“I felt like I had no choice.” I’ve heard this many times when listening to a woman who’s been pressured to have an abortion. As a nurse, I often hear stories filled with concerns and questions that were never answered. And promises that were never kept.
Do any of these describe how you are feeling?
I’m worried my boyfriend will leave me if I don’t have an abortion.
I’m afraid my family will kick me out if they find out I’m pregnant.
I was told I wouldn’t be a good mom.
I don’t know if I can keep my job if I’m pregnant.
Everyone I talked to says abortion is my only option.
It would be better for them if I didn’t have this baby.
No one is happy for me. They just tell me to “take care of it”…
If so, you may be experiencing coercion. [to compel to an act or choice; to achieve by force or threat]1
The person you’ve confided in about this pregnancy may have their own ideas, experiences, and motives for pushing you toward abortion. They may not realize the pressure they are creating for you.
That is why Resource Health simply begins with a free pregnancy test and a one-on-one conversation. We want to hear your story and offer the resources you need for your unique situation.
As many as 64% of women report feeling pressured to go through with their abortion.2 3 Lack of social support and perceived pressure to terminate a pregnancy are associated with more negative psychological effects following an abortion.4
We want to make sure you have all the support, information, and time you need to make your own decision. No tricks. No pressure.
It’s against the law for anyone to force you to have an abortion. This is your decision, and we are here to help. At Resource Health, you’ll be able to talk with someone who can answer your questions, provide support, and give you the information you need.
Our services are completely free and confidential. Schedule an appointment today or chat with one of our staff members live using the chatbox on the lower right-hand side of the site.
NOTES:
1 Merriam-Webster Dictionary: coerce. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coerce.
2 Elliot Institute: How Common is Coercion? Retrieved from http://www.theunchoice.com/articles/howcommoniscoercion.htm.
3 Forced Abortion in America: A Special Report. Retrieved from http://www.theunchoice.com/pdf/FactSheets/ForcedAbortions.pdf.
4 American Psychological Association, Task Force on Mental Health and Abortion. (2008). Report of the Task Force on Mental Health and Abortion. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/pi/wpo/mental-health-abortion-report.pdf.