It will obviously be a shock if you discover you are pregnant when you hadn’t planned to be. For some, this shock will be followed by joy. For others, despair. Still, more won’t know how to feel and will want to know their options.
There are many things you can do when you find you are unexpectedly pregnant, but the key is not to rush into any decision right away. Give yourself some time to think things through and talk to those who you feel would be helpful. Only then can you decide what your next steps should be. Read on to find out more.
Ask Yourself Honest Questions
If you’re not sure whether you’re happy or not about your pregnancy, the best thing you can do is ask yourself some questions and answer honestly. The answers will help point you in the right direction.
These questions could include:
- What are your life goals? Will a child allow them to happen?
- How financially stable are you?
- Do you have any support?
- Do you feel emotionally ready for a child?
- Are you in a good place in your relationship (assuming you are in one)?
- If you’re not in a relationship, are you willing to raise the child alone?
This will help guide you as to whether you want to have the baby or not. If you do not, there are two main options to consider.
Consider An Abortion
If you choose not to go through with the pregnancy, one option open to you is an abortion. The first thing to do is choose a clinic to help you, such as gcaus.com.au. You should speak to professionals who can offer you advice and information and ensure that, if you do choose to have an abortion, you do so in a safe place with expert help on hand.
There are emotional issues that often come with this decision, which makes it hard to think clearly. However, if, after you have weighed up the pros and cons and understood what is involved, you feel that this is the best course of action, it’s good to know who to turn to.
Consider Adoption
If you don’t want to keep the baby, but you don’t want to have an abortion, the next option open to you is adoption. When you do this, the baby will be adopted by one or two people to raise as their own child, and you will relinquish all parental rights to that child.
As with an abortion, this option will certainly raise emotional issues that will have to be dealt with, but it can be a good choice for those who know they can’t raise a child themselves and who also know that they would be uncomfortable having an abortion.
If you think this is a good route to take, you must speak to professionals. Although private adoptions are possible, there are a number of legal ramifications to consider. Of course, you must never accept money for your baby; this is illegal in any circumstance. Speak to those who can set up the adoption for you, and you know you’ll be doing it in the right way.
