If you are facing an unintended pregnancy, you are not alone if you do not feel ready to be a parent. You may be thinking about your finances, school, work, relationships, or that you don’t feel emotionally ready to parent.
Many women feel like this after they learn they are unexpectedly pregnant, and these feelings are valid. You can take as much time as you need to explore your options before making a decision.
At First Care Clinic, we provide free and confidential pregnancy services, including medical-grade pregnancy testing and ultrasounds performed by our sonographers to help confirm your pregnancy.
We can also discuss the options available to you in a supportive, non-judgmental space.
Schedule your free and confidential appointment today.
Parenting May Come With More Support Than You Think
If you don’t feel ready to be a parent, we understand. However, many women are surprised to learn how much support and assistance are available to them.
There are a variety of resources you can connect with, such as health insurance to start prenatal care, referrals to a doctor, or help with housing. At First Care Clinic, we also offer free support services, including our pregnancy and parenting education programs, where you can build your skills and expand your knowledge.
We can also connect you with trusted community resources and referrals based on your needs.
Understand Adoption
Adoption is another option if you do not feel ready to parent but want to continue your pregnancy. Modern adoption now allows for different levels of contact depending on the relationship you want to have with the child and adoptive family.
There are three main types of adoption, including:
- Open adoption – Where you can learn information about the adoptive family, and maintain contact with the child.
- Semi-open – Communication with the child is mainly through a third party, but is more limited than open communication.
- Closed – Your information remains entirely private.
Adoption services are free, and all medical and legal expenses are covered. This decision can be a difficult but also rewarding option if you want your child to have a future in a loving home.
Learn the Facts About Abortion
If you are considering abortion as another option, it’s important to understand the different types and potential risks involved before you decide.
Before making an abortion decision, you need to confirm your pregnancy with a test and an ultrasound so you can know medical details such as how far along you are, the location of the pregnancy, and the viability.
These details can affect your options. For example, if you are past ten weeks of gestation, then medical abortion is no longer suitable according to the FDA. Knowing the location of your pregnancy also rules out the risk of an ectopic pregnancy, where the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus. This is a medical emergency.
Side effects of abortion include cramping and bleeding for both surgical and medical abortion. There are also other risks and complications to be aware of, such as an incomplete abortion, heavy bleeding, fever, and infection.
You should also consider the psychological effects of abortion. Women who have abortions are at a higher risk of mental health issues than women who do not, as found by this study.
Get Confidential Pregnancy Support at First Care Clinic
At our clinic, all appointments are free and confidential. Once your pregnancy test and ultrasound results are confirmed, we can provide accurate information on all your options and answer any questions you may have.
We also offer free STI testing and treatment to protect your health. Our clinic is located in Madison and a mobile clinic is located in Wisconsin Dells.
Contact us to make an appointment today.
First Care Clinic does not provide or refer for abortions.