When a friend tells you she is unexpectedly pregnant, you may want to help right away. Maybe you start thinking about what you would do in her situation or which option seems most realistic.
Instead of offering advice, remember that it’s her decision, and there is likely a lot on her mind. Your friend may be thinking about money, school, housing, her relationship, or something you had not considered. The best thing you can do is be a consistent presence as she weighs her options.
Greater Hope Care Center offers no-cost, confidential options consultations for women facing an unplanned pregnancy. Your friend can schedule an appointment if she wants to learn more about parenting, adoption, and abortion before deciding. We can support you, too.
If She Is Considering Parenting
Your friend may be interested in parenting but unsure how she would manage the financial or day-to-day responsibilities.
We provide long-term support for parenting clients. Our parenting classes, for example, cover topics such as health, finances, budgeting, cooking, parenting, and other life skills. Material items, including formula and clothing, can be earned through class participation.
We can also connect clients with trusted community resources for needs such as:
- Housing assistance
- Childcare
- Medical services
- Counseling
- Job training
- WIC and other community programs
If your friend keeps saying, “I don’t know how I could do this,” helping her find out what assistance is available is one of the most important ways you can support her.
If She Is Considering Adoption
Adoption can look very different depending on the plan your friend may be considering. Plans range from open adoptions, which would allow her to establish an ongoing relationship with her child and their adoptive family, to closed adoptions, which involve no identifying information or ongoing contact.
Your friend likely has questions about how the adoption process works. We can refer clients to licensed, reputable adoption agencies that provide guidance throughout pregnancy and the placement process. An adoption professional can explain choices such as selecting an adoptive family and deciding what kind of future contact she may want.
Birth mothers generally do not pay adoption-related legal expenses. Medical expenses are also typically covered when insurance does not already pay them. Depending on the circumstances, additional assistance may be available for maternity clothing, housing, professional counseling, and other pregnancy-related needs.
Learning about adoption does not obligate your friend to choose it, but it will help her make a more informed decision.
If She Is Considering Abortion
If abortion is on your friend’s mind, you can help her find medically accurate information rather than relying on social media, personal stories, or assumptions.
One thing you can do is encourage her to speak with our team. She may want to ask how different abortion procedures work, which procedure could apply based on how far along she is, and what side effects and risks are associated with each one. We also offer no-cost ultrasound referrals to help confirm how far along she is.
Our options consultations give your friend a place to ask these questions and carefully explore her options before deciding. Ultimately, the decision is hers alone; we’ll help her get all of the facts.
Be the Friend Who Listens
Your role does not have to be deciding what she should do.
You can listen, help her write down questions, offer a ride to an appointment if she asks, or remind her that she doesn’t have to decide today. We’ll also be here to help you if you need support or encouragement.
Encourage your friend to schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment with Greater Hope Care Center. We’re here for you both.
Greater Hope Care Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
