Introduction

The decision to have an abortion, have a baby or place a baby for adoption should be carefully considered. The information contained in this booklet describes and illustrates, at two week intervals, how a developing embryo or fetus grows during stages of a woman’s pregnancy. Also provided is information about abortion methods, childbirth and medical risks of each. Government programs may pay for or help pay medical bills for pregnancy care and are available as a service directory in paper copy and on the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) internet website. This includes geographically indexed materials designed to inform women of public and private agencies and services available to assist her through pregnancy, upon childbirth and while the child is dependent, including adoption agencies. Also included is a comprehensive list of the agencies available including a description of the services they offer and their telephone numbers.

All women should be advised:

• The decision to terminate a pregnancy or to carry a pregnancy to term is hers. It is unlawful for any individual to coerce someone to undergo an abortion.
• The father of a child is legally responsible to assist in the support of that child, even in instances where he has offered to pay for an abortion.
• The law permits adoptive parents to pay costs of prenatal care, childbirth and neonatal care.
• The opportunity to view the ultrasound image and her right to decline to view the ultrasound image, if an ultrasound is performed, is her decision.