If your birth control failed, you may already know if you are pregnant. If you’re not sure, your first step is to find out. We suggest starting with a pregnancy test. Many pregnancy resource centers not only offer free pregnancy testing but also offer free ultrasounds. Get the information you need.

Confirm Your Pregnancy

If you purchase your test from a drugstore or pharmacy, be sure to follow these steps:

• Check the expiration date.
• You should wait to take the test until at least the first day of your missed period or a few days later.
• Read the directions carefully.
• Take the test first thing in the morning when your urine is most concentrated.
• Wait the recommended amount of time before checking the results.
• Repeat the test in three to five days to confirm the results.

At Christian Family Services, we network with local pregnancy resource centers offering free pregnancy services to help you confirm your pregnancy. Ask us for referrals!

I’m Pregnant. Now What?

An unplanned pregnancy is stressful, but know that you have options. You can either have an abortion, make an adoption plan, or choose to parent. We can provide more information about each option.

Having an Abortion

Abortion is the only option that ends your pregnancy. Although Christian Family Services does not perform or refer for abortions, we can provide you with factual information about procedures, possible side effects, and physical and emotional risks. Local pregnancy centers not only provide such information, but they can confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Florida banned abortion after a heartbeat is detected, which is somewhere around six weeks. The exception to this law is if the pregnancy is the result of rape, incest, or dramatically impacts the health of the mother.

The FDA does not recommend purchasing abortion drugs online because many sites come from foreign countries. There are other restrictions, too. Make sure you get the facts first.

Have You Started the Abortion Pill and Changed Your Mind?

Have you gone ahead and taken the first abortion drug in the abortion pill regimen? Have you changed your mind? You may still be able to save your pregnancy! But hurry, time is of the essence.

Making an Adoption Plan

Many expectant mothers equate choosing adoption with “giving up” their babies. Nothing can be further from the truth. A loving mother doesn’t “give up.” She makes a plan for her child’s future.

Today’s adoptions give the expectant mother or birth mother complete control. She can choose the adoptive family she wants to raise her child and determine the amount of contact she would like to have with the family.

Placing your child for adoption is emotionally challenging. You choose adoption because you love your child, but it is painful because of that love. We can help. At Christian Family Services, we walk alongside you throughout the adoption process and also provide post-placement counseling.

Choosing to Parent

Another option is to parent. Parenthood is filled with challenges, but it can also be very rewarding. There are many community services to support women who choose to parent their children.

You may have questions about finances, housing, medical and child care, infant supplies, etc. All your questions are valid, and we’ll help you find the answers. With determination and support, it is possible to be a successful parent.

How Can We Help You?

Finding out about an unplanned pregnancy is overwhelming. Depending on your circumstances, it can even be frightening. We can help.

Christian Family Services has several locations throughout Florida. If one of our locations isn’t convenient, we’ll happily come to you. Call or text to arrange a confidential, no-cost meeting with one of our caseworkers. We’re here for you.