When family members, your partner, or friends discover your unplanned pregnancy, they most likely share their opinions. Pressure to choose an abortion can be both physical and emotional.
The most important thing to remember is you have the legal right to decide for yourself what happens. No one else has the right to make that decision for you.
The following are some signs you will want to watch for.
Not Giving You Time to Think Through Your Options
Emotional manipulation often comes with a push to make a quick decision. The person may make an appointment for you and even be waiting in the car to take you to the abortion clinic. They hope to give you very little time to resist their demands.
Publicly Humiliating You
The person pressuring you may try to make you feel insecure by embarrassing you in front of others. They make you feel worthless or ignorant as if your opinion doesn’t matter.
They dismiss your concerns about abortion and even make fun of your fears. They might say, “No one is afraid to get an abortion. Why are you?” Their actions cause you to doubt yourself.
They Are the Victim
The aggressor may act like a victim. They stress your obligation to them and make you feel guilty for choosing anything other than what they want.
They talk constantly about their happiness or needs and place the responsibility on you. In their minds, your decision about the pregnancy should be based on them, not you.
You’re Being Bullied
Bullying can be emotional and physical. A bully uses their physical strength to intimidate. They may raise their voice as a form of emotional aggression or stand in a certain way to scare you. They may also threaten the end of the relationship if you don’t comply.
Physically, they may hit or push you. Research shows that violence by an intimate partner can increase during pregnancy.
How Can the Pregnancy Resource Center Help?
We understand how difficult it can be to face an unexpected pregnancy. It’s a shock, and depending on how others respond, it may be frightening.
More than anything, we want you to be safe. If you feel physically or emotionally threatened to make one choice over another, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233). You can also read the Warning Signs of Abuse on their website.
If you need someone to talk to, we are here for you. How to handle your pregnancy is your decision alone. Although we do not perform or refer for abortions, the caring team at the Pregnancy Resource Center can review all of your options with you, including abortion’s physical and emotional risks.
Our services include free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and STI testing. Don’t let anyone pressure you into making a decision you don’t want to make. Schedule a free appointment with one of our team members, and let’s talk about your future.