My Three Choices
When you find out you are pregnant, your life will never be
the same again, no matter what choice you make. That moment
of discovery can be especially shocking if it is an
unplanned pregnancy. It will take some time to let the
initial shock set in. LifeChoices can help you know where to
begin. Start by making an appointment to confirm your
pregnancy. At that time, you may have an ultrasound and a
lay counselor will discuss all of your options and answer
any questions you may have. To set up a free and
confidential appointment, call LifeChoices at 417-624-8030
or toll-free 1-800-638-1023. You may want to consider
writing down your thoughts, feelings, and fears about each
option. Because this is a pivotal decision that you will
never forget, you will want to explore every possibility.
Here are some thoughts to contemplate when considering all
of your parenting options—parenting, adoption, and abortion.
Your Choice to Parent:
Being a parent has been described as one of the most
challenging and rewarding experiences of life. It is a
miracle to watch this tiny life grow inside of you and
develop into a person with a unique personality, interests
and talents; as you learn how to guide, encourage and
provide for this extension of you. Besides love, the most
essential need in parenting is support.
Ask yourself the following questions:
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Is marrying the father a
possibility? Why or why not?
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What type of support could he
provide? (i.e.: financial, role model, childcare)
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How would my family help?
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Could I live with family or
another single mom?
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How could I share
responsibilities with those I live with?
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What would it take to live on my
own with my baby?
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How can I continue to reach my
goals to make a better life for me and my baby?
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Would I consider applying for
Medicaid, WIC and other government programs?
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Have I called LifeChoices to
find resources in my area that can provide parenting
support and supplies?
Click here for more information on parenting.
Your Choice to Place for Adoption:
There are a wide range of adoption plans to choose from,
everything from closed to very open adoptions. Obtain as
much information on adoption as possible to make an informed
decision. Here are some things that adoption can include:
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You can choose the adoptive
family and many details of your child's future.
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You can determine what you would
like your relationship to be with your child and the
adoptive family.
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At any point in the process you
may decide to parent. Every state is different, though
most adoptions are final when the child is 6 months old.
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Counseling, support groups and
other services enable each person involved to work
through the grieving process, issues of loss and
challenges along the way.
Ask yourself the following questions:
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What would be an ideal home for
my child?
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What do I want to provide for my
child?
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Have I called LifeChoices
(toll-free 1-800-638-1023 or 417-624-8030) to find out
about adoption services and counselors in my area?
Click here for more information on adoption.
Your Choice to Have an Abortion:
Though no decision will be easy and each comes with
different challenges, gathering as much information on the
types of abortion procedures and their risks will help you
make an informed decision. Remember that this is your
decision, even though other's opinions may matter.
Ask yourself the following questions:
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Am I informed of all the
procedures and risks?
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Have I been tested for STD's?
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What are my state's laws?
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Is there anyone pressuring me to
have an abortion?
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Have I talked with someone who
has been through an abortion to discuss their
experience?
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How have I viewed abortion in
the past?
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Have I called LifeChoices
(toll-free 1-800-638-1023 or 417-624-8030) to discuss my
options and find out more of the facts on abortion?
Click here for more information on abortion.
If you would like to talk to someone further about your
choices, or would like to schedule a pregnancy test, please
call LifeChoices at 417-624-8030 or toll-free
1-800-638-1023. All of our services are completely
confidential. You can also click
here to schedule an appointment.
**LifeChoices does not perform abortions or provide
referrals for abortions.**
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