How can I make a choice?

For some people making a choice about whether to end or continue a pregnancy is simple. For others it is very difficult. There is no right or wrong way to feel.

If you are considering an abortion, remember that the type of abortion you can have will depend on the gestation of the pregnancy. If you have a preference, deciding is time sensitive.

You may want to consider some of the factors below when making your choice:

Your beliefs, values and culture,
The circumstances of your relationship with the man, person or people involved with the pregnancy,
The level of support you may have from family, community, friends or your partner/s,
Whether or not you feel ready to take on a parenting role,
The needs of children you may already have,
Your career, study and housing situation,
Your financial position and financial support available to you,
Your life plans and goals,
Your state of physical and mental health,
Your visa or permanent residency status in Australia, and the support available to you locally,
Your health, genetic risk factors, or the health of the pregnancy.

Your circumstances may be different at different times in your life. If you are considering an abortion that does not mean that you do not want to be pregnant or have children in the future.

You might also find these resources helpful:

Children by Choice Reflective Decision Making Guide

MSI Australia 3-Step Decision Making Guide for Women and Pregnant People

Yarning about Pregnancy: Working through your options for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. This resource has exercises to help you work through your feelings and thoughts about a pregnancy. This resource was made by Family Planning Australia (New South Wales). Some of the information in this booklet is about services in New South Wales. You can find information about services in Canberra on our website here.

You might feel overwhelmed or want to put off thinking about the issue. This is understandable. You could try taking some time out for yourself by going for a walk, watching some TV, going to church, or having a cup of tea. This can help you safe and calm before thinking about how you are feeling.

You may also want to seek support to make a choice.

You can talk to your partner, family members or friends if you feel safe and supported. You can also talk to elders, your religious or spiritual leader, or your GP, social worker, nurse or therapist, if you wis to.

You may wish to find out more about their views on abortion, adoption and kinship and foster care before confiding in someone. This will help you make sure that they can help you without their personal biases interfering.

If you find it difficult make a choice, you can also talk to a pregnancy counsellor. This is a good idea if you want to talk to someone to help you understand your thoughts and feelings while keeping your privacy with friends, family or community.

A word of caution

Some organisations offering pregnancy support or counselling misrepresent their service. You should receive advice that is non-directive, non-judgmental and respectful. This means that that they will not pressure you to make a particular choice. They also won’t judge you for any of your circumstances, feelings or choices.

You can check if a service supports all options by asking if they provide referrals for or information about abortion. An all options service will give you this information. Remember that it is your choice to continue or end a pregnancy.

We suggest contacting Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT). They provide free, non-directive, all-options pregnancy counselling services for women and gender diverse people.

You can find more information here or call 6247 3077 to make an appointment.