Unplanned Pregnancy

Unplanned, or unexpected, pregnancies are becoming increasingly common in Australia, with more than 200,000 unplanned pregnancies each year. These may not be unwanted, but unplanned pregnancies bring about some very important decisions.

Feeling?

You may be experiencing shock that this could happen to you. Maybe you’re scared, confused and unaware of your options.

It is important you realise you are not alone and that support is available to you. Seek guidance and talk to someone, be it your partner or the man involved in the pregnancy, a close friend or family member. For unbiased and non-judgemental professional support, a counsellor may provide you with all the information you need, and be able to support you in making a decision which is right for you.

Options?

Determining the fate of an unplanned pregnancy may be the most difficult emotional decision you will ever have to make. An unplanned pregnancy may drive you to consider your values and beliefs when examining the options available to you. You may:

Continue the pregnancy to keep and care for the child (parenting);
Terminate the pregnancy (abortion); or
Choose adoption or another care arrangement.

Parenting

Choosing to continue the pregnancy, and become a parent or raise another child, may be challenging and also very rewarding. Considerations for this decision involve the level of parenting support from your partner or parents, your mental and physical health during pregnancy, and financial and employment issues.

Abortion

While there is varying legislation, abortion services are available in all states and when performed in registered clinics, pregnancy termination is a very safe procedure. Many women who have experienced a pregnancy termination have expressed feelings of despair, depression, and guilt, while others have expressed feelings of relief and a burden being lifted. This will naturally depend on your religious and moral values. However this option should be carefully considered and made with the support and guidance of informed and supportive family and friends.

Adoption

Birth parents may sign an Adoption Consent form seven days, at the earliest, following the birth of a child, and 18 years after the birth, at the latest. There is then a 30 day "cooling off" period, after which time the adoption is legal and the child may be placed with adoptive parents.

While there is no rule as to how to make a decision about an unplanned pregnancy, it is essential you seek guidance and support. This may be from friends, family or a professional counsellor. You must be informed, and committed to your final choice. It's a tough decision, but one only you can make.