As you found out, no contraception is 100% effective. We imagine you feel angry, discouraged, confused, and perhaps afraid. When life feels out of control, it’s nice to know you have options, and you have three: parenting, making an adoption plan, or abortion. Let’s review all three.

Choosing to Parent

Parenthood was not in your plans, but unintended doesn’t mean impossible. With determination and courage, you can be a successful parent. Parenting also requires a strong support network, and our team is here to provide that for you.

Start by asking yourself some questions. Are you and your partner together? Will he or your family support you financially and emotionally? Can you continue your education or job? By knowing what you need, we can help you find additional resources. 

We have referrals for the following community resources and can assist you in accessing them:

• Housing
• Medical assistance
• Food
• Childcare
• Employment
• Legal advice

Parenting is challenging, but also very rewarding. Don’t count this option out until you learn what’s available to help you.

Making an Adoption Plan

Many women cannot imagine choosing adoption for their unintended pregnancies. Why? Because myths and misunderstandings surround adoption. Placing your child for adoption is a hard choice, but when parenting is not an option, it can be the best option for you and your child.

The following are some of the benefits of choosing adoption:

• It costs you nothing to place your child for adoption.
• You can select the adoptive parents who will raise your child.
• You determine how much contact you wish to have with the adoptive family and your child.
• You receive regular updates, photos, and letters to ensure your child is safe and loved.
• All of your medical and legal expenses are covered.
• Depending on the type of adoption you choose, other pregnancy-related expenses could be covered.
• With an adoption agency, you receive counseling before, during, and after placement.
• You can change your mind at any time until you sign legal papers.

You Medical isn’t a child-placing agency, but we can provide referrals to reputable, licensed adoption agencies who can answer your questions. See if this is the best option for you.

Getting an Abortion

Many women facing an unintended pregnancy feel their only option is abortion. Just like your other two options, an abortion is a life-altering choice. Make sure you understand the physical and emotional risks before pursuing this option.

There are two types of abortion: medical (also known as the abortion pill method) and surgical. How far along you are in your pregnancy determines the type of abortion you qualify for. 

The FDA approves the use of the drugs for the abortion pill method through 10 weeks of pregnancy or less. They highly regulate the first drug, mifepristone, and only allow certified providers to prescribe it. The FDA recommends not buying the drug online because many sites are from other countries that do not follow U.S. standards.

Abortion providers perform a surgical abortion in a clinic or hospital. Depending on the number of weeks you are pregnant, they may use suction, a scraping tool called a curette, or forceps to remove larger parts.

We do not perform or refer for abortion. However, if you would like more information about the procedures, side effects to expect, and potential physical and emotional risks, we would be happy to talk with you.

What’s My Next Step?

Experts recommend you confirm your pregnancy with more than one pregnancy test. If you’ve already taken a home pregnancy test, retest at You Medical with no-cost, confidential pregnancy testing.

We’ll provide a no-cost limited diagnostic OB ultrasound if your test is positive. An ultrasound determines if your pregnancy is viable (developing) or if you’ve had a miscarriage (26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage). Ultrasound also shows how many weeks you have been pregnant and its location.

All of this is critical information to determine your next steps. You don’t have to tackle this alone. We’re here for you. Request an appointment today or text 313131. At You Medical, you are our first priority.