Having insurance coverage through your parents can be really helpful when you’re young and still trying to get situated in life. You don’t have to worry as much about medical expenses that come up, like doctor’s visits or medication when you get sick. But what happens if a medical need arises that you don’t want your parents to know about, like an unexpected pregnancy? How can you take the next steps while still maintaining your privacy?
Avenue Women’s Center provides limited medical services free of charge, including medical-grade pregnancy tests and options consultations. Receive accurate results and important information regarding your pregnancy options at one of our five DuPage County clinics: Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, Naperville, West Chicago, and Wood Dale, Illinois. Contact us today for a confidential and private appointment.
Maybe you’re experiencing possible pregnancy symptoms and would like to go to the doctor, but you’re not quite ready to tell your parents about it yet. Maybe you’d like information on your pregnancy options, but you’re hoping to make a decision for yourself before adding your parent’s opinions into the mix. Or maybe you’re looking into abortion information and hope to never tell your parents about the pregnancy at all. You want to seek medical care as you make a pregnancy decision, but you don’t want your parents to find out about it from their health insurance provider. When you can’t afford to pay for the care you need out of your own pocket, trying to keep your pregnancy private can feel impossible.
So, what can you do?
- Chat with an expert at a pregnancy center. Hiding a pregnancy can be overwhelming. Because most pregnancy centers like Avenue Women’s Center provide confidential services free of charge, insurance coverage is not needed. Here at our clinic, our pregnancy consultants offer supportive and unbiased care, and we can help you process your specific situation. We can also provide you with a free, medical-grade pregnancy test accurate just 10 days after possible conception. Often at pregnancy centers, you can also receive further information regarding your pregnancy, such as how far along you might be and your risk of miscarriage. If you’re on your parents’ insurance and don’t want them to find out about the pregnancy yet (or at all), a local pregnancy center is a great first step to maintain your privacy.
- Call your doctor’s office and ask about their billing policies. Every doctor’s office and insurance company will have different billing procedures. Your doctor is required by law to respect your privacy. They cannot tell your parents specific information about your appointment, unless you are at risk to yourself or someone else. Let your doctor’s office know about your specific situation, and ask what information your parents would receive through their insurance bill if you came in for an appointment.
- Apply for your own health insurance. If you hope to continue the pregnancy, but aren’t sure if you’ll have your parents’ support, applying for government assistance, such as Medicaid, may be an option for you. Each state’s insurance program has different requirements, so check out your particular state’s policies for updated information. If you live in the Chicagoland area, a pregnancy consultant at Avenue Women’s Center can provide you with the paperwork needed to apply and walk you through the process.
- Tell your parents. Telling your parents about a pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but more often than not, parents don’t respond as negatively as our minds imagine. You don’t have to face this pregnancy alone—your parents may be able to offer you helpful support and guidance. Of course, every situation is different, and talking to your parents may not be an option for you due to safety issues or other circumstances. If you would like help in figuring out if/how you should tell your parents about a pregnancy, a consultation at Avenue Women’s Center may be helpful for you.
In all of this, you aren’t alone. Avenue Women’s Center is here to help. Navigating a potential unexpected pregnancy can be challenging, and it can be even more difficult when you are trying to keep it private from your parents. Reach out to us right away for a confidential appointment with one of our caring pregnancy consultants . Receive the information and support you need to take your next steps today.
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.