What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You Into An Abortion Decision

Is everyone around you telling you how to proceed with your unexpected pregnancy without asking first what you want?

Your friends and family may think they know what’s best for you, but ultimately, this is your pregnancy.

Abortion is a life-changing decision that will impact you more than anyone else.

When you experience pressure from those closest to you, it can be easy to begin to second-guess yourself.

To ensure that your decision is not impacted by others’ pressure, it is critical to prepare in advance for the conversation and set clear boundaries as you talk with your family and friends about your pregnancy decision.

Sharing Your Pregnancy Decision

The following tips will help stand strong against pressure and share your pregnancy decision.

1. Engaging with Your Feelings

Before talking with your friends and family about your pregnancy decision, it can be helpful to look inward and determine your motivation for making it.

This will prepare you to share your heart with them and give you the confidence to not be swayed by others’ opinions.

2. Learning More About Your Pregnancy

Alpha Pregnancy Care Center offers free lab-quality pregnancy tests and ultrasound scans, which will provide valuable details about your pregnancy and let you know what options are available. This is essential information to know during the conversation with your family.

3. Setting Boundaries

From the start of the conversation, it is critical to make it clear that your pregnancy decision is yours alone to make. You can ask friends and family not to offer their opinions unless you ask them to share.

This conversation can set the tone moving forward in your relationships and show your friends and family that you will not be coerced into a decision you do not want to make.

Remember, if you feel like your safety might be in danger, seek help from the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE to create a plan for your safety before talking with family members. If you ever feel unsafe when discussing your pregnancy with your family, leave immediately and call 911.

4. Seeking Support

If you still feel that your friends and family don’t respect your decision after talking with them, seeking other support is important.

Navigating an unexpected pregnancy isn’t easy; you shouldn’t have to do it alone. You may consider reaching out to extended family or a faith community.

Get Help Today

Alpha Pregnancy Care Center is here to help.

We offer a safe, judgment-free environment where you can learn more about your pregnancy and your options and connect with support resources.