> How do you feel about being pregnant?
> What are your plans and dreams?
> What are your values? What do you believe?
> Summing up your feelings
If you - like so many women - have mixed feelings about being pregnant and about each of the choices open to you, making a decision can feel scary and difficult. In making your decision, it is helpful to know your feelings, name them, and look at them. To figure out how you are feeling right now, try to finish each of these sentences.
The idea of becoming a parent makes me feel ...
because ...
The idea of arranging for an adoption makes me feel ...
because ...
The idea of having an abortion makes me feel ...
because ...
Now that you have explored your choices, and clarified your feelings and values about your choices, you may be ready to make a decision. Since you probably have conflicting feelings about each choice, you may find that whatever decision you make won't feel like the "perfect" decision. It is natural to continue to have some mixed feelings. Ask yourself, "Can I handle those feelings?"
If your answer is "Yes," you are ready to act on your decision. If you cannot decide, you may need to get more information about your choices or talk with someone you trust - not to decide for you, but to help you decide what you think will be best for you. That person could be a:
- parent or other family member;
- teacher or religious counselor;
- close friend or partner who cares about you; or
- counselor in a social service or family planning agency.
The questions in this guide might help you and that person discuss your choices.
Even without knowing how far along your pregnancy is, we must emphasize the importance of deciding soon. If you decide to continue the pregnancy, it is important to begin prenatal care early so you and your baby are healthy. If you decide on abortion, the earlier you obtain it, the safer it will be.
No one can predict the future. No one can be certain what all of the consequences of any choice may be. What you can do, however, is carefully consider your plans, your values, and your feelings, and then make the best decision you can at the time.
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