No person who’s experienced an unexpected pregnancy has faced a pregnancy decision that didn’t involve some combination of pros and cons. That’s because every option (abortion, adoption, and parenting) comes with its own inherent set of potential risks and benefits. Perhaps you’re in the difficult position of weighing these alternatives right now. If so, you may be wrestling with anxiety and confusion. When faced with your own decision between continuing or terminating a pregnancy, it’s important to give yourself every advantage for making your best decision. Creating a personalized risk-benefit analysis can go a long way in helping you accomplish this.
At Avenue Women’s Center, we specialize in educating and supporting women as they navigate unexpected pregnancy decisions. We’re committed to ensuring that you have access to reliable information about all your available choices. Avenue offers free medical-grade pregnancy tests to confirm your results and begin taking the next steps in your decision-making process. Our expert pregnancy consultants and medical professionals are here to review the different types of procedures involved with each pregnancy option, addressing any questions you may have.
Contact us today to schedule your free appointment with us!
Every Woman’s Situation is Unique
When considering abortion, adoption, or parenting, it’s important to note that every woman’s experience is different. That’s why it’s vital to do some research and reflection of your own, no matter what you may have heard about other people’s experiences. Any outcome could impact your personal health, finances, emotions, relationships, and more. Only you can weigh which factors hold the most significance within the unique context of your circumstances. Many women find that listing their personal pros and cons makes it easier to identify their beliefs about their pregnancy options.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
All pregnancy options carry physical health risks. It’s helpful to understand these from the beginning of your pregnancy journey so you can have a better idea of when you may need to seek medical attention. Consulting a doctor from the get-go is always wise, because some options may not be medically appropriate for you. For example, if you’re considering abortion, your eligibility will depend on factors such as your health history and the current conditions of your pregnancy. Avenue offers free options consultations so you can learn about the processes involved with all your alternatives. We’re also here to be a sounding board as you reflect on the potential upsides of your different options.
*Avenue Women’s Center is a limited medical clinic that offers first-step pregnancy services at no cost. Our services include limited medical ultrasounds performed by highly qualified medical professionals. However, we are not a doctor’s office, and we do not provide ongoing prenatal care. If you need help finding a doctor, we’d be happy to provide information on medical resources in your area.
Important Questions to Ask Yourself
Thinking through the potential emotional impacts of a decision is key to conducting a good risk-benefit analysis. The long-term emotional factor can sometimes be overlooked, because it’s hard to consider deeper, more lasting emotions surrounding a choice when you’re feeling overwhelmed in the present. However, exploring the potential emotional effects of each pregnancy option can play a critical role in guiding your next steps.
It can be challenging to predict how you’ll feel about your pregnancy decision afterward. Every woman responds uniquely to every pregnancy outcome. Still, there are questions you can ask yourself to gain insight. Here are just a few!
- What are my values and deeply held beliefs? Do the options I’m considering line up with these? How might my values and beliefs impact my emotional response to my pregnancy decision?
- What are my dreams and desires in life? How can I achieve these, even if the process looks different than expected?
- What feelings do I have about this situation beyond the initial shock and fear?
- As I imagine myself experiencing each possible outcome, do I picture myself having any regrets?
- What are the possible long-term emotional/psychological effects of choosing abortion, adoption, and parenting?
- Who is supporting me as I make this decision? How can I continue to build upon my existing support network?
Reach out to Avenue Women’s Center today to discuss these questions and more in a relaxed, private setting with a compassionate pregnancy consultant. We’re here for you. We believe that every person deserves to receive nonjudgmental support as she navigates her pregnancy decision, and we would like to provide that support to you.
Call, text, chat, or email to connect with an expert staff member! We have five locations in Chicagoland, and we offer virtual consultations too!
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.