As you quietly shared the news about your pregnancy, your partner, a family member, or a friend most likely gave their opinion about what you should do. Usually, those closest to you offer their opinions because they care about you. But what do you do when an opinion feels like pressure?
Having an abortion is a serious medical decision. Learn to recognize the subtle signs of manipulation and pressure because no one but you can make this important decision.
They Insist There is No Time to Waste
A way to mentally manipulate or pressure you is to force a quick decision. When it comes to choosing an abortion, they may make the appointment for you and be waiting in the car to drive you to the clinic. They give you no time to think about what is best for you.
They Verbally Bully You
Someone can pressure you emotionally by constantly criticizing your opinion. The person may belittle you for having feelings or wanting to consider another option besides abortion. By humiliating you in front of others, they feel they gain power over you.
They immediately dismiss your fears or questions about abortion, so you begin to doubt yourself. The person pressuring you doesn’t want to discuss other options.
You Get Blamed for the Pregnancy
Although it takes two to become pregnant, your accuser blames you for letting it happen. They talk about themselves and how the pregnancy will affect them if you don’t choose abortion. In their minds, your decision about the pregnancy should be based on their needs, not yours.
You are made to feel incredibly guilty for not considering their feelings.
They Verbally Threaten You
Your partner may tell you they will break up with you or leave you if you don’t choose abortion. Your parents may threaten to kick you out of the house or withhold money if you do not have an abortion. Friends may stop calling. Each threat encourages you to “make the right choice.” In other words, do what I tell you, and I will support you.
Some people raise their voices as a form of emotional aggression. Although they don’t touch you, they may talk or stand a certain way or use excited gestures to intimidate you.
You Need to Be Safe
According to the March of Dimes, symptoms of abuse worsen during pregnancy. What you need to know is no one can legally force you to make one pregnancy decision over another.
You deserve to be respected and safe. If you feel physically or emotionally pressured to choose abortion, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE (7233). You can also read the Warning Signs of Abuse on their website.
You Have Options
If you want to consider other options besides abortion, talk with your local pregnancy resource center or give us a call at A Gift of Hope Adoptions. We can discuss your situation and your options for parenting or making an adoption plan.
The choice is yours and yours alone. Come and talk with us. You can complete our online contact form or call (888) 564-HOPE (4673). We are here for you and provide all our services, including consultations, free of charge.
This blog is for informational purposes only. This is not legal or medical advice. While we try our best to reflect current laws with accuracy at the time of writing, please note the laws can change over time.