Having an abortion is a major physical and emotional medical decision. No one, including your parents, has the legal right to pressure you to choose this option. You need to decide what’s best for you.

In some states, forcing a child to get an abortion is considered child abuse. However, if you still live at home, it may not be easy to say “No.” Here are a few suggestions for handling the situation.

Why Are Your Parents Pressuring You?

There could be several reasons your parents are pressuring you to get an abortion. Have they mentioned any of the following reasons?

• They feel you are too young to have a child.
• Your parents can’t financially help you care for a child.
• They are embarrassed that friends and other family members will find out about your pregnancy.
• They are concerned for your future.

Do I Have Other Choices?

You have two choices if you do not wish to have an abortion: make an adoption plan or choose to parent. Let’s take a look at both:

Making an Adoption Plan For Your Child

Adoption is the legal transfer of parental rights and responsibilities from the biological parents to adoptive parents. Choosing to place your child for adoption is a hard decision. You must work with an adoption coordinator who places your interests first.

Thorough adoption education and counseling will help you know if it is the right choice. Once again, no one should coerce or pressure you to choose this option either. 

Some of the benefits of placing your child for adoption include:

• Adoption services are free for you.
• You receive all medical care and legal representation at no cost.
• In Washington, an adoption agency may cover other pregnancy-related expenses, such as rent, food, maternity clothing, utilities, etc. 
• You choose the potential adoptive parents.
• You select the type of adoption plan and the future you want for your child.
• By choosing an open or semi-open adoption, you can continue to have contact with your child and their adoptive family.

Can I Parent My Child?

Parenting is an option even if your parents cannot or will not help you. It may be more challenging to receive the help you need if you are young, but unintended does not mean impossible.

At You Medical, we can help you put together a parenting plan. Our parent mentors can discuss your situation and help you find the necessary resources. We offer community referrals for the following:

• Housing
• Medical costs
• Food pantries
• Childcare
• Employment assistance
• Legal advice
• And more

How Do I Handle My Parent’s Pressure?

If your parents threaten to force you out of your house because of your pregnancy, talk with a staff member at You Medical. We can refer you to Maternity Homes in the state. 

If you want help talking with your parents, we encourage you to invite them to visit our clinic with you. We provide many pregnancy services at no cost. Our licensed medical staff can review your pregnancy test results and ultrasound scan with them if you would like.

Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 if your parents are threatening to harm you physically. No one has the right to pressure you physically or emotionally to choose abortion.

You Medical does not perform or refer for abortions, and we cannot place your child for adoption. However, we can provide referrals to reputable adoption agencies to assist you.

You deserve to make your own decisions. Schedule a no-cost appointment to speak with a caring representative at our clinic. We’re here to help you in any way we can.