When facing an unplanned pregnancy, discussing your pregnancy decision with your family can feel intimidating.
Maybe you’re afraid of what they might say, think, react, or pressure you.
While you may feel it’s easier to keep your pregnancy decision to yourself, it can be helpful to share your true
feelings about your pregnancy and options with your family. Your decision may feel overwhelming and you don’t have to
be alone through the process.
Even if you feel you’ve made your final decision, your family may have valuable insight worth hearing that you have not
known or considered. Continue reading for some tips on how to talk with your family about your pregnancy and your
options.
Opening Up to Family
1. Reflect on Your Feelings
Before opening up to your family, consider gathering your thoughts through journaling or speaking with a counselor. It
can help you differentiate your thinking/fears versus your feelings about your pregnancy.
Ask yourself questions about the reason you want to have an abortion. Is it because you feel trapped and no other
options allow you to continue with the life you want? Are you afraid of your parent’s reaction? Do you believe that the
goals you have for yourself cannot be achieved? Would you be willing to continue the pregnancy if you knew you had
support?
Understanding your motivations for an abortion is essential and can be helpful to voice when you talk with your family.
2. Choose the Right Environment
Because personal and sensitive information will likely be discussed, it can be helpful to meet in an area that provides
some privacy.
You’ll want to choose a space where you and your family members feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings
about the pregnancy decision.
3. Sharing the Facts
Having an ultrasound scan
before talking with your family allows you to gather helpful information about your pregnancy and options.
An ultrasound reveals details about your pregnancy, including the viability, gestational age, and location, which all
impact your eligibility for an abortion.
Options Care Center offers transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasounds
to provide these critical details.
4. Sharing Your Heart
Sharing the reason you want an abortion is critical when talking with your family.
Maybe you’re fearful of going through a pregnancy or raising a child alone. You may also have financial barriers or
career or schooling goals you still want to meet.
Sharing your heart with your family provides an opportunity for them to step up and support you. While it can be
difficult at first because news of an unplanned pregnancy can be shocking. But a parent’s love will ultimately want what
is best for you and your baby. Consider having an open mind as you speak with your family and hear their insights.
Get Help Today
Navigating an unexpected pregnancy can feel isolating.
Whether you’re preparing to share the news with your family or you’ve already shared and are seeking additional support,
Options Care Center is here for you.
We provide no-cost lab-quality pregnancy tests and ultrasound scans to help you learn more about your pregnancy. Our
trusted staff can then answer your questions, discuss your options, and help you prepare to talk with your family.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.
