If you and your partner were not planning on getting pregnant, hearing those three little words, “I’m pregnant,” is quite a shock. What are you supposed to do? You had no intentions of being a dad right now.

We understand how you must be feeling. Your surprise, concern, and even fear are real. Although our name is Willowbrook Women’s Center, it doesn’t mean you can’t talk with us. We’re here to support you, too. Reach out to the location nearest you.

I Don’t Know Where to Begin

While you don’t have much control in the situation, you won’t fully understand your options unless your partner verifies her pregnancy.

Encourage your partner to schedule an appointment at Willowbrook for pregnancy verification. You’re welcome to come along with her if she’s comfortable with you joining her.

We offer pregnancy testing at no cost to your partner. We’ll ask some critical questions, such as how she discovered she was pregnant and when her last period started.

If her pregnancy test is positive, we’ll schedule a no-cost ultrasound. An ultrasound confirms how far she is in her pregnancy (gestational age), whether the pregnancy is developing, and the location. These are essential factors to consider as you plan your next steps as a couple.

Stay Supportive of Her

An unexpected pregnancy is big news. Not only is your partner surprised, but the flood of hormones in her body can make her emotions run high. She’s likely feeling tired, nauseous, and nervous.

You’re both wondering what family and friends will say. The best thing you can do is stay by her side. You are in this together, and your support matters. Here are a few suggestions:

• Listen to her. She needs a safe place to share her feelings and fears. She needs to know she can depend on you to hear her thoughts.
• Accompany her to her appointments. She will appreciate your presence in the waiting room or during her ultrasound scan.
• Open up about your feelings. While it’s your partner’s choice, you can still voice your opinions. This honesty will help her feel like you’re making a decision together and that the future isn’t entirely on her shoulders.

Research Your Options

You have three options: have an abortion, make an adoption plan, or choose to co-parent. Make an informed and confident decision. Whatever you decide will become a part of your story.

If you’re leaning toward an abortion, schedule a pre-abortion screening at the Willowbrook location closest to you. Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can talk about it. We’ll give you factual, medically-based information.

We are not a licensed child-placing agency, but we can provide referrals for adoption specialists that you can talk with. There’s no risk of commitment when talking to an adoption professional; it’s just informational.

If you choose to parent alongside your partner, we can help with material support, community referrals, and much more.

Reach Out to Willowbrook Women’s Center

Ultimately, your partner will decide the outcome of the pregnancy, but your wishes matter. Keep the lines of communication open.

Encourage her to schedule a no-cost appointment with us to either verify her pregnancy or to receive a pre-abortion screening. We’re here to help both of you. Contact the location nearest you.