This November, are you facing an unexpected pregnancy and considering your option of abortion? Nobody hopes to find herself in this position. Maybe you have complex feelings about abortion, whether or not you believe it’s your best way forward. It’s probably safe to say that the positive pregnancy result alone has left you feeling scared and overwhelmed. Of course, in the middle of all this, Thanksgiving and the holiday season are approaching. Cartoon turkeys and “give thanks” signs are appearing on grocery store displays, commercials, and restaurant windows. With all the stress that you’re under right now, perhaps this messaging feels hollow and irritating.
If you’re navigating an unexpected pregnancy right now, consider reaching out to Avenue Women’s Center for support. We’re a first-step pregnancy clinic with multiple locations in Chicagoland, and we’re passionate about empowering women to make their own best pregnancy decisions. Our caring staff strives for this by providing a unique combination of practical services and ongoing emotional support at no cost.
Learn more about Avenue and our history! We’ve been faithfully serving individuals from our own Chicagoland community and beyond for over 40 years.
“The First Thanksgiving”
If you grew up in the U.S., you’ve probably heard the story of “The First Thanksgiving” a thousand times. Thanksgiving honors a celebration that was shared between Wampanoag Native Americans and English Pilgrims in 1621. After a small group of Pilgrims survived a dangerous overseas journey and a harsh winter, local Native Americans taught them how to hunt and farm the land they had come to, resulting in a successful harvest (National Archives).
We rarely consider the devastating circumstances that surrounded this event. About half of the Pilgrim population died from exposure, scurvy, and disease that first winter (History.com). And the friendship that was formed between the English newcomers and the Native Americans didn’t last long. To this day, some associate the harvest festival we call, “The First Thanksgiving” with violence and suffering endured by generations of Native Americans as a result of European settlement in America. Maybe you didn’t know that the establishment of Thanksgiving as a federal holiday also came about after the destruction of the American Civil War (National Archives).
A Simple Thanksgiving Message
So, why bring up “The First Thanksgiving” and the history surrounding it? The point is, gratitude can coexist with pain. Thanksgiving is meant to honor a moment of thankfulness and peace that took place in the middle of significant hardship. Gratitude is a choice, and it doesn’t depend on circumstances. A thankful mindset is beautiful and valuable because life is painful.
As you navigate this unexpected pregnancy and the holiday season, our team at Avenue hopes that you’ll experience thankfulness… not the kind that feels forced, but the kind that you feel free and willing to choose. We believe, and research affirms, that gratitude also helps us cope more effectively. Avenue is here to equip you with all the tools you need to manage your circumstances well and discover a positive outcome.
Our free and confidential services at Avenue include medical-grade pregnancy tests, options consultations, limited medical ultrasounds, and more. It’s important to access services like these before an abortion so you can confirm the pregnancy and know all the options available to you. A scan can provide key information like the location of the pregnancy (so you can protect your health by taking the right steps medically), how far along you are (so you know what abortion options you’re eligible for), and your chances of miscarriage.
Call, text, chat, or email to schedule an appointment! At Avenue Women’s Center, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality early pregnancy support with compassion, integrity, and neutrality.
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References:
History.com. (2024, January). Thanksgiving 2024. Retrieved from: https://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-thanksgiving
National Archives. Thanksgiving: Historical Perspectives. Retrieved from: https://visit.archives.gov/whats-on/explore-exhibits/thanksgiving-historical-perspectives.
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.