"The answer to a crisis pregnancy is to eliminate the crisis, not the child." Jeanie W. French

You're pregnant... and you're not ready...

Maybe at another time in your life you would welcome the news. Right now, you feel as if your life is over. You're pregnant! You're not the only one who has felt this way after getting the results of a pregnancy test. All the "what if's" start to pop into your mind. But it's too late to go over all of that. The past cannot be undone. But, like the others, your unwanted pregnancy is not the end of the world, despite what you may think! Know that support and help are available to you. Although your life will definitely change, you don't have to stop living.

WHAT TO DO?

If you feel your pregnancy is a crisis situation, it might be hard to think straight. Take your time. Be informed. Your decision has lifelong implications. It is important to take time to yourself to examine the options available.

• Talk to someone you trust. You are not alone and helpless in your pregnancy. You may be pleased at the support your parents and friends will give you. They may express surprise, anger, or disappointment at first, but give them a chance to support you. There are pregnancy centres with counsellors who care and are trained to help. They can help you explore all the options available to you.

• Get information concerning the development of your child. Find out the age of the baby and learn about his or her characteristics

• Get information on groups that can help you carry your baby to term and help during delivery. There are groups who can also assist with medical care and housing, if you need it.

• Find out more about agencies that can help you after the baby is born. Learn about adoption possibilities, in the event that you can't keep the baby after it is born.

• Be fully informed about abortion. Get information on abortion techniques. Get information on the possible physical and emotional damage that can result after an abortion. Recognise that abortion is a business that makes a profit from your suffering. Having an abortion is an important decision. Take time to know what you are doing.

DON'T PANIC

Remember the decision you make will affect you for the rest of your life. If you're unsure, take more time to think about it. Don't let anyone pressure you into a quick decision. An abortion will not erase your pregnancy or the problems you are facing right now - your baby is not the cause of your problems.

Consider...

If you are considering abortion as a solution to your pregnancy, think about the following:

• Are you being pressurised to choose an abortion?
• Has your boyfriend or husband threatened to leave you if you do not choose to have an abortion?
• Have your parents threatened to kick you out if you do not choose an abortion?
• Are you worried about money?
• Do you feel like you have no other choice than to have an abortion?

ABORTION IS NO SOLUTION

An abortion is not the solution to any of these scenarios. It will most likely create problems in relationships with your baby's father and with your parents. The shared guilt will create a wall between you and those you love. There are also physical and psychological effects as a result of having an abortion. Remember that you should obtain all the information you need before making this major decision.

Use the drop down menu or these links below 

• Pregnancy Test
• I'm pregnant
• Telling Your Parents
• Counselling
• Making a Decision
• Crisis Pregnancies : Personal Stories
• Babies We Were Told to Abort