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Will the decision be easy for me?
Many girls or women find the decision to terminate a pregnancy
is relatively easy to reach, although they can feel sad that it
is necessary for them. Some find that talking the situation through
with family and friends helps them to make a decision that is
best for them. Others, however, still feel confused and undecided
after several days of thinking about what to do.
Do you have any advice about making this decision?
If you are struggling with making your decision, some of the
following might be helpful:
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Try making a list of all the things in favour of having a termination.
Then make a list of all the things in favour of continuing the
pregnancy.
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Try to imagine yourself in one year's time. Think about how
you might feel then if you had continued with the pregnancy
and how you might feel if you had the termination. Then try
to imagine yourself in three years' time. How would you feel?
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Try to talk to someone in a similar situation to yourself.
How have they coped with continuing with the pregnancy or having
a termination?
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Think about what you might need to continue with the pregnancy.
For example, you might be able to claim benefits or receive
assistance with accommodation. The Citizen's Advice Bureau,
Centre 33 (website),
or your local health visitor or social worker might be able
to help you with this information. There is also an Information
Centre at Addenbrooke's, next to main reception, which has
advice centre
staff in attendance at certain times of the week.
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Try talking to your family and/or your partner and his family.
How much help are they likely to give you if you continue with
the pregnancy?
You are the only person who can take this decision for yourself.
Babies and children can be very rewarding. But, they are also
hard work, particularly if you feel unsupported. They are a
legal and emotional commitment for many years - probably for
the rest of your/their lives.
Can anyone help me decide whether to continue with the pregnancy
or have a termination?
Don't feel that you have to make the decision about termination
alone. Your family and friends know you well and might help you
with this. It can also be helpful to find someone outside your
situation to talk to. For example there might be a counsellor
or nurse at your doctor's surgery, school/college, or workplace.
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Women aged under 25 years can get 'urgent' help from Centre
33 Tel: 01223 316 488.
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Cambridge Relate (a non-profit organisation that helps with
relationships) might be able to offer an urgent appointment
Tel: 01223 357 424.
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There are other counseling organisations in Cambridge that
might be able to see you quickly. You can find these in a phone
directory.
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The Cambridge Family Planning Service can arrange for you to
have an appointment with a counsellor at the hospital.
Remember that however much other people might want to help
you and give you advice in the end only you can make the decision
about what to do with your body.
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