If your parents insist on you having an abortion against your wishes, know that no one can coerce you into choosing this pregnancy option. Forced abortions are illegal.

Call 911 if you feel you are in immediate danger. You can also contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline or speak with a loved one if you are in an abusive environment.

If your parents aren’t abusive, but are instead concerned about your pregnancy, remind them that this is your decision. You can make an informed choice by gathering information about your pregnancy and options.

To handle this situation, explore resources and support networks for guidance. Read this article with helpful tips to empower you to make a confident decision and ensure your choices are respected.

Schedule a Health Screening

Hope Women’s Center offers free pregnancy services, including pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and STD/STI testing. 

Ultrasounds can provide valuable insights regarding the gestational age, location, and pregnancy viability. It’s crucial to confirm if the pregnancy is progressing, as miscarriages occur in approximately 26% of all pregnancies.

Additionally, ruling out an ectopic pregnancy is essential, as it can be a serious medical condition.

Undergoing STD/STI testing can also give you peace of mind because one in five Americans carries an STD/STI, even if they don’t display symptoms. STD/STI screenings also protect your health because an STD/STI can also cause premature labor or uterine infection after birth.

Explore Alternative Options

One of the best ways to respond to your parents after you’ve gathered more details about your pregnancy is to prepare to discuss the benefits and possibilities of other options, like parenting or adoption.

For example, most adoptions in the US are open, which means you can maintain a relationship with the baby and adoptive family, but you know they have a loving home. You can also choose a semi-open or closed adoption; each provides different levels of communication.

Adoption agencies will also cover many of the pregnancy healthcare expenses and living expenses of the birth mother.

Parenting is also a viable option; many options and programs are available to support single or low-income parents.

Next Steps

Hope Women’s Center provides free options information to help you explore different choices. 

During your appointment, you can gather more information about each option and receive guidance on discussing these options with your parents. 

We are here to help you make a decision that feels right for you and support you throughout the process. You are not alone! Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential appointment!