What Should I Do? I Feel Pressured to Have an Abortion
You need to know that legally, YOU are the mother of the child in the womb, even if you are a minor. Only you have the right to make decisions about the child you are carrying. No one has the right to force, coerce, or pressure you into having an abortion, and anyone who does so could be subjected to criminal charges. Any such person, including the abortionist, could also be held liable for civil lawsuits. Such parents may be reported and prosecuted for child abuse.
Some girls may feel fear that their parents might kick them out of the house, punish them, or even beat them if they refuse to have an abortion. Their parents may even try to force them to go to the abortion clinic against their will. All of these situations are examples of coercion and are illegal. The United States Supreme Court makes it clear that an abortion decision must be free, independent, voluntary, and non-coerced.
It is important that you make an informed choice, and it is important to have the input of the baby’s father, family, and friends who are your support system; however, there are many resources available to assist mothers who desire to carry to term but lack the support they most strongly desire.
Sometimes the pressure women feel may not be from a specific threat, but from possibilities that they think they may face:
- Will people judge me?
- Will the baby’s father leave me?
- How will my parents handle the news? What if they kick me out?
- What about my plans?
If you feel pressure to abort and would like to speak with someone who can help, please call Gateway at 919-833-0096. All of our services are free and confidential. You do not have to face these pressures alone.
