Have you had unprotected sex? What about pregnancy testing? What are the other signs of pregnancy? What are your options?
Pregnancy - getting on with it How will your body change? What about emotional changes? What healthcare will you need? How do you know if something is wrong? Staying healthy during pregnancy Antenatal classes Getting ready at home Going to hospital What happens during labour & birth?
What about the dad? Sex during & after pregnancy Keeping up with friends Better relationships through communication Feeling good about yourself Family violence
Money matters Housing & accommodation Legal matters
Continuing your education Working
After the birth Breast & bottle feeding Baby safety Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Getting help in the Yarra Ranges area Useful internet links What does this mean? Glossary References About this site
 

Think you're pregnant?

Have you had unprotected sex?

What about pregnancy testing?

What are the other signs of pregnancy?

What are your options?


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What are your options?

Once you know you are pregnant you may have a wide range of feelings.  Pregnancy can be a wonderful thing, or it may be a time of confusion and anxiety, especially if you haven’t planned the pregnancy or if you don’t want to have a baby just yet.  It is normal to have mixed feelings about pregnancy and the possibility of being a parent.

Speaking to someone who understands your situation is important.  There are a number of services that can help you to think through the options available to you.  These options include: 


No matter what you decide it is a good idea to talk to qualified people who will be able to provide you with accurate, up-to-date, non- judgemental, confidential and relevant information about all your options.

Be aware that some services may be pro-life, that is they are against abortion, so the advice they provide will be influenced by these views.

Also talk to other people you trust, such as your partner, a parent or a friend as their support is very important, in helping you to make a decision.

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Starting Out is a program for young pregnant women.  Click here for more information.

 

Continuing with the pregnancy and keeping the baby

Having a child is a big responsibility and a long term commitment.  It is also very rewarding.  When making a decision about becoming a parent there are emotional issues to consider as well as practical ones.  In particular, you'll need to think about:

  • what support you have from your partner and your family? 

  • What help you might be able to get within the community?

  • where and with whom you will live? 

  • your income, whether you will be able to work? 

  • your health, including antenatal care? 

Various support services can help you to consider and plan for the needs of you and your child.  The information contained in this website will also help you.

 

Get Help

 

Family Planning Victoria
901 Whitehorse Rd
Box Hill
9257 0100

Connections' Starting Out Program

9871 0233

Relationships Australia
9725 9964

Shire of Yarra Ranges Youth Services
9294 6716

 

Adoption 

If you cannot raise a child but do not want to have an abortion, adoption may be a good option.  In an adoption, a child legally gets new parents. 

Adoption can have its own challenges because of your emotional connection with the baby.  Adoption does not mean you love your baby any less. 

If you choose this option you may have a mixture of feelings when the baby is adopted — anger, grief, a sense of loss, or relief.  These feelings may last for a long time.  Counselling can help you come to terms with this decision.

Of course, even if you choose adoption, taking care of yourself and your child while you are pregnant is still very important.

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Get Help

 

Centacare
Catholic Family Services
9419 5633 
This is a statewide adoption agency.

Council of Single Mothers and their Children
1800 077 374

Adoption and Permanent Care Program
Department of Human Services
883 Whitehorse Road
Box Hill
9843 6413
www.adoptionandpermanentcare.
com.au

(internet connection required)

Children Youth & Families
www.office-for-children.vic.gov.au

(internet connection required)

 

Choosing to end the pregnancy

Ending your pregnancy by having an abortion/termination is a further option for you to consider.  Like the other options, it can be difficult and it is important that you seek advice and support in making this decision. 

There are a number of organisations that can offer specific advice about abortion.  They will discuss all of the alternatives available and will accept and respect the choice you make.  They are also available if you need to talk with someone after an abortion. Abortion is your personal decision.

Is abortion legal?
In Victoria abortion is legal  if the doctor believes that the physical and/or mental health of the woman is at risk if the pregnancy continues. 

Is abortion safe?
Abortion / termination is a safe procedure when performed by an experienced doctor.  If you choose to have an abortion, it is best to have it in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.  It can be done later but the risk of complications increases, so speak to your doctor or community health nurse as soon as possible.

Where do I go?
Most abortion service providers are located in Melbourne.  Ask your doctor or the people at the support services; or ask at your local hospital.

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Get Help

 

Your doctor

Pregnancy Advisory Service 
Royal Women's Hospital 

9344 2259 

Abortion Advice and Counseling Centre of Melbourne 

Croydon Day Surgery 
9724 9377 

Fertility Control Clinic 
1800 809 013 
9419 2922

Contraceptive and Counselling Clinic 
Monash Medical Centre 
9594 2445

Action Centre
Level 192-194 Elizabeth St
Melbourne
96544766 or 
1800 013 952

Family Planning Centre
171 Berkeley St
Carlton
9347 7036

The Women’s Clinic On Richmond Hill
9427 0372