Finding out you’re pregnant when you weren’t planning to be can bring a flood of emotions.

You may feel scared, overwhelmed, frustrated, or simply unprepared for everything that lies ahead. Perhaps your first thought was, “I don’t want to be pregnant.” If so, you’re not alone. Many women have had that same reaction after seeing a positive pregnancy test.

But not wanting to be pregnant doesn’t automatically mean abortion is your only option.

Before making a decision, it’s important to gather accurate medical information and take time to learn about all of your options. The more you know, the more confident you can be that you’re making a decision that’s truly right for you.

Read on to learn more about your other options and next steps, or contact Friends for Life to find a safe, supportive space to ask questions and get answers.

Parenting May Be More Possible Than You Think

If parenting feels impossible right now, ask yourself why.

Are you worried about finances? Finishing school? Your career? Housing? Childcare? Doing it alone?

These are real concerns, but they don’t necessarily mean parenting is out of reach.

Many women are surprised to learn that there are organizations and community resources that can help with practical needs such as parenting education, baby supplies, housing referrals, healthcare resources, and ongoing support.

Parenting isn’t the right choice for everyone, but it’s worth taking the time to learn what support is available before deciding it’s impossible.

Adoption Is an Option Worth Exploring

For some women, adoption provides a way to continue the pregnancy while making a thoughtful plan for their baby’s future.

Today’s adoption process is very different from what many people imagine.

As the birth mother, you have the opportunity to make many of the decisions, including:

• Choosing the adoptive family.
• Deciding how much contact you’d like after placement through an open, semi-open, or closed adoption.
• Creating an adoption plan that reflects your wishes.

You can also receive support throughout your pregnancy, and in many situations, adoption agencies can help with pregnancy-related expenses permitted by state law.

Choosing adoption isn’t “giving up” your baby. For many women, it’s a thoughtful parenting decision made out of love and a desire to provide opportunities they don’t feel able to offer at this time.

Before Considering Abortion, Get the Medical Facts

If you’re considering abortion, it’s important to understand your pregnancy before making a decision.

A positive pregnancy test tells you that pregnancy hormones are present, but it doesn’t tell you everything you need to know.

Before making any pregnancy decision, schedule an ultrasound.

An ultrasound can determine:

• Whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus.
• Whether the pregnancy appears to be developing.
• Approximately how far along you are.

This information is essential for protecting your health.

For example, an ultrasound can identify an ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate medical treatment and cannot be treated with abortion drugs. It can also detect whether you’ve experienced a miscarriage, since pregnancy hormones can remain in your body even after a pregnancy has ended.

An ultrasound also provides important information about how far along you are, which may affect your available options.

Whatever decision you’re considering, you deserve accurate medical information before moving forward.

You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

If you’re thinking, “I don’t want to be pregnant,” you don’t have to sort through your options by yourself.

At Friends for Life Pregnancy Center, we provide no-cost, confidential pregnancy testing, limited obstetrical ultrasounds for qualifying patients, and a caring, judgment-free place to talk through your questions. We’re here to provide accurate medical information about your pregnancy, explain your options, including parenting, adoption, and abortion, and connect you with resources that can help you move forward feeling supported.

You deserve the space, support, and information needed to make an informed decision, one that’s free from pressure and based on what’s best for you.

Contact Friends for Life Pregnancy Center today to schedule your no-cost, confidential appointment. We’re here for you.