Forced abortions come in many forms. No matter the specifics of your situation, we want you to know: You don’t have to get an abortion if you don’t want to, even if other people or your circumstances say you do.
A recent study found that many women felt like they had to end their pregnancy, even when they wanted to keep it. Nearly a quarter (24%) said their abortions were “unwanted or coerced.” Another 43% said they chose to have an abortion even though it wasn’t what they preferred or didn’t match their values. The study also found that these women were more likely to have negative mental health and emotional effects from the abortion.
We always want your decision about your pregnancy to be informed. We want it to be your choice. Keep reading to learn what a forced abortion is and how you can control the decision you make for your pregnancy.
What is a forced abortion?
An abortion is forced when a woman feels pressure to terminate her pregnancy, especially if she doesn’t want to. This pressure can come in many ways, including:
- A partner who threatens violence if she doesn’t have an abortion
- A partner who gives an ultimatum to the woman, such as “I’ll break up with you if you don’t have an abortion” or “I’ll pay for the abortion but I won’t give you money if you keep the pregnancy”
- Family or friends who threaten to withhold housing or support if the woman keeps the pregnancy
- An employer who threatens to fire a woman if she gets pregnant
Additionally, some pressure comes from circumstances rather than people. In the study mentioned before, 60% of women said they would have wanted to keep their pregnancy if they’d had more social or financial support. You might feel like you have to get an abortion because of your situation too. Your circumstances could force your abortion if you:
- Worry you can’t afford to keep your pregnancy
- Lack the funds or social support for childcare
- Feel that keeping the pregnancy will negatively affect your other children
- Lack a support system
- Feel unprepared emotionally or mentally
These feelings and struggles are real and valid. But they aren’t impossible to overcome. If you feel like abortion is your only choice, we have good news:
There is hope.
There’s no magic solution to your challenges, but you do have access to resources that can help you solve these hardships. More importantly, you aren’t alone. Don’t settle for a choice you don’t want because you feel trapped. Get the information and help you need to make an informed choice that is best for your future.
What if I don’t want to have an abortion?
1. Learn about all your pregnancy options
The first step is to learn about all your options. On a very basic level, you can choose abortion, adoption, or parenting for your pregnancy. But there is a lot involved with each of these choices.
During your appointment at our clinic, you can talk with your Patient Advocate about your situation, fears, and hopes. We’ll explain the pros and cons of each pregnancy option to help you fully understand your options. You’ll learn about the types of adoption and the types of abortion.
Most importantly, our free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and STD testing and treatment will help you understand your health and pregnancy. You will learn how far along you are, which may affect your options. We’ll also check the viability of your pregnancy to help guide your next steps.
No matter your circumstances, we want you to leave with the information you need to feel confident about your decision.
2. Explore your resources
Along with exploring your options, we’ll give you resources that can offer additional support. If you are considering abortion, for example, we can offer information about the different procedures and what you can expect from each.
Or if you are thinking about adoption, we can connect you with people who can answer all your questions. They can explain the process and the choices you have control over. You have more power in this situation than you might think!
Deciding to parent also comes with many options. We can help you find resources that meet your needs as a single parent or as a family. You and your partner can join our Aspire Pregnancy & Parenting Program for further support.
3. Find support
Our team at Thrive Orlando works every day to empower women to make the best choice for their pregnancy. You deserve to have all the information you need and want. No matter what decision you make, we want you to feel confident that it is the right choice.
You should never feel forced to make a decision you don’t want. Even when things seem impossible, resources and support may offer the solution you need.
Find the information, resources, and compassionate support you need at Thrive Orlando.
