Emotional manipulation can come from a partner, family member, friend, co-worker, or anyone with a stake in your decision. How do you know if someone is pressuring you into making one decision over another? There are signs to watch out for. 

No one has the right to pressure you to choose abortion. Here are a few tips to help you recognize when you’re being manipulated.

Does the Person Want You to Make a Quick Decision?

Pressuring you to act quickly is one form of manipulation. The person may tell you that there’s no time to wait. They don’t want you to gather information and take time to think it through completely.

They may schedule an abortion appointment for you or secretly order the abortion drugs. Let them know you need time to consider your next step and you won’t be making a quick decision.

Are They Threatening to Withhold Something?

Parents may threaten to kick you out of the house or withhold financial help if you don’t have an abortion. Your partner may threaten to leave you. An employer may threaten to fire you. Legally, no one can force you to have an abortion, not even your parents, even if you are underage.

When someone withholds care from another person, it’s usually because they are more concerned about themselves. How will your pregnancy make them look? How will it affect them personally? They aren’t thinking about your wishes or future. 

If people are withholding their love and concern, come talk to a caring team member at NorthStar Women’s Center. We’ll listen without judgment or condemnation.

Are You Being Manipulated Verbally?

Threats don’t have to be physical to be real. By dismissing your opinions, the person pressuring you tries to make you feel ignorant. No matter how hard you try to explain, your opinions never have value. They may say, “Your views about abortion are not what intelligent people think.”

They immediately dismiss your fears or questions about abortion, so you begin to doubt yourself. The person putting pressure on you doesn’t want to discuss other options besides abortion. 

The aggressor may try to humiliate you publicly. They want you to feel bad for thinking anything other than what they feel is best.

Tell them that this decision is yours alone to make. You are the only one who will ultimately live with the consequences of the final decision.

Are You Responsible for Their Happiness?

It takes two to become pregnant. If your partner is blaming you totally for the unplanned pregnancy, it is a form of manipulation. The person pressuring you talks constantly about their happiness and how you are responsible for it. In their minds, your decision about the pregnancy should be based on their needs, not yours.

They act like victims. The one pressuring you insists that your obligation to them is to make their life better.

Come to NorthStar for Free and Confidential Help

To make a confident decision, there’s more to know than just a positive pregnancy test and a late period. Confirm your pregnancy at NorthStar with free lab-quality pregnancy testing administered by a medical professional. If your test is positive, schedule an ultrasound. You’ll get all the information you need. 

Call 610-321-7277 or fill out our confidential online contact form. Get the facts before making a decision. Let us focus on you.

NorthStar Women’s Center does not perform or refer for abortion.