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If you’ve just found out you’re pregnant, you might be wondering about your options.

In Canada, people have the right to consider all three options; adoption, parenting, and abortion. People have different feelings about these options, so focus on what feels right for you.

Deciding which option is best for you may be difficult and stressful. If you need support or if you would like to talk about your options, contact us. Centre for Sexuality talks openly about all three options, but does not provide advice.

Whether or not you seek support at this time, remember that you are the only person who can make the final decision about what to do, and your decision must be voluntary. No one has the right to try to pressure or force you into parenthood, adoption or abortion against your wishes.

Many people describe this decision as needing careful thought and consideration. The following questions are intended to help you think about some of the issues you might want to consider when making your decision. There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. Your answers are right for you – and may help you in deciding whether you want to become a parent, make an adoption plan or end the pregnancy.

If you’d like more information, download our booklet: Pregnant and Undecided.

Feeling unsure about your options?

Reflection Questions

  • How do you feel about becoming pregnant at this point in your life?
  • What feelings have you had about parenting, adoption and abortion? Have those feelings changed now that you are pregnant?
  • What are your current and future plans? How would they be affected by each of the three options?
  • What is your financial situation? How would it be affected by each of the three options?
  • What are your educational and career goals? How would they be affected by each of the three options?
  • Do you have any religious or moral beliefs that affect your decision making?
  • Do you feel like you want or need to tell someone that you are pregnant? What would be the advantages or disadvantages of sharing this information?
  • If you have a partner, how does a pregnancy impact your relationship? How supportive would your partner be of your decision?
  • What role would the support – or opinions – of family and friends play in your decision-making process?
  • Imagine yourself a year from now, first as a parent, then after making an adoption plan, and finally after having had an abortion. What do you think would be the pros and cons of your life in each of those three situations?
  • How much information do you have about each of the three pregnancy options? What information would you need to make a decision?
  • Do you know about resources that are available to you in the community, such as financial, legal and counselling support?