Planned parenthood. May I ask a question about this? If you are doing an internet search on “planned parenthood,” I’m wondering if what you’re really thinking about is unplanned parenthood and, possibly, how to avoid it. Might that be true? It seems to me if you are seeking parenthood, you’d more likely be googling “getting pregnant” or “trying to conceive.” On the other hand, if you’ve just discovered you are pregnant, or think you might be, and if it’s not the time or circumstance in which you want to become a parent,—that is to say, “unplanned”—you may be looking for options to end the pregnancy. Or maybe it’s simply that you are unexpectedly pregnant and you’re undecided as to what you want to do.
In either case, whether you’ve already given thought to your options, or if you’re just beginning to take in the parenthood possibility, the questions you are asking at this time are important ones. Avenue Women’s Center is extraordinarily well-positioned to assist you in this. We are a limited women’s medical clinic, specializing in pregnancy consultation and first steps for Chicagoland women facing an unplanned pregnancy. Many of our services are offered free of charge. As a nonprofit, we do not benefit from the choices that our clients make. If you would like to learn more about our services, we hope you will contact us today.
Let me begin by sharing with you some information about unintended pregnancy, and then I’ll come back to Avenue Women’s Center as a place for you to begin your journey.
What exactly is meant by “unintended” or unplanned pregnancy? It’s a pregnancy that, for whatever reason, is unwanted or ill-timed. Maybe you don’t ever see yourself wanting to parent, or maybe you do, but just not right now. You’re not alone in this. Unintended pregnancy is not that unusual. According to the Guttmacher Institute, in 2011, eighteen percent (18%) of women who became pregnant did not wish to become pregnant, either at that time or any time in the future (“unwanted” pregnancies). Twenty-seven percent (27%) of pregnancies were designated as “mistimed.” The woman did want to have a child at some time in the future, but not at that time when she became pregnant.
Every woman’s situation is unique. At the same time, many of the reasons this may not be a good time for you to be pregnant have been experienced by others as well. Your reasons and your options are what you need to examine now. The decisions you make about your unplanned pregnancy are yours, but they will affect others in your life as well. They will have significant impact, and we’re sure you’re aware of that. We want you to know that you don’t need to figure it all out on your own.
At Avenue Women’s Center you have opportunity to gather information and sort through all your alternatives with a trained, nonjudgmental pregnancy consultant. We will treat you with dignity and respect, and listen with compassion as we walk with you through this process. It is our purpose to help as you determine your best choice. Because we are a nonprofit, we experience no financial gain or loss whatever you decide. This means we can work with you in an open and unpressured manner.
If planned parenthood, or unplanned parenthood, is on your mind, we hope you will reach out to us and allow us to take this journey with you. Contact us by phone, text, email or chat to set an appointment at one of our four DuPage County locations. From your first phone call, we trust you will be able to sense the care that we invest in each individual. We will be honored to serve you.
Resources:
- Guttmacher Institute. (2016, September). Unintended Pregnancy in the United States. Retrieved from: https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/unintended-pregnancy-united-states
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.