Navigating Pressure from Friends and Family When Considering Abortion

Maybe you’ve felt overcome with anxiety since the moment you got that positive pregnancy test. You may feel the opinions of others are too much to bear.

While you think you’ll only receive judgment if you share your desire for an abortion, opening up with those closest to you may help you better navigate your pregnancy decision.

Tips for Sharing Your About Your Pregnancy

1. Processing Your Feelings

First, ask yourself why you’re considering having an abortion. Is an abortion what you want, or do you feel like you don’t have any other options? Asking these hard questions can prepare you to share your heart with your family or friends.

If you’re having trouble processing your feelings, it may be helpful to see a counselor to help you sort through them.

2. Make a Plan

Consider who you want to invite to support you as you navigate this difficult season. It’s important to choose individuals who know you well and who you respect.

After deciding who to share with, choose an environment where you feel that you can comfortably share your news, like a home or a park that provides adequate privacy.

3. Gathering the Facts

Confirming your pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test and then receiving an ultrasound scan will provide you with valuable information, such as if the pregnancy is growing or if you’ve had a miscarriage, its age, and its location. Each of these plays a role in determining your pregnancy options.

Gathering this information before sharing your news with family and friends will allow you to know what options are available to you before discussing with others.

4. Consider the Insight of Others

While deciding how to proceed with your pregnancy is ultimately your decision, listening to the insight of those closest to you might help you see things from a different angle.

Instead of feeling rushed to make a decision as soon as possible, it can be helpful to allow yourself some time to think and consider what your family and friends shared with you.

Get Help Today

No matter where you are in your pregnancy journey, Alpha Pregnancy Care Center is here to help.

We provide free lab-quality pregnancy tests and ultrasound scans so you can learn more about your pregnancy and your options. Our trained staff can then answer your questions and connect you with support resources.