Even for people in stable and satisfying relationships, an abortion is often a primary consideration when conception happens unexpectedly. It’s one thing to continue an unexpected pregnancy beside someone you want to be with… another thing to carry one fathered by a man you’d rather lose. Maybe this resonates with you. Perhaps you’re considering abortion because you want your partner out of your life. If that’s true, you may believe that any outcome besides abortion may mean he can stick around. Your thoughts and feelings are understandable. But if the option of getting an abortion still doesn’t sit right with you, know that there may be a different and better way forward.
You may have many valid reasons for wanting to part ways with the person you’re pregnant by. You’re probably hoping to eliminate any reason or excuse he could give to stay in your life, especially if you’re not convinced he’ll respect your wishes to cut ties. It’s a challenging position for anyone. You’re likely really uncertain about what the future holds. Our team at Avenue Women’s Center gets it. We’re here to meet your needs first and foremost. Our broader goal is to help you create a well-informed pregnancy plan, and empower you with the information and tools you need to pursue it confidently.
Learn more about Avenue! We’re a limited medical clinic that provides free and confidential first-step pregnancy services.
Important Factors to Keep in Mind
As you step into the days and weeks ahead, here are some key factors to keep in mind.
- If you decide to continue (or terminate), he doesn’t have to be a part of your pregnancy journey. You have autonomy over your next steps regarding this pregnancy, and you can choose not to let your partner (or former partner) be a part of this experience. You’re not under any obligation to even tell him about the pregnancy. Sometimes, though, it can be very difficult to make a clean break or prevent someone from finding out about a pregnancy. If this is your situation, our caring team at Avenue can help you navigate this one step at a time.
- Resources are available to you! If you’re concerned about practical limitations like financial challenges, know that helpful resources are out there! In the Chicagoland area, where Avenue is based, there are multiple opportunities to receive financial help, housing support, health care assistance, material goods, and many other practical resources. It’s also definitely possible to find the emotional support you need. Whether or not you already have caring and trustworthy people in your corner, Avenue would love to be a part of your personal support network.
- If you decide to parent down the road, there’s no ‘one right way’ to do it. If you decide to keep this pregnancy or become a mom later in life, know that every parenting journey is unique. Your experience may or may not be quite the way you wanted or expected. That’s okay! A family can grow to be healthy and thriving no matter what it looks like, what challenges it’s facing, or who is or isn’t a part of it.
Processing Your Unique Situation
If you can relate to any of this, most likely, your circumstances are pretty complex. Every story includes many unique factors — relationship status, life circumstances, values, beliefs, emotions, desires, instincts, etc. This is one of the reasons why it can be so beneficial to meet with someone like a pregnancy consultant one-on-one. Our team at Avenue Women’s Center is here to process your situation by your side and help you move forward with an informed perspective. When you reach out, we promise you’ll be met with warmth, empathy, and professionalism.
Avenue Women’s Center can assist you with designing and implementing a plan that’s uniquely right for you, by providing critical first-step pregnancy services. We offer medical-grade pregnancy tests, options consultations, limited medical ultrasounds, and more at no cost! We’re a safe space and judgment-free zone.
Call, text, chat, or email to schedule an appointment today!
*If your partner is threatening your safety or someone else’s, call 911 or contact local law enforcement immediately.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.