Life is filled with difficult circumstances and big decisions. How you handle an unplanned pregnancy is one of them. Legally, you don’t have to tell anyone what choice you make, but keeping it a secret may be harder on you emotionally.

The future of your relationship could also determine how you approach the subject. We’ve got some suggestions for you.

Get a Pre-Abortion Screening

A late period and a positive pregnancy test may not be enough to determine the viability of your pregnancy. Viability means your pregnancy is developing with a detectable heartbeat.

Experts estimate that 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. You may still get a positive pregnancy test because it takes your body time to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels.

Before scheduling an abortion, the Willowbrook Women’s Center advocates recommend getting a pre-abortion screening. You should take another pregnancy test. If that test is positive, we can schedule you for an ultrasound.

If you’re considering abortion, you will want the information an ultrasound can provide. You’ll learn how far along you are in your pregnancy (which is vital if you’re contemplating using the abortion pill drugs), if your pregnancy is growing or if you’ve had a miscarriage, and the pregnancy’s location.

A pregnancy that’s located in the wrong place is called ectopic. It can be extremely dangerous if your pregnancy is not growing in your uterus.

How Is Your Relationship With Your Partner?

Are you planning on having a future together? Honesty is always the best policy. If you and your partner plan to continue your relationship, tell him. Having an abortion is a huge secret to keep.

Healthy relationships require respect, and there should never be any abuse; mental, physical, or verbal. If you are in an abusive relationship, know you are not alone. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline for 24/7 support. In an emergency, call 911.

If your partner isn’t abusive, deciding to tell them about your intended decision can still be challenging. You might worry about their reaction or the future of your relationship.

An unplanned pregnancy can create stress, but it’s vital to consider sharing your decision with your partner. Withholding this information can develop a sense of mistrust and betrayal that could harm your relationship.

Are You Confident Abortion Is the Right Choice?

Have you researched abortion thoroughly? You may think abortion is your only option, but you have three: having an abortion, making an adoption plan for your child, or choosing to parent (or co-parent, if your partner is willing).

Before choosing abortion, find out about the specific abortion procedures, side effects to expect, and potential physical and emotional risks. Get a pre-abortion screening because you owe it to yourself to be fully informed.

Learn about the adoption process. Did you know the birth mother makes all of the decisions? You choose the adoptive parents and the future you want your child to have. Plus, you can build a relationship with your child as they grow.

There are also many resources to assist you if you choose to parent. Parenting is a challenging yet rewarding experience. We provide assistance and can also give you referrals to community resources. Unplanned doesn’t mean impossible.

Please Contact Willowbrook First

Before you make a decision, contact Willowbrook Women’s Center. We provide no-cost, confidential pregnancy tests and ultrasound scans, and you’ll get the information you need to make a confident choice.

Schedule your pre-abortion screening at the Center nearest you. Schedule an appointment online or call (816) 244-7824. We’re here to provide the help you need.

Willowbrook Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions.