If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy and have told those closest to you, you probably understand the impact of their responses. Maybe your pregnancy touches a lot of people’s lives. And it seems like nobody wants this for you… “this” referring to the pregnancy or the opportunity to parent. Your partner doesn’t want this. Your family doesn’t want this. You certainly don’t want this. So, abortion looks to be your clearest path forward, because what reason could you possibly have to continue carrying?
This blog is for someone who’s been asking the question, “Why would I keep it?” Your situation is unique, and your best possible outcome is bound to be too. It’s important that this decision come from you – whether you conclude that there is or isn’t a reason to continue this pregnancy. But you don’t have to navigate this alone! Avenue Women’s Center exists to provide emotional support and reliable information, so you feel equipped to take your next steps with clarity.
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A Well-Rounded Pregnancy Choice
Your pregnancy situation includes factors besides your desires or other peoples’ desires. Make no mistake, what you want is important! But considering these other components will allow you to feel more confident in your choice while continuing to look inward.
Your emotions.
What you want and don’t want is real. But your desires aren’t emotions. Every person has a unique emotional response to an unexpected pregnancy, and sometimes these reactions are complex. You may be feeling scared, angry, excited, sad, and/or numb. It can be enlightening to explore where you stand emotionally. That’s probably because feelings can be like clues that steer us forward at times, but they can also become overly influential if we don’t manage them well. For example, anxiety is one of the most common emotions people feel after learning about an unexpected pregnancy. If you identify that you’re wrestling with fear, and figure out how to cope well, anxiety is less likely to take the wheel of your pregnancy decision. Also, keep in mind that feelings are very liable to change.
Your values and beliefs.
Unlike feelings, your values and beliefs are less likely to adapt significantly. Asking yourself what you believe in most strongly and value most likely will help you build a firm foundation for your pregnancy choice. Which option (abortion, adoption, or parenting) best aligns with your personal convictions? The answer may not be clear right away, but even the process of exploring this can offer key insight.
Your instincts.
Instincts can be mysterious, but you may find that following your intuition leads you down a path you look back on with less regret later on. It’s probably fair to say that instincts are informed by feelings, values, and beliefs, at least to an extent. But they also fall into a category of their own. So, what is your gut telling you? It’s okay to wrestle with this question a little bit.
All this can be helpful to apply to any decision-making process that matters, whether you’re open to abortion or a different pregnancy option, whether you’re wrestling with an unexpected pregnancy or another challenge entirely. If you’re asking yourself the specific question that’s been posed, “Nobody wants this. Why would I keep it?”, the insight you discover may lead you in the same direction you’ve already been leaning in. But perhaps you’ll have greater peace of mind knowing that you’ve made a carefully measured choice.
Your loved ones’ wants may hold personal meaning for you, but they’re less important to your pregnancy decision all in all. Your desires matter first and foremost, along with your feelings, values and beliefs, and instincts. Make an even more thoughtfully considered choice by learning the facts while you’re in the process of inwardly exploring your best way forward. Avenue Women’s Center is available to provide accurate information on your pregnancy, options, and resources, so you’re empowered with all the knowledge you need to make a fully educated decision.
Reach out to us and schedule an appointment! You’ll be met with warmth and compassion.
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.