Is parenting an option?

When you first face an unplanned pregnancy, none of your options may sound good. The fact is…you did not plan on this happening at this point in your life. You have plans. Maybe its school, your career, your relationship, or whatever else you may have going on. Having a baby just does not seem to fit in your plans right now.

So is parenting an option?

Choosing to parent is a very difficult decision to make and will give you lots of challenges. At the same time it can be very rewarding and could end up being the best decision you ever make. Everyone has their own unique situation and obstacles to face. There are several stories on this site from women who faced their own unplanned pregnancy situations.

If you are concerned about resources, there are many options available to you. One such organization is the Nurturing Network, an international charitable organization that responds to the immediate and comprehensive needs of women facing an unplanned pregnancy. They are active in all 50 states and in 30 foreign countries. Nurturing Network offers resources such as housing, legal assistance, financial help, medical services, educational and employment opportunities and more. Assistance is provided without charge and is available without regard to a person’s race, creed or economic circumstances. Click here for additional resources.

The Pregnancy Centers listed on YourOptions are also dedicated to connecting you with resources in your area.

Would you like to hear from women who have been exactly where you are and made the decision to raise their babies?

Here are some stories from women who have accepted a new plan, a higher calling for their lives. Just like you, they didn’t plan on being pregnant, but they chose the high road. They embraced their new roles in life and their babies.

 

When You Need to Know - Post-Abortion Resources

If you think you may be pregnant, then you need to know more about unplanned pregnancy, abortion & post-abortion resources.

We do not promote or refer for abortion or abortion services. But it is an option that many women consider. Since it is an option, here you can get as much information about abortion as well as parenting and adoption so that you have all the facts needed to make your own decision. Additionally, many states offer resources or assistance in the following areas: finance, education, housing, healthcare, childcare, food and nutrition, legal (your rights), directories of services, counseling, jobs, job training, parenting classes, transportation, substance abuse, domestic violence, and more. Search “State assistance for pregnant women” or you can also visit YourOptions for more post-abortion resources.

You can call (573) 634-4316 or Toll Free: 1-800-393-5791 for a confidential counseling with YourOptions, or click here for more post-abortion resources.

What is “the morning-after pill”?

The “morning-after pill” is marketed as a type of “emergency contraception,” used after you have had unprotected sex or contraceptive failure such as a condom breaking. It contains the hormone Levonorgestrel, a Progestin, or Ulipristal acetate, a progesterone agonist-antagonist.

Because “the morning-after pill” does not necessarily prevent fertilization but may prevent the new life from settling or implanting into the womb and continuing to grow there, many consider it an early abortion drug. It must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex and should not be taken if you are already pregnant as it may cause harm.

Emergency Contraception isn’t appropriate for everyone. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking contraceptives to learn more about the risk factors. You can also contact a Pregnancy Center to discuss your situation.

How does “emergency contraception” work?
Depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, the morning-after pill can work in one of 3 ways:
1. Prevent or delay ovulation
2. Thicken the cervical mucus, decreasing the chance of the sperm reaching and fertilizing the egg
3. Change the lining of the uterus, preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. (Also considered an early abortion.)

Are there any side effects or health risks?

Your health care provider may discourage use of the contraceptive pills if:

• You’re allergic to any component of the pill 
• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding  
• Taking certain medications that may decrease the effectiveness of the morning-after pill, such as barbiturates or St. John’s wort.

Side effects may include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness
• Bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding
• Lower abdominal pain or cramps
• Diarrhea

Side effects typically last only a few days.

Using the morning-after pill may delay your period by up to one week. If your period is more than one week late, take a pregnancy test. If you have bleeding or spotting that lasts longer than a week or develop severe lower abdominal pain three to five weeks after taking the pill, contact your health care provider. These may be signs or symptoms of a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy - when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.

An estimated 1 to 2 out of 100 women who have unprotected sex one time and correctly use the pill will get pregnant. Emergency contraception doesn’t offer protection from sexually transmitted infections.