An unexpected pregnancy can be very overwhelming. The people, usually women, who run the pregnancy centers, want to help you sort through the emotions and thoughts that you have whirling around inside you. They truly care about you and want to walk through this journey with you.  Staff will welcome you with a kind smile and offer you a listening, non-judgmental ear. They are not going to shame you or guilt you into any decision. They will truly hear you and present you with the life-affirming choices that are available.

Pregnancy centers are a safe haven for women who are faced with an unplanned pregnancy. Some clinics only see you as a number with a problem to be eliminated. Pregnancy Center staff see you and long to help you see your value and the value of the life inside you. They want to offer you support at the beginning, in the middle, and after your pregnancy no matter what choice you make for your baby. You are more than a number or a client. You are a human being who is carrying another human being. They will not force a decision on your or judge you for making a decision they don’t agree with. (Some centers may offer anonymous abortion recovery classes to help you if you made that choice.)

Pregnancy Centers may not be health clinics, but many offer limited ultrasounds, giving you a chance to see and hear the baby. You have choices other than abortion, choices that are life-affirming and life-changing, for you and your baby. Your choices are parenting or adoption. I personally know of many brave women just like you who were in similar situations. Some chose to parent their child. Pregnancy Centers can sometimes help you become the best parent you can be for your child by offering parenting classes and supplies. Pregnancy Centers can connect you with local agencies and/or adoption lawyers should you decided adoption is the best option for you and your baby. Some women choose to place their babies for adoption. They chose to carry the baby to term and place him or her in the arms of another family. Two of those women are why I have both of my sons. The women were in unexpected pregnancies and chose life: something for which I am forever grateful. 

I hope you now see that you have choices and that you don’t have to go through this unplanned pregnancy alone. There are places and people who genuinely care for you and want to help you. One more thing that should encourage you to visit a pregnancy center is the fact that every client visit is completely confidential and most offer their services free of charge. In summary, pregnancy centers are staffed with genuine people who desire to support you during this time by listening, offering options and supporting your parenting endeavors. So, breathe. Visit a pregnancy center and see for yourself. Love, grace, and hope are offered there.

The post Should I go to a Pregnancy Center? appeared first on Unplanned Pregnancy | Options, Stories, Statistics, Dealing With.

1) Spouse/partner or trusted family member or friend

Having a strong support system is a tremendous asset. The ability to rely on family members or friends can help absorb the shock factor of an unplanned pregnancy. When choosing a confidant, consider if the individual is trustworthy and able to give good advice. However, not everyone has family or friends they trust with such personal information. When this form of support isn’t available, or if more advice is needed, there are several other places to turn to find help.

2) Medical professional

Typically when women find out they are pregnant, one of the very next steps is to visit their primary care doctor to verify the pregnancy or set up continuing care. While not all physicians are pro-life, they will be able to present a woman with basic prenatal care and ultrasounds. Doctors are a great resource for general information on having a healthy pregnancy. Also, they will often times have resources on adoption agencies, midwives, and other support groups. All visits and exchange of information is completely confidential and is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

3) Resource pregnancy center

Resource pregnancy centers (RPC) exist to help women and families who find themselves in crisis pregnancies. The trained women who work at these centers have compassion for the women who come through their doors as well as the babies they carry. They will listen without judgment and present the life-affirming options that are available after the birth of the child (parenting, adoption, kinship care). Should a woman choose to parent, many centers have resources and materials to support parenting. If adoption or kinship care is desired, they will have adoption agencies to which they can refer clients. While RPCs are not medical facilities, many centers offer free, limited ultrasounds. All visits are completely confidential.

4) Adoption agency 

Many times, women have no idea of where to turn for help. They may have lost confidence in their local churches and clergy. Since RPCs are not in every city, that option may not be available. An adoption agency can counsel women on their options. While adoption agencies exist to help place babies, children, and teens for adoption, they also offer birth mother counseling and support at no fee to the client. All fees are paid by prospective adoptive families. These visits are confidential, but some information may be voluntarily released to the adoptive family should the woman decide to place for adoption. Adoption profiles of some of those prospective adoptive families can be found at Adoption.com.

5) Hotlines

Across the nation there are many pro-life hotlines set up for women who find themselves in a crisis pregnancy. These confidential conversations with trained individuals can help a woman know what her options are and what local resources may be available near her.

6) God

While God shouldn’t be the last resort or one to turn to only in times of distress, He is omnipresent (everywhere present) and omniscient (all-knowing). Since He is everywhere and knows everything already, He can be reached any time of the day or night and nothing will take Him by surprise. He is compassionate and full of love. His wisdom, comfort, and grace are offered to all who genuinely seek Him. Those who seek will find Him when they turn to Him with their whole hearts.

A woman in an unplanned pregnancy has several options to which she can turn. She need not feel alone or afraid. Finding the right person who can help during the pregnancy journey can make an unplanned situation bearable.

Links:

Resource Pregnancy Center

The post 6 Places to Get Unplanned Pregnancy Help appeared first on Unplanned Pregnancy | Options, Stories, Statistics, Dealing With.