Feeling pressured to have an abortion can be a stressful experience, especially when you are still weighing your options. No one has the right to make a pregnancy decision for you.
However, the signs of this pressure can feel subtle, especially if they come from someone you trust or deeply care for. We’ll help you understand how you might feel pressured to have an abortion—and what you can do to make a decision you feel confident about.
1. Their behavior changes when you discuss your options.
Perhaps a partner, friend, or family member becomes angry or frustrated when you discuss adoption or parenting. They may dismiss your thoughts or quickly change the subject. If you mention abortion, however, they might become more relaxed or open to conversation. Your loved one might even describe why they feel that option is best.
These sudden changes in behavior or mood could be a sign that they have strong emotions about your pregnancy options, and the attempt to “control the conversation” can pressure you into choosing one option over another.
2. They offer financial or transportation assistance for abortion but won’t provide support for other options.
Perhaps a loved one encourages you to have an abortion by offering to pay for extra costs (like transportation or lodging). As abortion in Texas is illegal except in cases of life endangerment and likely isn’t covered by your insurance, they might offer to cover the total costs of the out-of-state procedure.
However, they might not offer support for parenting or adoption, implying that you’ll need to figure things out alone or won’t have the help you seek. They may make disparaging comments about your ability to provide for a child, create an adoption plan, or even make a “smart” pregnancy decision.
3. They threaten to isolate or restrict you from seeing loved ones or doing everyday activities.
Sometimes, feeling this pressure can also be a sign of abuse. For example, a partner might threaten to cut you off financially, stop you from communicating with loved ones, or prevent you from engaging in everyday activities until you “make the right decision.”
Though it might sound extreme, abuse can occur when faced with an unexpected pregnancy. It may even increase if tensions are high and they feel they’ve lost control.
You always deserve safety, love, and respect. Support is available if you are in an abusive relationship of any kind. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24/7 support, resources, and information. There is a way out.
Feeling pressured to have an abortion doesn’t necessarily mean abuse. Sometimes, the people we love do questionable things when they themselves are frightened or anxious. However, you always deserve to make decisions you feel comfortable with. Help is available no matter your situation.
Confidential Support is Available
Cleburne Pregnancy Center can discuss your situation, help you sort through your options, and provide emotional guidance as you navigate pressure from loved ones. You are more capable of making a pregnancy decision than you realize; we’ll offer the nonjudgmental information you deserve.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment today. You are not alone!
Cleburne Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
Note: Abortion is currently illegal in Texas except in cases of life endangerment, but women cannot be held criminally or civilly liable for seeking one.