Pregnancy Options

Thinking about your pregnancy options?

If you think you may be pregnant, the first step is to take a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are an easy and accurate way to find out if you’re pregnant — you just pee on a stick. They’re inexpensive and available at most drug and grocery stores. You can also come to a Planned Parenthood health center for a pregnancy test.

I’m pregnant — now what?

Finding out you’re pregnant when you don’t expect it can be stressful, but it’s a pretty common experience  — about half of all women in the U.S. have an unplanned pregnancy at some point in their lives.

People who are pregnant have 3 options:

• Parenting — giving birth and raising the child.

• Abortion — taking medication or having a medical procedure that ends the pregnancy.

• Adoption — giving birth and placing your child with another person or family permanently.

Sometimes deciding what to do about an unplanned pregnancy is easy. Other times, it’s difficult or complicated. Your decision is very personal, and everyone’s situation is different. You’re the only person walking in your shoes, so the decision is 100% yours.

What can I think about to help me decide?

Family, relationships, school, work, money, life goals, health, safety, and personal beliefs — most people think carefully about many of these things before making a decision about an unplanned pregnancy.

Consider how you feel when you think about abortion, adoption, and parenting. What do you want for your future, and for your family or future family?

Only you can decide what is right for you. But some people find it helpful to talk it through with someone else. You may choose to talk with your partner or a trusted family member or friend. Pick someone you think will be supportive. It's important to remember that you get to decide who is a part of your decision-making process.

Family planning clinics, like your local Planned Parenthood health center, have specially trained staff who can talk with you about all of your options. But beware of so-called "crisis pregnancy centers". These are fake clinics or mobile vans that look like real health centers, but they're run by anti-abortion activists who have a shady, harmful agenda: to scare, shame, or pressure you out of getting an abortion, and to tell lies about abortion, birth control, and sexual health. 

No one should pressure you into making any decision about your pregnancy, no matter what.  Only you know what’s right for yourself at the moment. So getting the info and support you need from people who’ll give you the real facts and will support you is important.

When do I need to make a decision?

It’s important to take the time you need to make the best decision for you. But the timing of your choice can affect which options you have. So it’s a good idea to figure out what you want to do as soon as you can so you get the best medical care possible.

If you’re considering abortion, it may take longer to get an appointment due to the laws in Utah. And the type of abortion options available change the farther you are in your pregnancy. Abortion is legal in Utah until 18 weeks gestation. 

If there’s a chance you’ll continue your pregnancy — whether you choose to parent the child or place it for adoption — start getting prenatal care as soon as you can. And go to prenatal visits with your doctor regularly throughout your whole pregnancy to make sure you and your pregnancy stay healthy.

If you’re thinking about adoption, you can choose to place your child for adoption at any point in your pregnancy. You may even be able to start the adoption process after the baby is born. Your timeline for making an adoption plan depends on you and your individual needs and situation.

Your local Planned Parenthood health center is here to provide you with expert information and support. Make an appointment so you can stay healthy, no matter what decision you make.