Finding out you’re unexpectedly pregnant can make it feel like your world has been turned upside down. But when your partner is telling you that you should have an abortion, and you’re not sure that’s what you want, the situation can become even more difficult.
You may feel torn between your own thoughts and your partner’s expectations. Perhaps you’re afraid of disappointing him or worried about what will happen to your relationship if you don’t make the decision he wants you to make. You might even wonder if you’re being selfish for wanting more time to think.
If this sounds familiar, it’s important to remember one thing above all else: this pregnancy decision should be your own.
Your partner’s thoughts and feelings matter, and it’s natural to want to hear his perspective. But no one should pressure, manipulate, or coerce you into making a decision that goes against your own values or desires. You deserve the time, information, and support to make a choice you can live with confidently.
If you’re feeling uncertain, here are three important steps you can take before making any pregnancy decision. Read on to learn more, or contact Crossroads Care Clinic to find a safe space to talk and find answers.
Learn About All of Your Pregnancy Options
When someone is pressuring you toward one particular outcome, it can be difficult to think objectively about your other options.
But before you make a decision, it’s essential to take time to learn about parenting, adoption, and abortion.
If you’re considering abortion, learn how both medical and surgical abortion work, as well as the potential physical and emotional risks. If parenting feels overwhelming, explore the support and community resources that may be available to help you raise your child. If you’re interested in adoption, learn about the different types of adoption plans and the choices birth mothers have throughout the process.
Gathering information doesn’t commit you to any one option. Instead, it gives you the confidence of knowing you’ve carefully considered every path before deciding what is best for you.
Get an Ultrasound Before Making Your Decision
Another important step is getting an ultrasound.
A home pregnancy test can tell you that you’re pregnant, but it cannot tell you important medical details about your pregnancy.
An ultrasound can determine:
- How far along you are
- Whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus
- Whether the pregnancy is viable or if you’ve naturally miscarried
This information is especially important if you’re considering abortion. For example, an ultrasound can identify an ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency that cannot be treated with abortion. Furthermore, it can also confirm your pregnancy’s gestational age, which is an important factor since options like medical abortion are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks or under.
Talk to Someone You Trust Who Won’t Pressure You
When you’re receiving strong opinions from a partner, it can be incredibly helpful to talk with someone who has no agenda other than supporting you.
This could be a trusted family member, a close friend, a mentor, a pastor, or a trained advocate. The goal is to find someone who will listen carefully, answer your questions honestly, and give you the space to think through your own feelings.
Sometimes simply talking out loud about your fears and hopes helps you recognize what you truly want.
Healthy support gives you room to make your own decision. Pressure does the opposite. If you don’t currently have someone in your life who can provide that kind of support, know that there are people who can.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
At Crossroads Care Clinic, we understand that relationship pressure can make an unexpected pregnancy feel even scarier. Our goal is not to tell you what decision to make but to provide a safe, confidential place where you can ask questions, receive accurate information, and think through your options without pressure.
We offer pregnancy services, including ultrasounds, so you can learn important details about your pregnancy before making a decision. Our caring team is also here to talk through your concerns, answer your questions, and help you understand all of your pregnancy options during the appointment.
You deserve to make a decision that is informed, thoughtful, and truly your own. Contact Crossroads Care Clinic today to schedule your confidential appointment. You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.
