Options
Deciding which option is right for you
Decision making around pregnancy can be impacted by many things, including whether it was planned or unexpected. Pregnancy decision making is an important process and can be difficult for some people. You might want to spend some time thinking about your option alone, or discussing them with your partner, parent, or a trusted friend. Some people find that writing things down helps to clarify their thoughts and feelings; you may want to try that as well.
No choice is without obstacles or challenges. Some of the questions below can help you with your decision making. If you need more information or have questions about making your decision you can:
- Contact Sex Sense by phone at 1–800–739–7367 or by visiting sexsense.org.
- Visit an Options for Sexual Health clinic in your area.
- How would this decision affect me, my family, my partner, the child? What role would my partner play? What role would the biological partner play? Could I manage alone? Would my family or friends help?
- Where could I go for prenatal and delivery care? Could I support a child myself? Where would I live during and after my pregnancy? Are there others in my life willing to help me? Have I talked with them about it?
- How would having a child affect my school and job plans?
- Am I healthy? Would I have a healthy child?
- Am I emotionally strong enough to take on the responsibility of parenting?
- How will I feel about this decision in one year? Five years? What does my religion tell me? What are my own beliefs and values?
- If I choose this option, will I be doing it for myself or someone else? If I were to choose the ideal situation for becoming a parent, what would it be?
- What are the pros and cons of this decision?
- How would this decision affect me, my family, my partner, the child? What role would my family or partner play? What role would the biological partner play? Have I talked with them about it? Are there others in my life willing to help?
- Where would I go for prenatal and delivery care? Where would I live during my pregnancy? How would a pregnancy affect my school or job plans?
- Am I healthy? Would I have a healthy child?
- How would I feel about this decision in one year? Five years?
- Do I know my legal rights? The legal rights of adoptive parents and children? Where can I find out?
- If I choose this option will I be doing it for myself or someone else?
- What are the pros and cons of this decision?
- How would this decision affect me, my family, my partner? What role would my family or partner play? What role would the biological partner play? Have I talked with them about it?
- Where would I go for an abortion?
- What are my own beliefs and values?
- How will I feel in two months? One year? Five years?
- If I chose this option, would I be doing it for myself or someone else?
- What are the pros and cons of this decision?
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