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Pregnancy Options. Examining facts and ideas about pregnancy, parenting, adoption, and abortion. Pregnancy occurs when. Egg fertilized by sperm. Implants in uterine lining. After 8 weeks, embryo becomes a fetus… major changes happen in women around this point.
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Pregnancy Options Examining facts and ideas about pregnancy, parenting, adoption, and abortion.
Pregnancy occurs when... • Egg fertilized by sperm. • Implants in uterine lining. • After 8 weeks, embryo becomes a fetus… major changes happen in women around this point. • Pregnancies typically last about 40 weeks. • Beware of pregnancy myths!
Testing • A woman is usually testable within 2-3 weeks. • Urine or blood tests check for hormone hCG. • Tests available at clinic, or home tests at pharmacy. • Wait minimum 2 weeks after sex before having a home-test.
POSITIVE (+) See a doctor right away! Take care of yourself while deciding your course of action. Drinking and drugs have very bad consequences on a developing fetus. NEGATIVE (-) If you have reason to suspect you’re pregnant, wait a few days and test again. If the test is …
So, you’re pregnant. • You will need to decide how to procede. • Talk with a trusted friend, family member, or counsellor who is knowledgeable. • Don’t put yourself in a situation where you will be pressured… you need to inform yourself, and make a decision that you are comfortable with. • Consider your options.
Parenting (raising the child) • See doctor/midwife. • Breaking the news. • Healthy lifestyle. • Prenatal classes (CLSC, etc.) • Begin to prepare. Consider • School? • Support from Father, from family, friends, etc. • Will you need to get a job to support yourself? • Living arrangements.
Adoption • CLSC offers counselling and information. • They will contact an adoption agency (ex: Batshaw in Montreal). • Interview with consultant. • Sign consent forms AFTER birth. • 30 days to change your mind. • Consult with a lawyer to be sure all is legal.
Abortion • Termination of the pregnancy. • Can be done up to 23rd week of pregnancy. • The sooner performed, the safer and easier • First-trimester abortions (10-12 weeks) takes around 20 minutes, will leave woman just as able to have later children than any other woman. • Later abortions take longer, may require more preparation.
Abortion (continued) • Performed at hospitals (free with medicare card) or at private clinics (cost 300-900$) • Confidential. Most do not require parental consent if 14+. • Father may not stop the abortion – the decision legally belongs to the woman. • Important to talk, seek help • Types: • Surgical (involves no cutting, but some surgical intervention) • Medical (involves medications; only available in first 7 weeks of pregnancy; may involve some complications)
Questions to discuss • This is a very serious and debated issue. What reasons do people have for/against abortions? (consider medical, social, ethical and religious perspectives.) • If someone asked you to accompany her to get an abortion, how would you respond? • What is the best way to support a friend who tells you she is pregnant?