Click here for information for family and friends

You may need some time to think about the issues surrounding your pregnancy. The good news is that there is hope. You don't need to hide. You may not see the way forward yet, but there is a way. It just takes courage, support and the willingness to consider new possibilities.

What am I facing?

Think first of what it is that you are actually facing. You don't have to have all the answers right now, but you can be honest with yourself and say it how it is.

Don't worry if it seems overwhelming at first. Things will become clearer over time. There is hope. You're walking down a road that has been travelled by many other women before: women like you, who made tough decisions they have been proud of and who found answers along the way, even when it seemed impossible.

Thinking it through

So how do you respond to the challenges surrounding your pregnancy? What's going to make the difference for you travelling through this season well?

Can we suggest that hope is going to be vital for your journey? You may not have many people encouraging you about your pregnancy, but we'd like to share a fresh perspective that can offer hope.

We want to say that you can do it! Are there challenges? Can you find a way to overcome them? As a woman, you have internal resilience and strength that is amazing. As a mother, you have the lioness instinct – you are a protector and a nurturer. This is your baby and no-one can lessen the value of your little one.

This could actually be an amazing turning point in your life. This could be the beginning of new possibilities you would never have imagined. Life is full of surprises and challenges, but it is how you respond to them that makes all the difference. We encourage you to make a decision you can be proud of for the rest of your life.

Ultimately the good news is that you can have both your baby and your own life! This is not the end but a new beginning. With the right tools, today's fears can be turned into tomorrow's freedom. There is no need for secrets, lies or regrets. Don't hide or be ashamed. Look ahead. The future can be bright.

If you would like to talk to someone about this, please contact Diamond Pregnancy Support on (02) 8003-4990 for the cost of a local call (from anywhere in Australia).

 

 


For friendship groups that support motherhood...

mops


For information and support on adoption...

bub


need counselling


For information on the risks of abortion
and procedures used...

Abortion Information



Roula's Story — After Abortion

 



Bernie's Story

"After about six months of going out, we had sex, we were 16. I couldn't believe I'd done it. I was the last person that anyone would think would have sex, it went against all of my morals and personality. I was always known as a 'good girl'."

 


Making Your Choice

You are incredibly valuable, and so is your baby. Here are two possible choices that value both of you.

Option 1: Embracing Motherhood

You can be a great mum! Whether it's child number 1 or number 5, whether you're a teenager, at university, working, or an older mum, the amazing thing is that this baby is yours. And so, you can experience a love and a bond which will give you energy to do the job. You will be amazed!

There are many different types of mums – some stay at home full-time, others mix motherhood with study and/or work. Many share the job with family or friends. If you don't have much support, we can put you in touch with a group of mothers who've done it all before and are doing it again.

Your child is unique and irreplaceable. Loving your baby and watching your child grow and develop will be one of the highlights of your life.

Motherhood values you and your baby.

Motherhood is a decision you can be proud of for the rest of your life.

Option 2: Embracing Adoption

Maybe the best decision for you and your baby is actually the love and help of another beautiful family. There are many couples who are longing to love and raise their own baby, but are unable to conceive. Your choice could be the gift that changes their lives and sets your baby up for a life of love and joy.

Adoption is not abandoning your child – it may be the best way to make an appropriate choice for your baby's future. There are many options with adoption, and it may be helpful for you to get more information. (See our resource page).

Adoption values you and your baby. Adoption is a decision you can be proud of for the rest of your life.

What About Abortion?

Abortion is not a choice that values both lives. It devalues mothers, often leaving them with a lifetime of regret and emotional turmoil. And it places no value on the life of the baby. It is a lose-lose situation.

Please don't believe the lie that abortion will return your life to normal. It is an irreversible decision with painful consequences for you and your baby. Many women describe it as a scar that will never go away.

"The guilt just grew and I felt so condemned, I realise this was a life – it wasn't just nothing. It got worse and worse and every year around August when I had the abortion I would think about my child." ('Sienna' – aged 36, had abortion at 18)

Your circumstances may seem overwhelming, but there is always hope. Please talk this through with someone who may be able to see the hope you can't yet fathom. You don't have to do it alone.

Where to from here?

Today is a new day. You're going to be OK. Have courage, find support and be open to new possibilities.

Every journey begins with a single step. Take one day at a time. It doesn't need to be overwhelming. Here are some first steps that may be helpful for you:

Call Diamond Pregnancy Support (It can sometimes be easier to talk to someone you don't know).

Check out our friends option on the next page of the website. Don't do it alone.

Check out our need hope page.

Go to our resource page for further help.

Congratulations! The destiny of you and your baby awaits…

Check out Don't Do It Alone

 
             
             

© Women are Courageous Limited 2010–. All Rights Reserved.