Discovering an unexpected pregnancy can be an earth-shattering experience for almost anyone. Overwhelming fear can easily be triggered by anxious thoughts about limited resources and potential reactions from others. The suddenness of this news alone can cause significant alarm. However, for many individuals, the scariest thing about facing an unexpected pregnancy is facing a looming pregnancy decision. If you’re coping with these circumstances right now, you have 3 major pregnancy options available to you: abortion, adoption, and parenting. But which one is best for you? And who gets to make that call? Learning how all of this works is a really important early step. So, your question, “Whose decision is it?” is a great one to ask.
An unexpected pregnancy is a confusing situation to grapple with under any set of circumstances. If you’re unsure how much decision-making authority you and others have, you probably feel especially disoriented. At Avenue Women’s Center, our goal is to help you see the path forward. We’re a limited medical clinic that provides free early pregnancy services, so women feel equipped with the facts and support they need to pursue their own best outcomes. We believe that, “knowledge is power.” That’s why we’re passionate about offering accurate information on all your available options and resources.
Reach out to speak with an expert team member and schedule a confidential appointment!
Your Pregnancy. Your Decision.
Let’s begin with the “short answer” to the question, “Whose decision is it?”. If you’re personally experiencing a pregnancy, the pregnancy choice belongs to you. You get to decide whether to have an abortion, create an adoption plan, or move toward parenting.
From a legal standpoint, you’re accountable to the laws of the state where you’re located. Since the federal right to abortion was recently overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, state regulations have shifted significantly. Perhaps these recent changes are contributing even more to your confusion. As hard as that may be, know that it’s possible to navigate these complex rules with clarity and confidence.
*Check your state’s current regulations to find out what’s legally required and/or restricted in your area.
“What If I’m a Minor?”
When it comes to pregnancy decision-making rights, one commonly asked question is, “What if I’m a minor?” Guttmacher provides clarity around this. Most states currently require that at least one parent be involved in his or her child’s decision to obtain an abortion. However, parents do not have the power to give their children, “an absolute veto.” The majority of states also have a judicial bypass procedure, which may allow a minor to seek an abortion without her parent’s knowledge or agreement. Here are a few key facts and figures from Guttmacher.
- 36 states require that a parent be involved for a minor to get an abortion.
- 21 states require parental consent only (and 3 of these require consent from both parents).
- 6 states require parental notification and consent.
- 10 states require parental notification only (and 1 of these requires that both parents be notified).
- Of the 36 states that require parental involvement, 35 have an alternative process a minor can pursue in order to legally seek an abortion.
- Of the 36 states that require parental involvement, the majority make exceptions for unusual circumstances such as medical emergencies, abuse, sexual assault, and incest.
Owning Your Decision-Making Process
It’s one thing to accept that the choice for abortion, adoption, or parenting lies in your hands. It’s another thing to take full ownership of your decision-making process and actively pursue your own best outcome. Consider these key ways to place yourself securely in the driver’s seat of this pregnancy decision, and make your choice with both autonomy and care.
- Explore your options. There are options within your options (for example, different abortion methods and adoption plans). Knowing the ins and outs of all your available avenues will help you to make an informed and well-rounded choice.
- Discover available resources. In the U.S., tons of practical resources exist to help individuals facing difficult circumstances get back on their feet. These could empower you to make your own best pregnancy choice, and some of them could be helpful above and beyond your pregnancy situation.
- Learn about your unique pregnancy. Learning about your pregnancy can help you discover what options you’re medically eligible for, and if you need to seek prompt medical assistance due to a possible risk. All of this can equip you to protect yourself, and ultimately make a more knowledgeable and health-conscious decision.
Our expert pregnancy consultants and nurses at Avenue can provide all this vital information in a private setting at no cost! We understand that nobody’s opinion about this pregnancy surpasses yours… not your partner’s, your parent’s, or anyone else’s. Your feelings, views, and desires matter greatly. You’re capable of moving forward with resiliency and courage. In other words, you’ve got this! And we’ve got your back as you take your next steps in this journey.
Avenue Women’s Center is based in Illinois, a state where women (including minors) have significant legal autonomy over pregnancy decisions. Check out our locations in Darien, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, West Chicago, and Wood Dale, Illinois!
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Reference:
Guttmacher. (2023, September). Parental Involvement in Minors’ Abortions. Retrieved from: https://www.guttmacher.org/state-policy/explore/parental-involvement-minors-abortions
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.