Pregnancy Counseling

When a woman realizes she's unexpectedly pregnant, she has three options available to her. She can see the pregnancy to term with the intent to raise the child or place him or her with an adoptive family. Or, she can terminate the pregnancy with either a medical or in-clinic abortion procedure.

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Making this decision is not going to be easy, even if she's guided by a particular set of morals. Pregnancy is a huge commitment and preparing to deal with the consequences is a life-changing commitment as well. Sometimes, the event of a pregnancy can push important people away and may affect a woman's social or familial support system. Because an unplanned pregnancy can be stressful and scary to experience, it's important that she has a trusted, unbiased person to speak with and that is what pregnancy counselors are there for. Pregnancy counseling is a very specific kind of counseling provided to women who want to discuss their possible options or who need someone's advice on how to pursue those options. For example, a counselor may advise on abortion methods and clinics or he or she may advise on where to begin getting prenatal care. Women may also learn about abortion and laws regarding parental consent in procedures performed on underage pregnant women and can voice whatever other concerns she may have.

There are many beneficial consequences to seeking pregnancy counseling. Although the decision ultimately lies with the pregnant woman, she shouldn't have to feel alone or helpless in the situation. Pregnancy counseling can empower a woman in her decision and give her the conviction she will need to remember when coping with the emotional effect of whatever decision she makes. Unfortunately, women will need to be wary of counseling services that are run by unlicensed individuals who counsel with conservative Christian morals at the basis of their biased advice. These establishments, referred to generally as Crisis Pregnancy Centers, are anti-abortion and will not be able to provide women with the full spectrum of options.

There are four organizations a woman may consider using to find a reputable counseling service: American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses and American Medical Women's Association.