Finding out you’re pregnant and knowing you don’t want to be is tough. Facing a life-changing situation and decision is even more difficult. You have options, though. Abortion is not your only choice.
Have You Confirmed Your Pregnancy?
That may seem silly, but did you know over a quarter of all pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage? Because it takes time for pregnancy hormones to leave your body, it’s possible to get a positive pregnancy test result after you’ve miscarried.
An ultrasound is the best way to confirm your pregnancy is growing with a detectable heartbeat. Through ultrasound, a sonographer can detect if you have miscarried, how far along you are, and if your pregnancy is in the correct location.
At SouthWest Options for Women, we provide a free limited obstetrical ultrasound examination after you receive a positive pregnancy test result from us. Get all of the information you need to make a decision.
It’s Positive. Now What?
None of your options for your unexpected pregnancy are easy. They all involve some loss. You may hear friends and family say, “Have an abortion. It’s easy. Just get it over with.” But abortion has physical and emotional risks you should be aware of first.
The Mayo Clinic states, “Having a medical abortion [the abortion pill method] is a major decision with emotional and psychological consequences. If you’re considering this procedure, make sure you understand what it entails, side effects, possible risks, complications and alternatives.”
If you’d like to know more about abortion procedures, side effects, and possible risks, we can provide you with factual information.
What Are My Other Options?
You have two other options. Take time to learn as much as possible about each before making a final decision.
Making an Adoption Plan
Adoption is the most misunderstood option. People say, “How can you give up your baby to strangers?” But nothing can be further from the truth. Today, the birth mother (and father, if available) choose the potential adoptive parents who will raise their child.
By determining what is most important to you and reviewing the bios of couples wanting to adopt, you plan the future you want your child to have. You decide whether they have siblings, live in the city or the country, or what type of lifestyle they’ll have.
Plus, the birth mother decides if the adoption is open or closed. Open adoptions are the most common. The birth mother and the adoptive couple exchange identifying information, meet before the baby is born, and continue a relationship long after finalizing the adoption.
Adoption is not an easy choice, but we can recommend reputable adoption agencies who will support and care for you during the process and after.
Choosing to Parent
Do you think there is absolutely no way you could parent a child? We know it seems overwhelming, but there is an incredible amount of community assistance to help mothers.
At SouthWest Options for Women, we offer parenting help, including childbirth, parenting, and fatherhood classes. You can receive one-on-one mentoring for your specific parenting needs, and we even provide job skills training.
In addition, you can receive assistance in finding a home, paying rent, baby necessities such as diapers, and so much more. We will develop a unique plan designed to give you as much help as you need to be a successful parent.
How Will I Know What To Do?
It is a big decision, and only you know what’s best. It’s important to look at each option carefully.
Schedule an appointment to talk with us.
We’re available Monday through Friday and Saturdays by appointment. Our services are free and confidential. Let us help you get the answers you need to move forward.