Legally, only your choice matters on whether or not you want to terminate the pregnancy. If your partner is trying to pressure you to a specific outcome, like an abortion, know that you cannot be forced to make this decision.
Read this article for practical steps to consider alternative options so you can empower yourself to make a decision that aligns with your values and wishes, regardless of what your partner pressures you to do.
Assess Your Situation
If you’re at odds with your partner over your pregnancy decision, you are not alone. According to the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons, nearly 75% of women who had an abortion felt at least somewhat pressured by others.
When reflecting on your unique situation, it’s helpful to try and understand where your partner is coming from to see if you can find common ground. Here are a few questions to consider:
- Is he willing or open to discussing abortion alternatives?
- How do I feel about continuing a pregnancy without his support?
- Does he have a support system he can rely on to help him process the news of the pregnancy?
If he does not have a safe space or support structure, an insistence on abortion or emotional reaction to the pregnancy, in general, could be a signal of fear or insecurities.
Recommend that they reach out to a friend or therapist to discuss options, but if you ever feel disrespected or unsafe, it’s not your job to try to change his mind. Your priority should be your own safety and well-being, as well as making a plan you feel confident about.
Learn More About Your Options
Once you’ve evaluated whether or not your partner is willing to support you on your own decision-making journey, the next step is to gather more details about your pregnancy.
Scheduling a free, limited ultrasound at our center is an excellent starting place because it will tell you facts like the gestational age, location, and viability of your pregnancy.
These details can affect which procedures you are eligible for or if you need medical assistance in the event of an ectopic pregnancy.
If your partner is still not fully cooperative, try inviting them to come for an ultrasound as a way to show support for your pregnancy.
If they refuse, remember that you are not alone! At Crossroads Women’s Center, we are here to walk alongside you and share practical and emotional support during your pregnancy.
Feel Empowered
In addition to free ultrasounds and pregnancy testing, we offer options consultations for women who are interested in learning about abortion alternatives in a safe, compassionate environment.
With or without your partner, we are here to help equip you to make a confident decision.
Contact us today!