An unplanned pregnancy can put a lot of strain on your relationship. You and your partner may disagree on the ideal solution. Perhaps you’ve considered abortion, and are wondering how it could affect your relationship.
Abortion is a significant decision that can leave a lasting impact on your relationship with your partner. It’s crucial to get the facts so that you can make the best choice for your future!
How Could Abortion Affect My Relationship with My Partner?
Abortion affects everyone in different ways. Some couples manage to process their emotions together and keep the relationship intact. For others, the experience can be too overwhelming, and they eventually break up. That being said, studies have found that abortion tends to have damaging effects on relationships.
For example, one study found that couples who experience abortion were more likely to fight about children and money[1]. Men whose partners had an abortion report feelings of jealousy[1]. Additionally, women who had abortions were more likely to experience sexual dysfunction and domestic abuse[1].
While it’s impossible to predict exactly how abortion will affect your relationship with your partner, it can be a negative turning point. It’s important to consider how abortion could impact you emotionally before moving forward.
What are the Emotional Side Effects of Abortion?
Abortion can be shocking and painful, both physically and emotionally. Women may experience grief, anxiety, and depression after an abortion[2], immediately or years later. On the other hand, others feel relieved and find it easier to move on.
However, things can still get complicated if you two have different opinions about the decision. If your partner wanted to be a parent, it may be hard for him to understand your relief. If he wanted you to terminate the pregnancy, he may not know how to support you through your grief.
Whatever the case may be, abortion can cause a lot of intense emotions and complicate a relationship. This can make it even harder to understand your partner, process your emotions, and work through disagreements.
How Can We Work Through Our Disagreements?
It can be difficult to navigate such a major decision, especially when disagreements occur. Sometimes, an outside perspective can shed light on options you may not have considered.
Consider visiting PLL to explore your pregnancy options together! We will help you come to a decision you both feel comfortable with, in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.
Abortion Information in Branson West, Missouri
This decision doesn’t have to derail your relationships. PLL is here to help you find a solution together!
Call us at 417-272-5210, text us at 417-559-1773 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge!
What Should I Do First if I’m Pregnant?
The most important first step is to confirm the pregnancy. At-home pregnancy tests have come a long way, but they’re still not flawless. A free, medical-grade test at PLL can help you have some peace of mind knowing your results are accurate. Knowing these facts early can help you make an informed decision.
You can also get tested for some common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) while you’re here. This is an important step no matter what you decide to do long-term. We offer free treatment for these STIs, too. (Some STIs have no symptoms, so it’s possible to have an STI and not even know it! [3])
Perhaps the most important thing to note is that you’re not alone as you face these results. We have knowledgeable, compassionate staff who will talk with you through the results and your options in a calm, safe environment. We offer mentorship and education through this entire journey, so you don’t have to face any part of it alone.
An appointment at PLL does not lock you into any decision. It simply gives you accurate information. (You can schedule a free appointment from our website.)
What Are My Pregnancy Options in Missouri?
Abortion laws in Missouri have changed recently, but regardless of the legal landscape, you have options, and we are here to help you navigate them. You can read more about parenting, adoption, and abortion on our website, but we are happy to talk through all of these options with you at a free, confidential appointment.
How Can Free, Local Support Help Me Right Now?
Women facing an unexpected pregnancy in the Ozarks often need more than medical facts. They need practical and emotional support as they face big decisions. Common free or low-cost resources at PLL include:
- Free pregnancy testing
- Free STI testing and treatment for some common STIs
- Mentoring and one-on-one support
- Pregnancy and parenting education
- Referrals for community resources (food, housing assistance, maternity clothes, baby items)
- Information about adoption
- Guidance on navigating local programs such as WIC or other Missouri support services
PLL also offers continued mentoring after the initial visit so you have ongoing encouragement whether you choose parenting or another path. These services are designed for women who feel scared, unsure, or alone.
What If I’m Considering Abortion?
If abortion is on your mind, accurate information matters. Before taking any step, confirming a viable pregnancy and gestational age is medically important. The free testing and ultrasound offered at PLL will help establish those facts.
At PLL, you’ll receive clear, factual explanations of different abortion methods, typical timelines, and known risks. We’ll also discuss alternative options and the resources and support available to you. This conversation happens at your pace. You are never required to decide on the spot.
How Do I Get Started?
You can schedule a free, confidential appointment for pregnancy testing, STI testing, and options counseling. We make the process simple: call, text, or schedule an appointment online. Appointments are usually available quickly, and everything remains private.
Bring any questions you have. Common ones include:
- How accurate is a free pregnancy test?
- What happens during an ultrasound?
- What local resources exist for single moms or adoption?
- How does mentoring work?
This is a safe, judgment-free space.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is everything really free and confidential?
Yes. Pregnancy testing, STI testing (and treatment), mentoring, education, and basic resource referrals are free at PLL Women’s Resource Center in Branson West. Conversations stay private.
Will anyone pressure me?
Please be aware that PLL does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Coleman, P. K., Rue, V. M., & Coyle, C. T. (2009, March 26). Induced abortion and intimate relationship quality in the Chicago Health and Social Life Survey. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19324381/
- Shuping, M., & Shaler, L. (2017). Abortion and Women’s Mental Health. CounselEd (3)11. https://www.scstatehouse.gov/CommitteeInfo/SenateMedicalAffairsCommittee/Shuping%20_Shaler_2017_Abortion_and_Mental_Health.pdf