Your Options
When facing an unexpected pregnancy, you have options. Take the time you need to learn about each one and gather the information you need to make an informed decision about your future. We’re here to help you understand your options and take your next steps with confidence.
YOUR OPTIONS
Abortion
If you’re considering abortion, you don’t have to navigate your questions and concerns alone. There’s important information to understand before deciding, and our team is here to help you learn more about the process. There are several steps to consider before moving forward with an abortion, and we can help you understand what those steps may involve.
Adoption
If you’re considering adoption during an unexpected pregnancy, we’re here to listen and help you explore your options. Talk with us one-on-one, ask your questions, and learn more about the different types of adoption plans available. Together, you can explore whether adoption may be the right option for you.
Parenting
If you’re considering parenting, you may have questions about what comes next—and that’s completely normal. Our caring team at The Life Center is here to help you find answers and provide support along the way. We offer a variety of parenting resources designed to support you as you prepare for and navigate the journey of parenthood.
Considering Abortion?
Abortion procedures vary depending on how far along you are in pregnancy. The two primary types are medical abortion and surgical abortion. Both procedures involve potential risks and side effects, so it’s important to understand how each works before making your pregnancy decision.
Types of Abortion Procedures
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A medical abortion, commonly known as the abortion pill, involves two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Knowing how far along you are in your pregnancy is an important first step.
Mifepristone
Mifepristone is the first medication used in the abortion pill process. It is typically taken at a doctor’s office or abortion clinic, although it may also be taken at home. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone produced by the body during pregnancy. Blocking progesterone prevents the embryo from continuing to implant or grow.Misoprostol
Misoprostol is the second medication used in the abortion pill process and is typically taken at home. It causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina.As with any medical procedure, medical abortion can involve physical risks. According to the Mayo Clinic, possible risks include:
Incomplete abortion, which may require a surgical abortion
An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure is unsuccessful
Heavy or prolonged bleeding
Infection
Fever
Digestive system discomfort
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The two types of surgical abortion include Dilation & Evacuation (D&E) and Dilation & Curettage (D&C). Both procedures involve dilating the cervix and using vacuum aspiration and surgical instruments to remove the pregnancy from the uterus.
Before moving forward, it’s important to understand the potential risks associated with surgical abortion. While the specific procedure may vary, both involve similar methods of removing the pregnancy and carry similar risks, including:
Perforation of the uterus, which occurs when a surgical instrument creates a hole in the uterus
Damage to the cervix
Scar tissue developing on the uterine wall
Infection
Excessive bleeding
Before an Abortion
An ultrasound can provide important information about your pregnancy before you make a decision. An ultrasound can help determine how far along you are, confirm that the pregnancy is located in the uterus, and determine whether the pregnancy is viable.
Considering Adoption?
If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy and wondering whether adoption could be the right option for you, you’re not alone. You have choices, and today’s adoption process gives birth mothers more opportunity to be involved in creating an adoption plan that fits their circumstances and desires.
There are three primary types of adoption plans to consider: open adoption, closed adoption, and semi-open adoption. Each one offers a different level of communication and connection between the birth mother, child, and adoptive family.
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Do you envision remaining involved in your child’s life or having ongoing communication with your child and the adoptive family? If so, an open adoption may be a good option to explore.
Open adoption allows communication and contact between the birth mother and adoptive family. It is also the most common type of adoption plan.
With an open adoption, you and the adoptive family may exchange identifying information such as names, addresses, and phone numbers. Both parties can work together to arrange visits and determine what an ongoing relationship may look like. The level and type of contact can be shaped by the birth mother and adoptive family based on their individual circumstances and desires.
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If the circumstances surrounding your pregnancy make ongoing contact difficult, or if there are safety concerns, a closed adoption may be an option to consider.
Some women prefer the privacy and separation that a closed adoption provides. In a closed adoption, the birth mother and adoptive family remain anonymous to one another. Once the adoption is finalized, identifying information and the child’s original birth certificate are sealed according to applicable laws and procedures.
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A semi-open adoption combines elements of both open and closed adoption. It allows some communication between the birth mother, child, and adoptive family, but that communication takes place through an adoption agency or adoption specialist rather than directly between the individuals.
This type of adoption is less common, but it may provide an option for those who want some level of connection while maintaining greater privacy.
Considering Parenting?
Finding out you’re unexpectedly pregnant can bring a lot of questions about whether you’re ready to become a parent. You may be wondering:
What will my parents and family think?
Will my partner or family support me?
How will I financially provide for a child?
What if I’m a single parent?
Can I still finish high school or college?
What will I do for childcare?
How will I care for a newborn?
These may be just a few of the many questions on your mind—and that’s completely normal. Parenting is a big responsibility, but you don’t have to figure everything out by yourself. Our caring team at The Life Center is here to listen, answer your questions, and help you explore the resources available to you. You are stronger than you realize, and you are not alone.
Parenting Support & Programs
If you decide to parent, we want to come alongside you with practical resources and encouragement. Our goal is to help equip you with knowledge, skills, and support so you can feel more confident as you begin this new chapter. You don’t have to walk through it alone.
No Cost Parenting Classes
Parenting comes with plenty of practical questions. Our Earn While You Learn Program offers flexible, customizable lessons designed to help you build confidence as a parent.
You can learn about a wide range of topics, from pregnancy and breastfeeding to infant sleep and navigating toddler tantrums. We’ll help you focus on the subjects that are most relevant to your needs.
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Through our Earn While You Learn program, you can earn essential baby items by completing parenting education classes and attending weekly Bible studies. After completing a designated number of class hours, you may earn items such as a new crib, car seat, or stroller.
Classes cover a variety of topics, from what to expect during pregnancy to caring for a newborn and navigating toddler years. We’ll work with you to identify the subjects that are most helpful for your situation and build your learning experience around your needs.
The program is designed to fit your schedule and your unique circumstances. Rather than attending a traditional group class, lessons are offered through one-on-one videos, giving you greater flexibility in both the topics you study and when you complete them.
There are no income or residential requirements to participate.
Financial Preparation & Material Support
We understand that financial concerns can be a significant part of preparing for a baby. The Life Center is committed to supporting moms not only during pregnancy, but throughout the early years of their child’s life.
Depending on your needs and available resources, we can provide practical material support such as baby clothes, diapers, formula, and other essentials.
Get In TOUCH
Take The Next Step
Whether you’re ready to enroll in parenting classes or simply want to learn more about the support available to you, we’re here to help. Reach out to our team today and let us walk alongside you as you prepare for this new chapter.