Pregnant…What Are Your Choices?

A planned pregnancy can bring a great deal of excitement and joy. However, an unplanned pregnancy can bring mixed emotions. This can be a very confusing time for you. A pregnant woman needs to carefully consider her choices before making any decision about her pregnancy. Your decisions will affect the rest of your life.

There are three options for a pregnant woman:

1. becoming a mother
2. adoption
3. abortion

Becoming a Mother
If you have decided to continue with your pregnancy, good prenatal care is important. Doctors and nurses are able to advise you on prenatal care and prenatal classes. There are agencies and groups in the community to help you after the baby is born. Financial assistance may be obtained through your local social assistance program.

For a woman who has given birth and then changes her mind, adoption is still a choice.

Adoption
Adoption is a choice for a woman who is not comfortable with having an abortion and is not ready to become a parent. If you choose adoption, good prenatal care is important. See your doctor as early as possible. The Children's Aid Society or a private licensed adoption agency can arrange a legal adoption for you. In most situations a woman can have a say in the choice of adoptive parents.

There are special homes and agencies to help a woman who cannot remain with her family and wants help to continue with her pregnancy.

Abortion
Abortion is a choice for a woman who cannot continue her pregnancy. In Ontario the cost is covered by your Ontario Health Card. Safe, legal abortions are performed in freestanding clinics or hospitals. A referral may be necessary and can be obtained through your Health Department clinic or your family doctor. All information is confidential. Having an abortion will not affect your ability to get pregnant in the future.

Questions to consider before you make a decision.
These questions may help you think about what decision is best for you:

• What are my personal beliefs and values about each of these choices?
• How will having and raising a child affect my plans for the future, i.e. school, job, career?
• Can I afford to financially support a child until the child is at least 18 years of age?
• Who do I have to help me in making my decision and supporting me afterwards, i.e. partner, parents, friends, etc.?

You must be satisfied that this is the best decision for you now.

Remember!

• Talk to someone as soon as you know you are pregnant.
• Get all the facts - then make your decision.
• Don't be pressured by anyone else... the decision is yours.

For more information:
Besides the clinics and services listed on this web site,
check your local phone book for information centres and crisis lines.

Go to our full section covering all aspects of Pregancy.
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