What do I do if I think my girlfriend is pregnant?
If you think your girlfriend is pregnant, you probably have a lot of questions and concerns. Contrary to public opinion or the panic you might feel inside, you have not totally ruined the rest of your life; you have not totally ruined the rest of her life, and you have not created "a problem" that must be eliminated. You have, however, created a new human life. You have changed your life and her life forever, and you have created an opportunity to demonstrate responsibility and maturity. The truth is-if your girlfriend is pregnant, you already are a father. With that in mind, how will you respond? To the best of your ability you can let your girlfriend know that you won't run. You can offer to go with her to tell her parents the news. You can carefully research all of your options so that you and your girlfriend can make an informed decision. You can avoid putting pressure on her to have an abortion. And, you can work with your girlfriend to determine the best plan for her, for you, and for the baby. The decisions you make today will affect your life tomorrow. You owe it to yourself and to your girlfriend to get the facts. We're here to help sort through some of life's tough choices.


What are my rights & responsibilities?
Unplanned pregnancy affects the guy, too. You may be confused, shocked, overwhelmed and perhaps even scared. You might feel as though you have more questions than answers. If you are taking the time to read these topics, then you are already headed in the right direction. Many times the guy is characterized as someone who drops out of the picture upon hearing the news of a pregnancy, as someone who does not accept responsibility for his actions, and as one who delivers ultimatums. These stereotypes become an accurate portrayal only if you fail to step up to the plate and learn about your responsibilities. In general, you need to know your rights and responsibilities in the areas of parenting, adoption, abortion, and paternity. With regard to parenting, you will need to find answers to such questions as: Am I required to pay child support? What custodial rights do I have as the father? and How is the situation affected if paternity is in question? Some questions for adoption might include: Does the state require my signature to complete the adoption process? Can I participate in the selection of the adoptive couple? and In an open adoption, will I be able to maintain contact along with the birth mother? The issue of abortion might raise questions such as: Do I have any rights if I do not support the decision to terminate? Can I force my girlfriend to have an abortion if I am not ready to parent? and Am I required to assist with the expense of an abortion? Paternity brings up questions like: Am I required to pay for paternity testing? Can I remain anonymous in the testing process? and Are DNA results admissible into court? At Parkridge, you make all the decisions, but we can help answer some of your questions.


What should I know about abortion?
The choices that you and your girlfriend face today with an unplanned pregnancy are complex and carry with them a whole set of issues that you are better off knowing about at the outset rather than finding out too late. The right to choose includes the right to know. You need to know that currently there are 9 different types of abortions. The abortion procedure used depends upon the stage of pregnancy and the size of the baby. You should also be aware that as a result of abortion, the following physical complications could affect your girlfriend: excessive bleeding, infection, perforation of the uterus, cervical lacerations, increased risk for future miscarriages and sterility, and increased risk for breast cancer. In addition, after an abortion, many women and men experience one or more of the following emotional consequences, some of which might take several years to surface: guilt, long-term grief reactions, anxiety, anger, flashbacks, anniversary reactions, broken relationships, denial and depression. Many doctors who perform abortions seldom warn women and men of the possible consequences, which is a serious violation of medical ethics. You have a right to be informed of all of your options and any other information that might affect your decision, but if you don't ask, you may forfeit that right. Don't be intimidated. After all, your girlfriend may suffer some serious complications if anything goes wrong. You both have choices-just make sure that your decision is something you both can live with for the rest of your lives.


What are our options?
Pregnancy can be a time of joy; however, when it is unplanned or complicated by strained relationships, family tensions, poor timing, health concerns, financial difficulties, and school or career pressures, it can be confusing. The stress and anxiety of an unplanned pregnancy can make it difficult to think clearly. It's hard to imagine the future and the impact this one decision will have on your life. At Parkridge, we can help you sort things out so you can decide with a clear mind. There are basically 4 options for you and your girlfriend: getting married and co-parenting the child, single parenting, placing your child for adoption, or having an abortion. Before you decide, you and your girlfriend deserve to have as much information as possible. We can provide you with facts about fetal development, abortion techniques and abortion risks, adoption procedures, pregnancy, parenting, and healthy relationships. This is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your life. Despite the stress-you need to weigh your alternatives. Before you and your girlfriend choose, carefully consider the options based on information, not just emotion. Use your head to guide your heart. None of the choices is easy. Let Parkridge help. We can provide you and your girlfriend with accurate information and free and confidential counseling.


How can Parkridge help my girlfriend and me?
If you think your girlfriend might be pregnant or you already know she is, you probably have a lot of questions like-Who can we talk to? How will we tell our parents? What about school? How will this affect our relationship? What about my future goals? What will people think? Where can we get the help we need? If your girlfriend is pregnant, you both need to be aware of your rights and responsibilities. You have the right to be informed of all of your options. You have the right to know the facts. You have the right to know the truth. It is your responsibility to seek these answers. The responsibility of knowing the facts must come before the choice is made. Choices, however, don't have to be made alone. Parkridge is here for you. We can offer your girlfriend a reliable pregnancy test (just to be sure), and we can offer both of you confidential counseling with someone who cares about you, accurate information on abortion, adoption, pregnancy and parenting, factual information on Sexually Transmitted Diseases, support groups that meet you at your point of need, and on-going encouragement and support for you and your family and friends. All services of Parkridge are free and completely confidential.


At Parkridge Pregnancy Center we recognize that individuals have a right to make their own decisions about the outcome of their pregnancy. We exist to help women make an informed and thoughtful decision. The information provided on this website is not intended to diagnose any condition or pregnancy and should not take the place of your medical practitioner. Consult your physician with any medical questions you might have. The information and services are provided with the understanding that neither Parkridge Pregnancy Center nor its suppliers or users are engaged in rendering legal, medical, counseling or other professional services or advice.


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