Dad’s play an important role in the pregnancy decision.
If you are reading this, you may have just found out that your girlfriend is pregnant and you’re wanting to know what to do next. It’s completely normal to have lots of different thoughts and feelings, and it’s going to take time to sort them out. You might be feeling:
- Scared
- Angry
- Worried
- Confused
- Doubtful
- Afraid
It’s important to talk to the mother of the baby. She may or may not be your girlfriend, and you may or may not want to have a baby with her. It is important to communicate, because she may be feeling many of the same things. If you are finding it difficult to talk with her, find a time to come and talk with us. You can come alone or together, but it’s not a situation you can ignore. We are here to help you decide.
What do I need to know?
When the pregnancy test is positive, you have three choices, and only three choices. The choice you make now will have a significant impact on your future and should never be made alone or without serious consideration.
Become a Dad
Becoming a parent is a huge life change. You’re probably wondering,
- How can I afford a baby?
- Will I be able to stay in school?
- Do I have to get married?
These are all the right questions to be asking and we can help you think through them. Often when men get over the shock of hearing they are going to be a dad, they begin to understand that their life may no longer look like what they had planned. Although not the same, a different and often better plan can begin to emerge that allows men to pursue their goals and still become a father.
Place the child for Adoption
Adoption is a great option if you decide you just can’t (or don’t want to) raise a child at this stage in your life. Adoption counselors are readily available to help you through the adoption process. You can choose parents for your baby, decide how involved you want to be and provide a future for your baby. We can answer your questions on adoption, help you understand the options and connect with local agencies that can help you explore this option further.
Think about Abortion
Abortion is a medical procedure that results in ending a pregnancy by removing the fetus or embryo from the womb. It can be performed with strong medication or by surgery. Although abortion may seem to have the quickest immediate outcome, don’t discount the enormity of the decision as it could have lasting effects on your life and the mother of the baby.
Learn more about risks and side effects in this recent blog.
As you process your options, sometimes it’s helpful to sit down with someone who isn’t involved to talk about how you’re feeling and what option is best for you. Our team at PRCCO is available and would love to listen and help in any way we can.
Once you’ve had some time to come up with a plan you will need to have a conversation with both your parents and hers.