Are you facing an unexpected pregnancy today? Choosing a pregnancy outcome (abortion, adoption, or parenting) and navigating that decision alongside family members is often an overwhelming process. Perhaps you’re confident that abortion is your best way forward, or you’re leaning in this direction, but your loved ones aren’t on the same page. Maybe some of them are judging you for wanting to end the pregnancy. You’re not alone, even if you feel isolated from your family members due to differences of opinion.
Avenue Women’s Center is here for you. We provide free, confidential first-step pregnancy services, like medical-grade pregnancy tests, limited medical ultrasounds, and options consultations. It’s our goal to help you make an informed, empowered decision. Receiving caring support is an important piece of that puzzle. We’d love to be an advocate throughout your pregnancy journey and help you navigate this road alongside loved ones.
Check out our webpage and learn more about Avenue Women’s Center!
A Pregnancy Decision Will Likely Effect Family Dynamics
Difficult family dynamics triggered by an unexpected pregnancy are frustrating, but normal, because this is usually a complex and emotionally weighty situation for a family to process together. The pregnancy is inside your body, which means the pregnancy decision is yours to make- not your family members’. You’ll be affected by the outcome differently (and perhaps more deeply) than anyone else. Still, it’s good to recognize that your pregnancy and your pregnancy decision will probably impact those closest to you, especially if you have strong relationships with your loved ones. Keeping this in mind may help you respond with a clearer head as you walk this road beside them.
Opening Up a Dialogue
Know that there are ways to communicate well with your family members and seek their support despite differences of opinion about your pregnancy options. Creating an honest, respectful dialogue may not feel natural or easy. But this approach can help your family build bridges of understanding and present opportunities for everyone involved to see this situation from a new perspective. Check out some of our blogs that focus on this topic to learn how!
Helpful Communication Tools When Sharing Pregnancy News
“I’m Leaning Toward Abortion, But My Parents Want Me to Continue the Pregnancy”
The word “judgmental” is usually associated with harsh criticism or belittling. If your family members disagree with your leaning to abort, they may be behaving in a hurtful or condescending way- and that’s not okay. It’s also possible that their values, beliefs, or desires don’t align with yours. People often have complex reasons for feeling the way they feel about pregnancy options, especially when this topic hits close to home. Having a dialogue will help you discern where your family members are really coming from. Once you’ve reached a clear understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and motives, you’ll be better equipped to set boundaries and consider their perspectives using your own best judgment.
Emotional Support is Key
No matter where this journey leads, it’s important to receive emotional support from someone thoughtful and trustworthy. Caring support may come in many different forms: encouragement, advocacy, a listening ear… just to name a few. Your support network can include anyone, family or not. It might encompass people who disagree with you on some points, but love you and support you as a person above all else.
Pregnancy decisions matter. If they didn’t, this wouldn’t be the passionate subject that it is. So, it’s wise to consider your options with care and an informed point of view. Avenue Women’s Center is available to provide accurate information on all the possibilities that lay before you, while offering genuine support.
Reach out to schedule an appointment! We’re a no-judgment zone, even if home isn’t. Our expert staff is committed to meeting you with the highest standards of compassion and professionalism.
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.