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Navigating Pressure from Friends and Family When Considering Abortion

Your go-to destination for all things pregnancy-related, offering helpful articles, tips, and real-life stories

The stress from an unexpected pregnancy is more than enough without adding the pressure of everyone’s opinions. Your friends and family most likely mean well, but sometimes their opinions feel more like demands. 

The decision about how to handle your pregnancy is yours alone. No one has the right to force you to make one choice over another. No matter what type of pressure you’re receiving, take a step back to consider what this will mean. Don’t let others dictate the outcome.

At NorthStar Women’s Center, we don’t profit from your decision. That gives us the freedom to provide you with clear, factual information about all your options. If you’re considering abortion, be sure to get the facts about the side effects and potential complications.

We’re here to help you decide what’s best for your future and learn how to handle pressure from others. Schedule a confidential, no-cost appointment today.

Have You Educated Yourself About Abortion? 

Did you know that the type of abortion you qualify for is usually determined by how far along you are in your pregnancy? Pennsylvania bans abortion after 23 weeks and 6 days unless the mother’s life is at risk.

The FDA only approves the drugs for the abortion pill method through 10 weeks of pregnancy. The risks of taking the drugs later in your pregnancy include an incomplete abortion, heavy and prolonged bleeding, an infection, and even an ongoing pregnancy if the drugs don’t work. Do you know exactly how far along you are?

Having an abortion can also cause mental health complications for at least some women. Women who have had previous emotional problems are at greater risk.

Did You Know There’s a Chance You’re Not Actually Pregnant?

Even if your period is late and you’ve gotten a positive pregnancy test result, there’s a possibility you’re no longer pregnant. Experts estimate that between 10 and 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. Other research suggests that more than 30% of pregnancies end in miscarriage.  

Because it may take your body weeks or a month to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels, you could get a positive pregnancy test but no longer be pregnant.

How Do You Get the Answers You Need?

At NorthStar Women’s Center, you receive confidential lab-quality pregnancy testing or retesting at no cost to you. If your test is still positive, we’ll provide a free and confidential limited obstetrical ultrasound. With an ultrasound, you’ll learn:

  • If your pregnancy is developing or if you’ve had a miscarriage.
  • How many weeks you have been pregnant.
  • If your pregnancy’s location is correct.

In addition, we’ll offer free and confidential limited STI testing and treatment to protect your sexual health.

How Do You Stop the Pressure?

Only you have the power to end the pressure from family and friends. Let others know that you’re taking time to consider your options. We can help you look at all three. By taking this time, you’re not making a quick decision to please others.

You also want to consider your personal values. No matter what you decide, your choice has life-altering possibilities. Make a list of what’s important to you.

Be sure to set boundaries. Let the ones giving you their opinion know you’re listening, but you will make the final decision. If they persist, excuse yourself from their angry or disappointed arguments.

Let Us Help You

You need somewhere to express your thoughts and think clearly without pressure. Let us be that safe space for you. We’ll provide the physical and emotional support you’re looking for. 

Contact us by filling out our contact form, chatting with us online, or calling 610-321-7277. Our time will be completely confidential and provided at no cost to you.

We care about you. Be sure to contact us today.