Just Love Us

You're pregnant; what now? You didn't plan on being pregnant; now you're in shock!
What am I going to do? I don't want anyone to find out.
He said he'd leave me if I got pregnant. I'm just a student and my whole life is ahead of me.
They just won't understand. I can't afford it.
I'm too young/old. I can't cope with any more now.

• I'm Frightened
• Do I Keep the Baby?
• Do I have an Abortion?
• I've Decided: I'm Going to Keep My Baby

I'm frightened.
You need someone you can talk to - someone you can trust not to tell your secret - someone who can help you think, to stop the panic. The decision you are about to make you will live with for the rest of your life. You need to think it right through ... calmly.

You have two options: Do I keep the baby? Do I have an abortion?

Do I keep the baby?
It isn't a baby at all - it's just a blob of cells.
Deep down in your heart you know it is a baby, even if it doesn't look like a baby yet. All the DNA is there, the programming for the development of this person.

How will I get by? The father and my family won't have anything to do with me?
Help and support are in place for you - you only have to make a phone call. People are trained to help and understand your problems and give you practical aid - don't be afraid.

I had plans, a career …
All that can still happen for you as it has happened for many, many other women before. Don't be disheartened.

What about the trouble it will cause in my family? It will be terrible.
You are not alone when you phone for support - if you decide to keep your baby you will be surprised at the strength you'll have that you never thought possible before.

Many women don't plan a pregnancy but find they can adjust their life.
One young mother-to-be considered abortion and, when she found she had help, decided against it. She has said since how thrilled she is to be a mother and is very proud of her little son.

Do I have an abortion?
I can have an abortion and no one will ever know.
Abortions are not as safe as they are claimed to be - things can go wrong. You will know - and you are the person we are concerned about.

I can just get on with my life.
Yes, but you may find that you will suffer from what is called post abortion grief. This can affect your personality, your relationships. Many women silently try to cope with this pain. Even after forty years.

I just want this pregnancy to go away.
You are probably in shock just now, and that is not a good time to make important decisions. We just want you to consider all your options before you make this decision that can affect the rest of your life.

It may seem that having an abortion is a quick solution to an unwanted pregnancy: that keeping the baby will make your life more complicated.
Friends are not usually informed enough to help you, even though they care about you.

We do not know you but we care about you, your future happiness and your baby and we offer you the help and support every pregnant woman needs.

If you would like someone to talk to in total confidentiality please contact your nearest Pregnancy Support Centre listed in the phone book.

I've decided: I'm going to keep my baby.
Congratulations Mother! You have courage and determination … and an appreciation of the gift of life you are giving to the baby who is growing inside you. You have taken the first step - made your decision.

Every pregnant woman has to make changes in her life:
some changes are early in the pregnancy, like coping with morning sickness; other changes are about a job, money, support - these are all individual and personal.

You need to decide:
• What doctor or hospital you will choose
• How long you want to work if you have a job
• Who are the relations and friends who will give you support
• What you are going to do if you can no longer live where you are living now

You are not alone in your decision. There are people who want to help you …
• Ask a close friend to be your 'buddy' and attend ante-natal classes with you
• Ask a Church member if there is a Caring Group which can help provide baby clothes and equipment
• Ask the Pregnancy Support Centre for a contact in your area

You can obtain practical help from:
• Centrelink (Parenting Payment & Family Payments - Enquiries: 136 150)
• Your doctor
• The Outpatients' Department of the public hospital near you - the Social Worker, Antenatal Clinic
• The charity organisations, shops and recycled clothing outlets in your area - listed in the phone book
• Your Minister of Religion - whether you are a practising Church member or not
• Your nearest Pregnancy Support Centre as listed in the phone book.

This is a treasured time in any woman's life …
to feel the stirrings of life within you …
to realise that YOU are part of the great mystery of Creation…
to give life to another person
whose identity, personality and talents
will also make a difference to the world.

There are people and support groups who want to help you. Don't worry if they are interstate or far away from you - they will either help you themselves or put you in touch with someone closer to you if you wish.

What is important is for you to phone or write to somebody who knows what you are going through.
Don't be alone any longer. Your nearest Pregnancy Support Centre as listed in the phone book will help you.