Q: I am pregnant…where do I go for help?
~Scared and Confused, TX


A: Usually when a question of this manner is sent in, it is coming from a young woman that is either worried about the response she will receive after telling family and friends or is already in a position that has left them lacking in information or support. The following response is geared toward this type of audience, but if this is not the case, information can be taken away from it by others in different circumstances. My opinion is that everyone can learn something new no matter the situation they are in.
First and foremost, you must see if everything is going as it should be with the pregnancy. There are several options open to you at this point, but getting checked-out will help narrow down the choices. There are a few places that offer free and confidential screenings to pregnant woman or can give you the information needed to find such locales. I have listed a couple of these below. The people there can also give you information concerning the options women have now-a-days.
Support from family and friends, or the lack thereof, will also narrow down the options you have available. Not knowing the specifics of the situation, I can only advise in a general manner; therefore, whatever you choose to do should be thought out thoroughly with regard given to everyone involved. This means that if the father is around, he should be told of the situation and at least be given the choice to have a say so in the end result or play a part in the baby’s life. If this is not the circumstance, than there are still grandparents that could be brought into the mix. While it might seem a very tough position to stand in, telling your parents is the best course of action. Whether they stand by you or not, at least you know you did the right thing and tried. Friends can also be a good means of support because no matter the decision you make, emotional backing is something every pregnant woman needs. Just being there to listen to enthusiasm, complaints, or worries…..someone lending an ear will help tremendously. Friends are somewhat of a knowledge network when it comes to experience as well. One of your friends could possibly know others that have been through something similar.
If for some reason relying on support from friends is not an option either, people at the given locations below can help when it comes to listening to concerns and problems. Remember, they have seen their fair share of troubles in this area, so don’t worry. This is what they are there for.
Despite whatever support system you have or don’t have, what happens from here on out is your choice. While raising a child alone is not the best of circumstances, it is not impossible. It will, however, take determination and perseverance. You will be responsible for a life...in other words….YOUR life is about to change dramatically. Don’t let that scare you too much though. Many women before you have done it and survived. There are several agencies out there that can be utilized and are there to help those going it alone or are short on resources. The Texas Health and Human Services agency offers the means to help pay for medical expenses and transportation for qualifying individuals. The WIC program can aid in things like food and generalized baby check-ups.
If keeping the baby is not a possibility, there are other alternatives. Adoption, while hard to handle, can be the best course of action sometimes. There are many different kinds of adoption, such as open adoption, and several places that can help you make the right decision for you and your baby. The organizations listed below can help with this information. Another alternative is abortion. I only mention this because legally it is still an option. Abortion always comes with health and emotional risks, and should never be taken into lightly.
With all this said….there is only one thing that matters….it is the best advice I can give (and the best advice I received once upon a time)…….YOU are the only person that knows what YOU are really capable of. This is your decision and yours alone. Make it count. Take everything into consideration, and do not base it on just fear. That will only lead to a hasty decision that could possibly be regretted later in life.

~Ms. Katie



http://www.thehelpline.org/ or call 1-866-942-6466

http://www.pregnancycenters.org/ or call 1-800-395-HELP