I find myself having disagreements with my husband over the smallest things. Who wants to wash the dishes? Whose turn is it to take the dog for a walk? Some days we also find ourselves expressing our differences over bigger issues such as values, priorities, and life decisions. What do you do when you’re not on the same page in regards to one of the biggest decisions you may make in your relationship? What happens when you don’t agree about how to respond to an unplanned pregnancy? Who gets to make the final decision?
Avenue Women’s Center has been the first step for women facing unplanned pregnancies in the DuPage County area for over 36 years. We provide services geared towards making a pregnancy decision, including a free consultation with one of our experienced client advocates. If you and/or your partner are looking into abortion or other pregnancy options, please contact us to today to set up your free consultation.
Here are some tips on how to respond if you and your partner don’t agree on how to respond to an unplanned pregnancy:
- Become informed: It’s important to get as much information as you can, especially if you and your partner disagree, prior to making any decision. The more accurate information you have, the better you can process through the decision making. Research online, talk with people who have gone through similar circumstances, and reach out to agencies that have expertise in this area such as Avenue Women’s Center.
- Involve a third party: Sometimes you “can’t see the forest for the trees.” Often, if someone is in the midst of the situation, it’s difficult to see other perspectives or to take in additional information. Therefore, it can be helpful to have a third party present while you and your partner discuss options. A third party can make observations from a standpoint without emotional involvement that can be helpful to the decision-making process. Avenue Women’s Center can help. We provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment where couples can come in and openly discuss their situations and any disagreements they may be experiencing in regards to their pregnancy decision.
- Remain emotionally engaged, yet considerate: Certainly, if one partner wants an abortion and the other does not, this may put a strain on the relationship. It’s important to take to time to hear each other out, listen to each other’s concerns and beliefs, and be respectful. Although it is definitely a tough and uncomfortable conversation to have, remaining calm and cool well help both of you to put your best thinking forward.
- Discuss the outcome: Think through how each decision may impact you, your partner, and your relationship both now and in the future. How will each person be affected by the possible outcomes? What are the positives to each outcome, and what are the negatives? It’s important to discuss all of these questions with your partner, recognizing both you and your relationship will be impacted by this decision.
Remember you’re not alone. Avenue Women’s Center is here to help. We have provided a safe place for thousands of women to discuss their pregnancy decision. Contact us today for your private consultation. We have five convenient locations in Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, Naperville, West Chicago and Wood Dale, Illinois. Let us help you process your situation and get you all the information you need to make the decision that is best for you and your partner.
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.