These days, everyone has an opinion about everything, and they’re not afraid to share it. If you confided in friends, family members, or your partner about your unexpected pregnancy, they most likely expressed their opinions.
Sharing our thoughts is one thing, but pressuring someone to make a decision we want them to make is entirely different. What do you do when an opinion feels like pressure?
Having an abortion is a serious medical decision. Only you have the power and authority to decide how to handle your unplanned pregnancy. Learn to recognize the subtle signs of manipulation and pressure.
They Want You to Make a Quick Decision
One form of manipulation is to pressure you to make a quick decision. When it comes to choosing abortion, your friends, family members, or partner insist there’s no time to waste.
They may make an appointment for you at an abortion facility and offer to drive you. Or, they may order abortion drugs for you. They give you no time to think about what is best for you.
You Get Blamed for the Pregnancy
Although it takes two to become pregnant, your accuser blames you for letting it happen. They talk about themselves and how the pregnancy will affect them if you don’t choose abortion.
They want you to feel guilty for not considering their feelings or future. It’s all about them.
They Isolate You From Others
Another tactic is to isolate you from those who disagree that an abortion is best. Your partner might stop you from communicating with loved ones until you make the “right choice.” Alternatively, they may withhold money or other forms of physical support.
You Are Verbally Threatened
Your partner may tell you that he will break up with you or leave if you don’t choose to have an abortion. Your parents may threaten to kick you out of the house. Friends may stop calling.
Each threat encourages you to “make the right choice.” In other words, do what I tell you, and I will support you. The person pressuring you doesn’t want to discuss different options.
You Need to Be Safe
According to the March of Dimes, symptoms of abuse worsen during pregnancy. What you need to know is that no one can legally force you to make one pregnancy decision over another.
You deserve to be respected and safe. If you feel physically or emotionally pressured to choose abortion, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE (7233). You can also read the Warning Signs of Abuse on their website.
You Can Turn to the Pregnancy Care Center
We are here to support you. We never want you to feel alone or threatened. Our client advocates can discuss your situation and help you explore your options.
The Pregnancy Care Center is a safe space where you can speak freely without fear of pressure or manipulation. This is your pregnancy and your choice.
You can conveniently book an appointment online or call or text us at (623) 343-8483. Make an informed and safe decision. We are here for you.
The Pregnancy Care Center does not perform or refer for abortion.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.