If your birth control failed, you may feel anxious and overwhelmed. The good news is that you have options, and you do not have to sort through them alone.
Crossroads Women’s Center is a trusted place for counseling and support, offering compassionate care, clear information, and help as you consider your next steps. We meet you where you are.
Keep reading to learn what steps to take if you believe your birth control has failed. You can also schedule a free appointment with us for pregnancy confirmation and options information..
First, Confirm the Pregnancy
Before making any decision, get accurate medical information. That means taking a pregnancy test and scheduling an ultrasound.
An ultrasound can tell you how far along the pregnancy is, whether the pregnancy appears viable (developing and has a heartbeat), and whether the pregnancy is in the uterus. This last detail is relevant because some pregnancies occur outside the uterus, which is called an ectopic pregnancy. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications.
Once you have confirmed the pregnancy, you can focus on making informed decisions going forward. You have three options: parenting, adoption, or abortion.
Parenting
Parenting may seem difficult at first, but with the right support, it may be more possible than you think. Many women successfully raise children with the help of family, friends, and community resources.
Support can come in many forms, including emotional encouragement, childcare help, or practical assistance from programs like SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, local food banks, and housing support. If you have people around you who are willing to help, parenting may be a realistic and fulfilling option.
Adoption
Adoption is another option to consider. It gives your child the opportunity to be raised by a family that is ready and eager to parent. Many adoptive families also help cover pregnancy-related expenses.
Adoption can be arranged in different ways depending on what feels right to you, and you have more say in the process than you might think. You can pick the adoptive family who will raise your child or choose the type of future contact that feels right for you, from letters and photos to in-person visits. Also, you decide how things go at the hospital, including whether you see and hold your baby.
Abortion
Abortion ends the pregnancy, but it is important to make that decision with full information. This option carries physical risks, including infection, damage to the uterus, and complications that may affect future fertility.
There can also be emotional and psychological effects. Some women experience grief, regret, anxiety, or depression after an abortion. Understanding both the physical and emotional risks can help you during the decision-making process.
We’re Here For You
No matter what you are considering, you are not alone. With the right support and accurate information, you can make the decision that is right for you.
Contact Crossroads Women’s Center today to get started.
Crossroads Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information.