PROSPECTS
Having a baby means giving up on a good education and a good career.
A young woman's life will be forever changed by pregnancy, whether she has the baby or an abortion. But having the child doesn't mean her life is over or that her dreams need be lost forever. Many women make childless couples happy by allowing their babies to be adopted. One can have a lot of say in who receives the baby and how much future contact one will have.
Some young women get help from parents, friends, or the father to watch the child while they work or go to school. Other young women choose to put their education or careers on hold for the first few years of the baby's life. When they return, their maturity and newfound sense of responsibility often make them good students and valuable contributors to the work force.
PARENTS
My folks will go nuts!
Initially, a young woman's parents may be shocked and even angry. Once the shock wears off, though, and they face the reality of the situation, they begin to accept and adapt to their role as grandparents (counselors at pregnancy care centers can help smooth this transition if needed). In the end, many of these parents turn out to be a young mother's greatest supporters and allies.
PEERS
People will look down on me for being pregnant.
While there may always be some who will look down on unmarried mothers, a young woman who bravely and positively bears and raises her child will gain a lot of respect and support.
PARTNERS
A baby will ruin my relationship.
While an unexpected pregnancy can put a strain on any relationship, abortion only makes things worse. About nine out of ten couples break up after an abortion - - dating couples within about three months, married couples within five years. Those young men who threaten to leave unless a woman has an abortion are likely to leave anyway. A young man who is unwilling to face up to his responsibility as a father is not likely to be a good life companion.