Have you heard the old expression, “between a rock and a hard place,” or, “between Scylla and Charybdis?” In Greek mythology, Scylla and Charybdis were two horrifying monsters who terrorized sailors crossing the sea. The literary hero Odysseus (from Homer’s Odyssey, which you may remember from school) was forced to pass between them through a narrow body of water. Against all odds, he survived. The expression, “between Scylla and Charybdis” describes situations where a person has to choose between two different but equally terrifying alternatives (Britannica.com). That’s exactly how many women who are facing an unexpected pregnancy feel about their pregnancy options.
Maybe you’re feeling stuck between continuing your pregnancy and getting an abortion. (It’s best not to liken your pregnancy options to monsters. But still, there are parallels to the story of Odysseus.) Both alternatives come with inherent risks and challenges. Both imply some kind of future pain that’s triggering fear and doubt. The choice between these two options can’t be avoided. It’s a tough place to find yourself. However, you will get through this difficult season. Take comfort in knowing that you don’t have to, “navigate these waters” on your own.
Avenue Women’s Center exists to support and empower women in their unique pregnancy journeys. If you’re coping with an unexpected pregnancy today, we’re here to equip you with valuable tools so you can make your own best decision and move forward with confidence. Our no-cost services include, but are not limited to, medical-grade pregnancy tests, options consultations, and limited medical ultrasounds!
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Stepping Toward a Confident Pregnancy Decision
As you already know, the choice between continuing your pregnancy and ending it is fully in your hands. If you’re afraid to pick any of your options (abortion, adoption, or parenting), it may not feel like your hands are capable of making this important decision. But they are! There are achievable steps you can take to prepare yourself for a confident choice. Consider checking each of these critical steps off your list before moving forward with any of your pregnancy options. Doing so will allow you to make a well-informed and carefully considered decision that you’re less likely to regret later on.
- Learn about your pregnancy options. It’s vital to understand the processes and risks involved with each of your alternatives so you can look back knowing that you had all the necessary information. If you don’t feel comfortable with abortion or parenting, remember that adoption is an option too. Adoption planning has changed significantly over the years. Many common stigmas surrounding it are based on faulty or outdated information. At the very least, it may be worth it to learn what modern adoption-planning processes are really like.
- Learn about your pregnancy. An ultrasound can give you critical information like the location of your pregnancy, how far along you are, and the possibility of a miscarriage. The answers will play an important role in guiding your next steps. One of several benefits of getting a scan is finding out how much time you have before some of your pregnancy options become unavailable. Many women find that they have more time to process their pregnancy decision than they realize. Knowing the timetable that you’re working with will allow you to make the most effective use of your time.
- Reflect on your values and beliefs. It’s important to understand the values and beliefs that hold the most personal significance for you. If you’re not sure what those are, ask yourself what gives you meaning and purpose in life. What has guided the best decisions you’ve made? How do your values and beliefs relate to each of your pregnancy options? If your deepest values and beliefs closely align with your pregnancy decision, you’re more likely to experience long-lasting peace of mind with that choice.
- Evaluate pros, cons, and potential solutions. Consider the positive and negative aspects of each potential pregnancy outcome. Then, brainstorm some possible solutions to the challenges you’re anticipating. You may be hesitant to choose an option that you’re genuinely drawn to because of a specific fear. Maybe there’s a solution that you haven’t considered yet, or a resource that could help remove the barrier(s) you’re facing.
- Access support. Having a healthy support network can be critical to making a confident pregnancy decision. Consider confiding in a trusted friend, mentor, faith leader, professional counselor, or pregnancy consultant. If possible, speak with someone who’s been through an unexpected pregnancy before and can share their wisdom with you. Just knowing that you’re not alone will likely give you courage and boldness.
- Embrace your resiliency. Most people are capable of much more than they realize. Chances are, that’s true for you too. Consider other “storms” that you’ve weathered in life, whether or not they seem related to your current circumstances. You’ve made it through those difficult, uncertain times, and probably emerged stronger and wiser. You’ve overcome other unexpected challenges. Don’t underestimate the value of your personal experiences (regardless of your age) or the power of your own resiliency.
Avenue Women’s Center is available to help you take each of these vital steps. In the decades we’ve been walking beside women facing circumstances like yours, we’ve seen the value of a healthy decision-making process. It’s possible to triumph over your fears and doubts! We’re here to offer practical and emotional support- wherever your journey leads. We promise you’ll be met with excellent care by our compassionate and knowledgeable staff.
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Reference:
Britannica.com. Scylla and Charybdis. Retrieved from: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Scylla-and-Charybdis
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.