Are you facing an unexpected pregnancy and trying to figure out which pregnancy option (abortion, adoption, or parenting) is best for you? Individuals who are navigating circumstances like yours have many factors that influence their decision. They may feel driven to pursue a pregnancy option due to fear of a specific consequence, a desire to please someone, a gut instinct, and/or many other motives. Maybe someone in your life has counseled you to lean into your deeply held beliefs as you try to discern your best way forward. Or, this wish has occurred to you on its own. But what if you’re not sure what you believe, or which pregnancy option(s) you believe in?
Avenue Women’s Center is here to help you navigate this one step at a time. We’re an early pregnancy clinic that’s been serving individuals from Chicagoland and beyond since 1981. At Avenue, we believe that deeply held beliefs help form a strong foundation for a healthy pregnancy decision. However, we understand that these views and convictions aren’t always clear at the outset. Our pregnancy consultants and nurses are available to provide the caring support and reliable information you need to figure this out for yourself.
Learn more about Avenue! We offer a safe, confidential space to process what’s next for you.
Abortion: A Sensitive Subject
Maybe abortion is one option that’s on the table for you right now. If it is, and you noticed this blog, you’re probably in the process of evaluating how you feel about abortion on a deeper level (as an option for yourself and/or in general). Asking yourself how you view abortion and other pregnancy options can be uncomfortable. However, this can also be a positive step toward a confident and regret-free choice later on.
Abortion is a common outcome for individuals experiencing an unexpected pregnancy. As with adoption or parenting, it’s a sensitive subject. And it can be a complex pregnancy option to consider for its own unique reasons. Needless to say, there is a lot of social and political controversy around the topic of abortion in modern-day America. The public holds diverse and strong opinions about abortion. It’s natural to be influenced by the positions of others (both public figures and personal acquaintances). But it’s vital to take an honest look inward as well, which can be hard to do in this day and age.
Getting the Facts
If you’re feeling stuck because you’re not sure whether or not you believe in abortion, getting the objective facts would be a great place to start. Every pregnancy option includes unique processes and risks. Consider learning about the different abortion methods available to you (surgical and medical abortion), and what each of these would involve from a medical standpoint. Getting the facts can not only make you more knowledgeable; sometimes, it can lead to deeper insight into your feelings surrounding the possibilities you’re exploring. Consider learning about your other options- adoption and parenting- as well. This will allow you to make an even more broadly informed pregnancy decision.
Avenue Women’s Center offers no-cost options consultations, which are times set aside to speak with a pregnancy consultant or nurse about everything mentioned above. We are fully committed to providing accurate information on all your options in clear, considerate, and professional language.
Asking Yourself Meditative Questions
It can be really hard to make a decision that’s grounded in your values and beliefs when the stakes are high, you’re surrounded by opinions, and you’re just feeling scared. Take a deep breath. Tune out the noise by turning inward. Make time and space for self-reflection. Here are some important questions you may consider asking yourself to gain deeper insight into what you believe.
- What are three things I value most in life?
- Where do I direct most of my mental energy and focus?
- What do I feel most passionate about?
- What is my gut telling me?
- How do my answers to these questions relate to my pregnancy decision? Are my answers most in tune with a particular pregnancy option?
These questions may sound broad and subjective. This is intentional. When it comes to discovering self-insight, it can be helpful to begin by focusing on the big picture and seeing where your thoughts and feelings naturally lead you from there.
It may take time to reflect on your beliefs and examine how they relate to your pregnancy journey. It may also take time to learn objective facts about your pregnancy, your options, and the resources available to you. Be encouraged that many women who are facing an unexpected pregnancy have more time than they realize to process all this. Our services at Avenue can help you determine how much time you have based on proven factors like the gestational age of your pregnancy. On top of this, we’re here to help you access all the practical and emotional support you need.
Reach out to speak with an expert staff member and learn more! We’d love to meet you where you are with empathy and professionalism, no matter what circumstances you’re facing or which pregnancy option you decide to pursue.
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.