If you are facing an unintended pregnancy, we encourage you to call the Centre at 380-6883 and make an appointment to come in and talk with one of our trained volunteer counsellors.

The Canadian Medical Association's abortion policy for doctors states that patients in this situation must be provided with “the option of full and immediate counselling services in the event of an unwanted pregnancy”1. In a recent Leger poll, 68% of Canadians support a physician providing a women considering abortion "with information about fetal development, possible complications and alternatives to abortion"2. In the last election, Paul Martin stated that women should have "the opportunity to receive counselling before enduring the procedure." Then-Conservative Health critic Rob Merrifield stated that "counselling would be valuable for young women contemplating an abortion.” He suggested a third party to provide information on the truth and consequential risks of an abortion3.

Professional studies indicate that persons facing unintended pregnancy experience better adjustment after their decision (whatever it is) if they are confident that they:4

  • had access to all the information regarding all the choices
  • had the time to think through their decision (did not feel rushed)
  • had the power to make the decision themselves (did not feel pressured by family, friends or professionals)
  • were assured of support in their decision (emotional and practical if needed)

Our mandate is to provide women with a safe, caring atmosphere where the above factors are respected. None of the “choices” at the time of an unintended pregnancy are easy ones. Without pressure in any direction, our volunteer counsellors invite clients to consider the pros and cons of every option, offer support and stand by women whatever their decisions. There is no judgement about actions taken. Clients are welcome to come back and talk at any time.

How does a woman consider her options?
Here are some ideas to think about ...

  • Did you ever think what you might do if you got pregnant?
  • Where did those thoughts come from (self, family, friends)?
  • Do you have values or beliefs around abortion, adoption, motherhood, keeping a baby in a "less than ideal" situation?
  • Is there a spiritual dimension to your life? If so, does that influence your choice?
  • What are you leaning toward now (if any)?
  • How have you come to that place?
  • Have you talked to other women who've had abortions, placed their child  for adoption or parented against odds?
  • How was it for them?
  • Who have you told and what has been their reaction?
  • Is anyone pressuring you in one direction or another? Who? In what direction? Can you think why?
  • Do you know what each of the options involves?
  • Do you know what potential risks (consequences, changes to your life) there are for each option?
  • If you choose any of these options, imagine what your relationship with your partner would be like with each option possibility?
  • What about the goals, plans, dreams that you (and sometimes your family) have for your life?
  • Can you look ahead 5 years and consider what choice you will then feel most at peace with.

This is probably the most difficult decision that you've ever had to make. It might be life-changing. For many women, being able to work through these questions with a trained supportive volunteer counsellor helps them see a  clearer direction to go in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

  1. Canadian Medical Association - Policy document PD88-06
    Last Reviewed, 2006-Feb-25
    http://policybase.cma.ca/PolicyPDF/PD88-06.pdf
  2. Rankin, D. "Canada needs Informed Consent law on abortion; Fundamental principle of patient care," Montreal Gazette, May 16, 2004
  3. Martin, D. "Abortion issue," Times-Colonist, June 3, 2004
  4. Reardon, D. Abortion Malpractice. (1993).  Lewisville, TX: Life Dynamics, Inc. pp. 20-21.

107-1505 Admirals Road
Victoria, British Columbia
V9A 2P8

e-mail:  info@optionspregnancy.org
phone:   250-380-6883

Copyright © 2005 Options Pregnancy Centre
All Rights Reserved
Disclaimer

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Volunteer counsellors are available at the Pregnancy Centre in Victoria most days during office hours at 380-6883 or anyone wishing to talk to a counsellor outside our office hours may call 24/7 at
1-800-665-0570

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