Would you describe your family as, “dysfunctional”? In truth, every family deals with some “dysfunction,” because each is composed of complex, imperfect people. But the relationships within your family may seem more fragmented than most. Maybe your loved ones tend to battle, criticize, or isolate one another. Family conflict can take some really unique forms. It doesn’t always manifest itself in obvious ways. It doesn’t always look aggressive. However, patterns of dysfunction do threaten to harm relationships rapidly or gradually, and any dysfunctional situation can be a very difficult context in which to face an unexpected pregnancy.
If you’re struggling to cope with shocking pregnancy news, and your family dynamics are tense, know that you don’t have to navigate this pregnancy journey on your own. Avenue Women’s Center is here to help. We’re a first-step pregnancy clinic with six locations in Chicagoland, and we’ve been providing no-cost services for over forty years!
Contact us to speak with an expert staff member and learn about our early pregnancy services!
Every Set of Circumstances is Unique
If you’re considering abortion because your family is dysfunctional, your specific motives may be diverse and complex. Maybe you don’t think you could cope with an unexpected pregnancy because family dynamics are already causing so much stress in your life. Perhaps you’re afraid of how your family members would react to your pregnancy news. Or, you don’t want to bring a baby into an environment where difficult relationships have already produced tension. Maybe you’re leaning towards ending your pregnancy for all of these reasons! You may be facing obstacles that seem overwhelming. But you’re fully capable of making your own best pregnancy decision, no matter what’s going on with your family.
Owning Your Autonomy
In many ways, a family operates like a system, and each individual represents a part. You have influence over your family dynamics, but that influence is limited because you don’t have control over your loved ones’ behaviors and decisions. You do have autonomy over your own, including your next steps concerning this pregnancy. Don’t let something that’s largely beyond your control become the driving force behind a choice that’s completely within your control. Make a holistic decision that’s grounded in your knowledge, your instincts, and your strengths.
How Can I Make A Holistic Pregnancy Decision, No Matter My Family Situation?
- Go on a fact-finding mission. A great way to begin a pregnancy journey is to figure out what’s really going on with your body. Consider finding out how far along you are, what your chances of miscarriage are, and where the pregnancy is located. Key information like this can impact which pregnancy option(s) you’re eligible for in the first place. It’s wise to speak with a medical professional about your unique health history if you’re leaning towards a medical or surgical abortion. Other important questions to ask may include, “What are my pregnancy options?”, “What are the risks and processes involved with each?”, and “What resources are available to me?”
- Seek support. Maybe you have a family member in mind who’s trustworthy and supportive. If you believe that it’s in your best interest to avoid sharing pregnancy news with anyone in your family at this time, that’s okay too! But seeking support from someone will very likely strengthen you for the road ahead. This will create an opportunity to process your circumstances and next steps within a healthy relationship, and hear another person’s caring perspective.
- Look within. What is your gut telling you? What are your values and beliefs, and how might these influence the path you choose? What are your personal strengths, and how could these help you lean into the pregnancy decision that you feel is right? Asking yourself questions like these will help you identify which option is best for you.
Family dynamics involve many variables that extend beyond any one person’s control. That’s one of the reasons why relationships within a group can get so complicated. Your family members may have a long healing journey ahead of them. But no matter how long this plays out, or where these relationships lead, you have an ally on your own path toward a confident pregnancy decision. Avenue Women’s Center is here to meet you with warmth, compassion, and accurate information intended to help you move forward.
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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.