Continuing the pregnancy and having the baby adopted
If you plan to continue your pregnancy but would like your child to be adopted you will still need the support of maternity services to monitor your health and that of the baby. It is important to talk through this decision with your maternity carer (midwife) who can then refer you to the services who will look to place the baby with an appropriate family and provide you with the support you need. If you want further advice on this option then view the Family Planning Association website, or the British Association of Adoption and Fostering.
Terminating the pregnancy.
If you decide you want to terminate your pregnancy you must be seen by a medical professional as soon as you can once you have made this decision. Two doctors’ opinions are required for a termination to happen and the first one you see will refer you to the second. You can seek advice and guidance regarding termination from Choices Health and Support Services as well as your GP. You have the same right to confidentiality in seeking out termination services as you have when accessing contraception advice so do not delay asking for this service. If you want further advice on this option the following links will be helpful.
Family Planning Association in particular see Leaflet 1 or alternatively Leaflet 2
Brook Advisory Centres information
You can download these leaflets about local services: http://www.nlg.nhs.uk/IFP/duplex/IFP-0087.pdf
http://www.nlg.nhs.uk/IFP/duplex/IFP-0149.pdf
The web links below can give you more advice about pregnancy if you have any question
you are worried about, but you can always talk to someone for advice and guidance at Choices,
your local GP or school nurse drop in.
Brook Advisory Centre or ring 0800 018 5023
R U Thinking or ring Sexwise on 0800 28 29 30
The Family Planning Association or ring 0845 310 1334
Marie Stopes or ring 0845 300 8090
British Pregnancy Advisory Service or ring 08457 30 40 30
What do I do Next??
If you are pregnant there are important decisions you have to make which must feel right for you. It is important to get as much information as you can before making these decisions but you should realise that time is a factor and some options will not be open to you after a certain point.
The three main options you have are:
Continuing the pregnancy and keeping the baby
If you take this option it is important to get medical support throughout the pregnancy and begin the process of planning for the birth and your child’s future care. There are people who can support you to do this in maternity services, Choices and local youth services providers such as Connexions. If you want further advice on this option then information on the Family Planning Asssociation website may be helpful.
