An unexpected pregnancy brings a flood of emotions, and often a flood of opinions from the people around you. When those opinions turn into pressure, it becomes hard to hear your own voice.
Here’s the truth: your unique pregnancy decision is a life-long decision that you need to feel comfortable and confident with.
Talk with the caring team at Elevier Women’s Center during a no-cost appointment. You’ll have a pressure-free space to breathe, think, and ask questions.
In the meantime, here’s what to do when friends and family are pressuring you to choose an abortion.
Take a Step Back and Assess the Pressure
Your partner, friends, and family applying the pressure may have good intentions. A worried parent, a scared partner, a practical-minded friend. Their concerns may be real, but that doesn’t make their pressure okay.
Assess the situation. Who has your best interests at heart? What is causing the pressure?
Thinking through these relationship dynamics will help you discern how to respond and where to set boundaries. It’s a red flag when friends and family don’t listen to you or show any regard for your thoughts or feelings. You deserve respect and time to process your decision.
Get Space Before You Get Input
Before engaging with those pressuring you, spend time processing your thoughts. Try journaling or reflecting on your short- and long-term goals and plans.
Ask yourself what you would want if no one around you had an opinion.
Learn All You Can to Make an Informed Choice
At Elevier Women’s Center, we’ll give you your key pregnancy details needed through a pregnancy test and an ultrasound. Plus, additional information about local resources and organizations ready to assist you.
Knowing your health information and all the available resources can help you process your choices and plan for the future.
Protect Your Safety
If the pressure ever turns dangerous, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline. You deserve to feel safe in your relationship and at home.
Additionally, being forced against your will into an abortion is illegal. The Center Against Forced Abortion provides helpful letter templates you can use if you are in a coercion situation.
We’re Here to Help You
At Elevier Women’s Center in Elk River, MN, we offer no-cost appointments where your voice is heard. Our caring team is here to help you through whatever situation you’re facing during your pregnancy.
Schedule your appointment today.
Elevier Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions.