Are you considering an abortion because you don’t gel with your partner’s family? Maybe this is one of several factors that’s causing you to contemplate ending your pregnancy. You may be especially concerned if you and your partner are in a committed relationship that you plan to continue long-term. But even if you haven’t reached this point, you may worry about the dynamics an unexpected pregnancy or a particular pregnancy outcome could create between you and his family. Take a deep breath! Your circumstances may be frustrating and anxiety-provoking, but it’s possible to make a pregnancy decision you feel confident in while navigating your relationships in a healthy way.
Avenue Women’s Center exists to partner with you in this journey. We’re a first-step pregnancy center that’s passionate about providing a solid foundation of reliable information and support, so you feel equipped to move forward with confidence. Nobody should have to make a pregnancy decision without being well-informed of her available options and resources. Nobody should have to take this step without the backing of a healthy support network. At Avenue, we seek to bridge the gaps between individuals and their best pregnancy outcomes by offering high-quality limited medical care at no cost.
Learn more about our free and confidential early pregnancy services!
You Have What It Takes
Many people struggle to get along with their partners’ families. An argument could be made that every couple experiences this tension to some extent, whether or not the conflict is expressed openly. This makes sense. We all have a unique background that’s different from our partner’s and their family members’, so we’re not always going to see eye-to-eye. An unexpected pregnancy is one situation that could easily exacerbate existing tension. Perhaps you’re concerned about clashing with your partner’s family over this pregnancy and/or your pregnancy options. Maybe you’re worried that continuing the pregnancy would create a link between you and his relatives, which you would much rather avoid. No matter what, you’re fully capable of making your own best choice- one that you’ll hopefully look back on with no regrets for years to come.
Talk to Someone You Trust
As you come to grips with your pregnancy and begin to move forward, seeking support from someone caring and trustworthy will be key. You probably have complex emotions surrounding this pregnancy, your relationships, and possibly your pregnancy options (abortion, adoption, and parenting). It’s vital to process these feelings both on your own and within a trusting relationship before you decide.
Consider having an authentic and respectful conversation with your partner if he’s someone that you feel you can count on. Now may or may not even be an appropriate time to extend “an olive branch” to his family (this could be beneficial for all the relationships involved- regardless of how your pregnancy story concludes). Aside from talking with your partner and loved ones, there are many potential ways to build a thriving support system. You could connect with a mentor, a professional counselor, a faith leader, or a pregnancy consultant… someone who will listen and support you unconditionally. Don’t bottle up your emotions surrounding your circumstances. Find healthy ways to express them. Your future pregnancy outcome (and your relationships) will thank you for it.
Healthy Motives for a Confident Decision
Your feelings surrounding your relationships with your partner’s family members are valid. However, this doesn’t necessarily make them a sturdy foundation to build your pregnancy decision upon. When it comes to navigating an unexpected pregnancy, it’s really important to find strong motives for your choice, whether you pursue abortion, adoption, or parenting. Consider basing your decision on motivations like these:
- Your values and beliefs. What are the most important things in your life- the things that you would make sacrifices for if necessary? What principles do you stand for most of all? Look for answers to these questions, then ask yourself if those answers are nudging you in a particular direction.
- Your instincts. What is your gut telling you about each of your pregnancy options? Remember that instincts and adrenaline are two different things. You may need to absorb your positive test result and let your emotions settle to listen well to your instincts. This may take a little time. That’s okay!
- Your strengths and supports. You have unique qualities that make you capable of handling life’s challenges with strength and resilience, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. Ask yourself what your personal strengths are. Evaluate how other people give you power as well. This is where building a healthy and comprehensive support network comes into play.
- Your feelings. Take time to process the emotions you’re experiencing other than just fear. When you consider each of your pregnancy options, what do you feel? Emotions can be confusing and complicated sometimes. But if you take the time that you need to reflect on them, they may reveal valuable insight.
At Avenue Women’s Center, we believe that a well-informed and carefully considered pregnancy decision is a strong pregnancy decision. That’s why we’re committed to offering free and highly accurate information to women about their pregnancies, their options, and their available resources. Connect with us today! Avenue is a safe space to get the facts and access caring support without ever feeling judged.
If you need help or have questions, reach out to us! You’ll be met with warmth and compassion, guaranteed.
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.