Difficult decision
Question
I'm 18 and I've just found out I'm pregnant. I'm not really having a relationship with the father, we've just been seeing each other for some time - it's not much more than sex.
I really didn't want to get pregnant, I'm on the pill but I think something must have gone wrong along the way. I've spoken at great length to the bloke I've been seeing and I'm just totally confused. I love my life, I have a good job but more importantly, I'm not even in a proper relationship and he certainly doesn't want to be a dad.
My mum and friends are being really supportive which kind of helps but I've got an appointment with my doctor next week and I just don't know what to do. An abortion seems to be the logical thing to do but I'm not thinking straight and feel forced into making a decision right now. What should I do?
Answer
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be a difficult and complicated time, but there's lots of help and advice available, and it's important to talk to someone as soon as possible.
It is common to feel shocked, scared, panicked, confused, embarrassed, isolated or lonely when facing an unplanned pregnancy. Professionals are there to provide information and support on the options available but only the woman herself can make the decision as to whether or not to continue with the pregnancy.
You can talk to a counsellor in complete confidence at your local Brook Centre or family planning clinic and they'll be able to help you to come to a decision that's right for you. If you want to, you can take a friend or your mum with you for some extra support.
If you decide you want to continue with the pregnancy, you'll need to see your doctor for antenatal care, for the health of both yourself and the baby. And it's best to get this sorted out quickly.
If, on the other hand, you decide to have an abortion, it's also important to act quickly. Your doctor will be able to give you more information about abortion services in your area and it is possible to get a free abortion on the NHS, but there's usually a waiting list of between two to four weeks.
If you want to discuss your situation further, before you go to see your doctor or visit one of the services mentioned above, you can call the Brook helpline, in complete confidence, on 0808 802 1234.
Updated: 04/08/2010
Question answered by YouthNet in association with Brook
