I'm Pregnant
What Are My Choices?

Pregnancy brings three choices. All of them present certain problems, difficulties and/or responsibilities.

Parenting: This choice is difficult when you feel that your career, education, financial stability and relationships may be negatively affected by raising a child. Your concerns are valid. Our consultants are trained to help you examine these issues. Take your time. Parenting is a lifelong commitment with many rewards and challenges. Children are the biggest responsibility you will ever carry. Thankfully, you do not have to face it alone.

You may have more questions than answers about parenting or maybe the thought of becoming a parent seems impossible to you at this time. We've talked to hundreds of clients who are concerned about things like this:

• My husband or boyfriend doesn't want the baby but I do;
• I can't tell my family;
• How will I finish school?
• How will I continue working?
• Where will I live?
• I don't have medical insurance;
• I can't afford a child;
• I'm too young.

If you decide to parent, The Family Life Center will help you prepare for your future with education and support through our “Bridges - Earn While You Learn Program.”

We can talk about all these issues with you so that you can decide if parenting is right for you.

Call the Family Life Center for an appointment. We’re here to serve you.

Abortion: When career, education, financial stability, and relationships are threatened by a pregnancy, it is often difficult not to make this choice. In the emotionally-charged rush to take care of an unexpected pregnancy, however, be careful not to overlook problems associated with this option. In confidence, our peer consultants are trained to help you examine personal issues surrounding the desire to end a pregnancy. Your personal consultant will offer education on abortion procedures along with possible physical risks.

If you would like to consult with a staff person or volunteer who personally experienced an abortion and/or unplanned pregnancy, please make a special request when scheduling your appointment. The Family Life Center is committed to giving accurate abortion education, but does not perform abortions or refer clients to abortion facilities.

Adoption: Often, this seems to be the most difficult choice to make, regardless of the impact it may have on career, education, financial stability and relationships. The idea of carrying a child for nine months only to place him in the care of another family may seem emotionally impossible. You have time. Pregnant women considering adoption have their entire pregnancies to prepare, weigh, and finally decide about placing for adoption. Thankfully, you don’t have to face it alone. You have lots of choices with adoption. Will it be open or closed? Will it be private or will you use an agency? You are in the driver's seat when making an adoption plan, and there are lots of things to consider if you:

• Don't want an abortion and aren't ready to be a parent;
• Want to provide your child with a 2-parent family;
• Want to provide your child with emotional and financial stability.

In today's adoptions, you can know your child and be a part of your child's life. You can have the peace of knowing that your child is loved and cared for by the couple you choose.

We can help you understand your options with adoption.