL 

According to the Guttmacher Institute , those who were poor or low-income made up the majority of women having abortions in 2014. “Some 75% of abortion patients in 2014 were poor (having an income below the federal poverty level of $15,730 for a family of two in 2014) or low-income (having an income of 100–199% of the federal poverty level).”

A study completed in 2004 focused on the reasons why women have an abortion. 73% of those surveyed said the reason they were having an abortion was “I can’t afford a baby right now.” For those who are already concerned about personal finances, adding an unexpected pregnancy into the mix complicates matters.

#2 – ACCESS TO RELIABLE RESOURCES

Being poor may mean there is less stability in all facets of life. Secure housing could be an obstacle. Building up savings or an emergency fund can seem impossible. Stable employment with medical benefits may not be easily accessible. Therefore, if one additional life-change is added into the mix (like an unexpected pregnancy), it can seem like a sink or swim scenario.

This is why it’s important to make resources readily available and easily accessible. Community non-profits and faith-based organizations often help to fill this void and meet this need, serving the most vulnerable populations. Pregnancy resource centers are also a part of this solution. They provide free services, without requiring medical insurance. At Caring Network, a woman only needs a valid photo ID to access our limited medical services.

#3 – COPING WITH THE AFTERMATH OF ABORTION

Statistics show that the majority of those having an abortion would be considered poor. They often have limited support systems that would provide help for any physical and/or emotional effects of an abortion procedure. Therefore, what happens after the abortion? How does abortion leave an impact?

Some women and men experience Post-Abortion Stress (PAS) following an abortion. This can bring about feelings of sadness, grief, depression, anger, guilt, and more. For those in vulnerable populations, like those struggling with poverty, professional support may not be easily accessible. Also, they may not have the flexibility with their schedules due to employment, childcare, or financial needs to seek help.

 That’s why it’s important for organizations like Caring Network to offer free, confidential post-abortion care, like Restore After Abortion . These types of programs can provide individual or group support, regardless of income. They often provide spiritual, emotional, and relational aftercare for those dealing with the effects of a previous abortion.

Abortion not only takes a life, but also leaves a toll on those involved. For the poor, a lack of access to resources may make abortion seem like the only option available to them. However, with the work of Caring Network, the door is opened to new possibilities. Through our free services, women and their partners are able to see a path forward to choosing life. Join in our mission to reach more and save more today. 

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