Pregnancy and parenting resources

Unplanned Pregnancy:
Making a Decision



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DECISION GUIDE MENU


Unplanned pregnancy & abortion - the facts




Activities & information for decision-making



  • Pregnancy and parenting resources

Issues you might be thinking about




Information for men and partners




Disclaimer


The Royal Women’s Hospital does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided in this fact sheet or incorporated into it by reference. We provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.

Published February 2011
Pregnancy and parenting resources
There is a lot of health and medical information available about continuing a pregnancy and having a baby. A lot of this information is directed to women who have already decided to have a baby. However, some women may not be so certain about keeping a baby. They may need answers to issues that will affect their decision:
  • ‘I’ll be a single parent. How much money will I get from Centrelink?’
  • ‘I want to have the baby, but I need to know if I can stay on methadone.’
  • ‘He’s threatening me if I continue the pregnancy. Can he get custody of the baby?’
  • ‘I’m scared of hospitals. Are there any Aboriginal midwives available?’
  • ‘The relationship has been a bit rocky. I think I need to talk to someone about it first.’

Issues influencing the decision to continue a pregnancy are often things like finances, housing, legal rights, relationships, emotional wellbeing and what support is available to help with a baby. It can be hard to know where to look for information about these issues. That’s why we’ve included a list of community services to help you decide whether to parent.

Remember: whatever you decide, it has to be the right decision for you.

Royal Women’s Hospital (the Women’s) resources


Below is a list of issues women have told us are important in making their decision. In the list, we’ve indicated resources you can get from your counsellor, social worker at the Women’s or from the Women’s Health Information Centre (WHIC) on the ground floor of the hospital (03 8345 3045). For resources that aren’t available at the Women’s, we’ve included contact details for organisations that specialise in the area.

Where to find up-to-date and accurate information


Health


How should I be taking care of my health in pregnancy?

Work


Am I entitled to maternity leave and/or paid maternity leave?

Money


What am I entitled to from Centrelink? How will I manage my finances?

Child support


Am I entitled to any financial assistance?

Legal rights


I am unsure about my rights – regarding the father or something else

Housing


Where am I going to live if I decide to have a child?
  • Ask your counsellor or social worker for the number of your local housing agency

Being a young parent


Who can help me out?

Drugs & alcohol issues


Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander women


Culturally specific services

Refugee & migrant women


DNA/Paternity testing


Can I find out who the father of this pregnancy is?

Single parenting, parenting support & childcare


Do I have enough supports to parent?

Relationship


Should I have a baby now in the relationship I’m in?

Violence and/or sexual assault


How are they making me feel about this decision?
  • CASA House & the Women’s jointly produced booklet 'Pregnancy to Parenting: A guide to support victim/survivors of child sexual assault through the journey of pregnancy, birth and parenting' - Call (03) 8345 3045 for a copy
© Copyright 2006 The Royal Women's Hospital
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