If you’re dealing with an unexpected pregnancy, you’re already experiencing stress. The last thing you need is pressure to make one choice over another.
Friends, your partner, and family members probably mean well when they offer advice, but you need to recognize the difference between simple guidance and overt pressure. It’s essential to know that no one can legally force you to make one choice over another.
Here are three signs of manipulation that you should be aware of.
They Make Emotional Threats
Threats aren’t always physical. Emotional threats include isolating you from others who encourage you to consider all options.
Family members may stop you from communicating with friends until you make the “right choice.” Your partner may threaten to break up with you if you don’t choose an abortion, or your parents may threaten to kick you out or withhold support.
They Want You to Make a Quick Decision
Another form of pressure is when those around you insist you make a quick decision. They may tell you there is no time to wait and then contact the abortion clinic for you. They may even want to drive you to the clinic right away.
Without time to think, you move forward with their choice. They may not want you to take the time to meet with a healthcare provider. Experts recommend that you speak with your healthcare provider before pursuing an abortion. You should review your health history, current medications, and learn more about your pregnancy.
If someone prevents you from discussing the various abortion procedures, the side effects to expect, or the potential physical and emotional risks, you are being pressured.
You Get Blamed
Has your partner blamed you for getting pregnant? They talk about how your pregnancy affects them. If you don’t choose to have an abortion, their lives are ruined.
In their minds, your decision about the pregnancy should be based on their needs, not yours.
They say you should feel incredibly guilty for not considering their feelings.
Make Sure You Are Safe
According to the March of Dimes, symptoms of abuse worsen during pregnancy. You deserve to be respected and safe.
If you feel physically or emotionally pressured to choose abortion, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE (7233). You can also read the Warning Signs of Abuse on their website.
Contact Choices For the Help You Need
The caring patient advocates at Choices are ready and available to help you emotionally and physically. We understand the stress an unexpected pregnancy causes. You deserve time to get factual, medically based information about abortion and your other options.
Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can provide information about your pregnancy to help you move forward with a decision. Talk with us about scheduling a free and confidential ultrasound.
Remember, no one has the right to force you to make one decision over another. We’re here to support you, no matter what you choose. Schedule an appointment today.
Pregnancy Testing
To confirm your pregnancy, start with a no-cost pregnancy test from Choices. We will confidentially provide conclusive results at no cost to you.
STD/STI Services
During your pregnancy test, we also offer limited STD/STI screening. You and your partner receive no-cost treatment if you test positive for gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, or syphilis.
Ultrasounds
If your pregnancy test is positive, complete the confirmation process with a no-cost limited ultrasound. An ultrasound confirms viability, the gestational age, and the location of your pregnancy.
Abortion Pill Reversal
If you’ve taken the first dose of the abortion pill method and regret your decision, it may not be too late to save your pregnancy. There’s a process called Abortion Pill Reversal, but you must act quickly.
Pregnancy Testing
To confirm your pregnancy, start with a no-cost pregnancy test from Choices. We will confidentially provide conclusive results at no cost to you.
STD/STI Services
During your pregnancy test, we also offer limited STD/STI screening. You and your partner receive no-cost treatment if you test positive for gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, or syphilis.
Ultrasounds
If your pregnancy test is positive, complete the confirmation process with a no-cost limited ultrasound. An ultrasound confirms viability, the gestational age, and the location of your pregnancy.
Abortion Pill Reversal
If you’ve taken the first dose of the abortion pill method and regret your decision, it may not be too late to save your pregnancy. There’s a process called Abortion Pill Reversal, but you must act quickly.
