If you’ve had an abortion in the past and don’t want another one, it’s important to know that you have options. Whatever your reasons for not wanting another abortion, they’re valid. And support exists to help ensure your other pregnancy options are achievable.
Read on to learn more about your other pregnancy options, or contact Metro Women’s Center to find a safe space to talk and get answers.
Parenting May Be More Possible Than You Think
If your first thought is, “I can’t be a parent right now,” you’re not alone.
Many women worry about finances, housing, childcare, school, work, or raising a child on their own. Those concerns are real, but they don’t necessarily mean parenting isn’t possible.
As you consider parenting, ask yourself:
- What’s making me feel like I can’t parent?
- Are there practical resources that could help address those concerns?
- Who could support me during pregnancy and after my baby is born?
- Have I explored the assistance that’s available in my community?
Many women are surprised to learn about parenting classes, material assistance, mentoring, childcare resources, and community programs that can help make parenting more manageable.
Even if you ultimately decide parenting isn’t the best fit, taking time to explore the option can help you know you’ve carefully considered every possibility.
Adoption Is an Option Worth Exploring
If you know you aren’t ready to parent but also don’t want another abortion, adoption is another option to consider.
Today’s adoption process gives birth parents much more choice than many people realize.
Depending on the type of adoption you choose, you may be able to:
- Select the adoptive family.
- Decide how much contact you’d like after placement.
- Create an adoption plan that reflects your wishes.
- Receive support throughout your pregnancy.
As you think about adoption, consider questions such as:
- What kind of future do I hope my child has?
- Would I want an open, semi-open, or closed adoption?
- Would making an adoption plan align with my values and goals?
Give Yourself Permission to Be Fully Informed
When you’ve already experienced an abortion, it can feel like you need to make a decision quickly because you’ve “been here before.”
But this pregnancy is different.
Your circumstances may have changed. Your priorities may have changed. Even the way you feel about your options may be different from how you felt during your previous pregnancy.
Give yourself permission to make sure you’re fully informed. You might ask questions like:
- What do I truly want this time?
- Am I making this decision based on my own values or because I feel pressured?
- Have I learned everything I can about my options before deciding?
If you haven’t already, schedule a free pregnancy test and, if it’s positive, we can offer a referral for a no-cost ultrasound. An ultrasound provides important medical information about your pregnancy, including whether it’s located in the uterus, whether you’ve miscarried, and approximately how far along you are. Having this information helps protect your health. For example, an ultrasound can rule out life-threatening conditions like an ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate medical intervention.
We’re Here to Help You Explore Your Options
If you’re facing another unexpected pregnancy and know you don’t want another abortion, Metro Women’s Center is here to support you.
While we are not a medical clinic, we offer free, compassionate consultations where you can talk through your concerns and learn about all of your pregnancy options. Our caring team will listen, answer your questions, and provide the information and support you need to make the choice that’s right for you.
You don’t have to face this pregnancy alone. Contact Metro Women’s Center today to schedule your confidential appointment. We’re here for you.