Think You’re Pregnant?
Your life is not over. An unplanned pregnancy is a hard thing to face. You have so many decisions to make and questions to answer. Some around you might want to pretend like it's not happening. You might think the easiest thing would be to just "not be pregnant." The truth is that nothing will ever change the fact that you were pregnant; physiologically, mentally or emotionally.
Stop, take a breath. It's your turn to be in charge of what happens and decide what’s best for you, now and for the rest of your life. Choices need to be made and every choice will have a consequence. Everyone around you will have opinions and advice, but only you can choose the right thing to do. Please do not rush into a decision that you may regret.
You have support. Please know that you're not alone, we care about you and your future. We can provide support every step of the way, without judgment or pressure. We're a non-profit organization that’s committed to assisting women who find themselves with an unplanned pregnancy. We offer compassionate and practical support; if you feel alone, abandoned, scared or pressured please call us we're here to help.
Whatever you need, there is help. Whether it’s help telling your parents or boyfriend, help with staying in school or getting a job or maybe you just need some things for your baby (diapers, formula or furniture). Maybe you just need someone to talk to, someone to listen to you, whatever it may be we're here for you.
How We Can Help
Call us anytime at (630) 261-9221, and you'll be connected to a consultant that can talk to you about your situation and can get you the support you need. The consultants know what you’re going through, you are not alone.
- If you're not sure if you're pregnant we can provide you with a free pregnancy test.
- We can give you information and facts so you are able to make an informed decision about your situation.
- If you're a student, we can help you find ways and support so that you can continue your education.
- We can give you referrals to other supportive agencies that will help you and your baby.
- We can help you with maternity and baby clothes, food and furniture, whatever you may need to keep you and your baby healthy.
- If you don't have a place to live we can help you search for temporary housing, a place to live before and after your baby is born.
Parenting
Being a parent can be one of the most rewarding and challenging events in life. The ability to feel a little life growing inside you is a miracle in itself. Very few things in life equate with being able to witness a child grow into a unique person with a unique personality and a unique set of talents. You learn to guide them to reach their potential in life, encourage, nurture and provide for this new member of your family, offering unconditional love and support.
You have the right to choose to parent your child regardless of what others say or want you to do. There are challenges when choosing any option, if you choose to parent we are here to help you with those challenges. We can provide mothering/parenting classes, consulting and material support like food, clothing and housing/shelter throughout your pregnancy, and after your baby is born.
There are pregnancy support centers, maternity homes and other supportive agencies throughout Illinois where you can find support in your decision to parent your baby. Call 630-261-9221 for more information or just to talk to someone about your concerns and fears about parenting.
Adoption
Many women choose adoption as a way to give themselves and their babies a better chance in life. You may not feel ready for the challenges of caring full time for your child and that's ok. You shouldn’t feel bad or guilty about considering this as an option for you and your baby. The only way to know whether it is the right choice for you is to get as much information as you can, talk about your feelings and think about it in terms of your own life. Carrying your baby for nine months and then placing it with another couple is a very courageous thing to do that can benefit everyone involved. We can refer you to licensed adoption agencies that can help you with this option.
Potential Benefits for the birthmother:
- More opportunity to fulfill your lifelong dreams educational, career or travel.
- Counseling and support.
- Maternity-related medical expenses paid as needed.
- The opportunity to make the dreams you have for your child come true
- Housing assistance may be available.
- A better choice of excellent doctors and staff.
- You get to choose a family for your child that you like best and can get to know them personally.
- A support group of birth mothers who will share their experiences with you.
- Members of your family may also receive counseling/support services.
- Legal and attorney fees paid for you.
- The opportunity to bring many people a lot of happiness that could not occur without you.
- The joy that comes with knowing that the adoptive parents know you love your baby enough to ensure his or her happiness.
Benefits for the child:
- The love and support of adoptive parents who are emotionally and otherwise ready to parent.
- The kind of home and family life that you desire for your child.
- A stable two parent home that may also include a brother or sister
- Resources and provisions that might not otherwise be available.
- A great probability of educational resources.
Benefits for the adoptive family:
- Receive the joy and blessing of adding a child to their family.
- If the birth mother approves, an opportunity to share the pregnancy and related experiences that would not otherwise be possible.
- Ability to fulfill dreams of raising a child.
Only you can decide if adoption is the best choice you can make for you and your child, but with good planning and a decision that is carefully thought out you can make an adoption plan with confidence. Some sadness is involved with placing your baby for adoption, but you will find joy in knowing your baby is getting a chance at life and a fulfilling future.
If you would like more information please call us 630-261-9221, we can help you gather the information you need to make your decision.
Do You Know What Abortion is?
Before making any medical decision, it is important for you to have information about the possible consequences. Abortion is a medical procedure. Like any medical procedure, there are risks. You have the right to be fully informed about those risks.
Gathering information on the types of abortion procedures and their risks will help you make an informed decision. Remember, the choice is yours and you must live with the consequences. No one can force you to have an abortion! Remember, you are not alone, we’re here to help you find the information you need to make the best decision.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is there anyone pressuring me to have an abortion?
- Am I informed of all the procedures and risks?
- Have I talked with someone who has been through an abortion to discuss her experience?
- How have I viewed abortion in the past?
- Have I called 630-261-9221 or a pregnancy support center to talk with someone who will help me discuss the pregnancy, parenting and adoption support services available?
There are two types of abortions:
--Medical (chemical) abortions use strong medications to end the pregnancy and cause contractions to deliver the unborn child, usually early in the pregnancy.
--Surgical abortions use a series of instruments inserted through the cervix to terminate the pregnancy by forcibly removing the unborn child.
By the time the mother misses her period and begins to wonder if she might be pregnant the baby's heart has already begun to beat. (The heart begins to beat at about 22-23 days, which can be about 36-37 days after the last menstrual period begins.) During the seventh through the tenth week, when the majority of abortions are performed, fingers and genitals appear and the child's face is recognizably human.
Abortion is NOT like getting a tooth pulled. It is a life-altering decision! You need to know and consider all the facts. Call us 630-261-9221 and someone will be able to help you find the information you need.