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Unplanned Pregnancy Options It is estimated that almost half of all pregnancies in Australia are unplanned. Unplanned pregnancies occur for a wide variety of individual, social and political reasons. Some of these include:
It is also important to remember that no contraception method is 100% effective. While some methods may technically be 98-99% effective, the effectiveness of any method is reduced when allowing for human error. Abstinence is usually not a realistic contraception option for most people. To ensure that women cope effectively with an unplanned pregnancy, it is important that women have access to correct information and non-directive support about their three options - parenting, abortion and adoption. Women's experience of unexpected pregnancy Women respond in a number of ways to an unplanned pregnancy. For many women it is a shock, as more often than not, they were using some form of contraception and did not expect to fall pregnant. While not every unplanned pregnancy is unwanted, many women will be faced with a decision about what the best option is for them and their family in this situation. Some women experiencing unplanned pregnancy contact agencies such as Children by Choice and Family Planning to find out more information about their options. Most women talk to their partner or the man involved in the pregnancy, confide in a good friend or talk to a counsellor. Women may experience an unplanned pregnancy as a major life event which forces them to consider their values and beliefs, or even challenge the values they hold about abortion, parenthood and adoption. They may confront issues such as support for parenting, illness, relationship concerns, financial difficulties, not having accurate and up-to-date information about their options, and sexual assault. When trying to make a decision about an unplanned pregnancy, women usually try to identify which option they will cope with best. This usually ensures that women will cope with whichever option they choose. In order to identify which option is best it is important that women have accurate information on all three options. Abortion
Almost half of all unplanned pregnancies in Australia end in a termination of pregnancy (abortion). One in three Australian women will choose abortion in their lifetime (Chan et al, 2006, p.42). In 2004, over 72 200 pregnancy terminations occurred in Australia (Health Insurance Commission in Family Planning Queensland, 2005, online). The suction curettage method is the most widely used in Australian clinics. When performed in registered clinics, this method of pregnancy termination is a very safe procedure, with an estimated complication rate of less than 2% in Australia (RANZCOG, 2005, p.2). All Australian states have some abortion services however the availability varies, with some states allowing abortion up to 24 weeks gestation. Over 92% of pregnancy terminations in Australia occur in the first 14 weeks (Chan et al, 2006, p.40). In most states, services are provided in private clinics only, so patients will pay some out-of-pocket expenses. In Queensland, the cost of a termination before 12 weeks is between $350 – $1050. After 12 weeks, the cost rises steeply at about $100 per week. Clinics may offer a reduced cost for health care cardholders and pensioners. Costs are higher in clinics based in regional and northern areas of Queensland. Following a court case in 1986, abortion is legal in Queensland when there is serious risk to the woman’s physical and mental health if the pregnancy continues. Abortion remains the only medical procedure included within the Queensland Criminal Code. Adoption The number of adoptions in Australia has declined steeply since the 1970s due to a rise in the acceptance of, and government financial support for, single and unmarried parents, and improved access to contraceptives and abortion services (Office for Children, 2006, online). Between 8 and 12 local adoptions of infants occur in Queensland every year. In Queensland, the Adoption Services Queensland unit, within the Department of Communities, arranges all legal adoptions. The unit will not consider an application for adoption until after the baby is born. However, if adoption is being considered during the pregnancy, there are a number of organisations that can provide information, support and counselling. Birth parents can sign an adoption consent form from 30 days after the birth. The Department will make every effort to obtain the consent of both parents, however, the birth father's consent is not required in cases where there is a risk of violence to the woman or child, he cannot be identified, or incest is involved. After providing consent, either birth parent has 30 days to revoke this consent (like a cooling off period). Following the revocation period, the adoption is legal and the child will be placed with adoptive parents. Once the adoption order has been made, the birth parents are unable to regain the right to parent the child. Since February 1 2010, the adopted child and the birth parents have the right to access identifying information once the adopted child turns 18 for all previous adoptions. Parenting Parenting is the option chosen in about half of all unplanned pregnancies. Choosing to become a parent or to raise another child promises to be both a challenging and very rewarding experience. There are many issues that may be considered when contemplating this option. These may include: the level of parenting support from partner and/or parents, physical and mental health during pregnancy, the use of alcohol and drugs during pregnancy, financial and employment issues (such as social security entitlement or whether the workplace provides paid maternity leave and job security), breastfeeding, childcare, parenting education, foetal abnormalities, and domestic violence and its impact on parenting and children. Children by Choice can provide more information and referrals on topics and issues related to pregnancy and parenting. Young parents also face particular challenges, and often experience discrimination from society and the healthcare, education and social security systems. Despite these obstacles, many young parents demonstrate a great deal of strength, creativity, passion and skill in raising their children. An unplanned pregnancy presents a woman or couple with three options: abortion, adoption or parenting. There are no definitive rules for how to reach a decision regarding a pregnancy. However it is essential for the pregnant woman to own the decision, whether it is to parent, have an abortion, or to place the child for adoption. It is therefore important that the options are carefully considered before following through with the decision. Having accurate and current information on all of these options and being able to access unbiased, non-judgmental support during decision-making contributes to making a well-informed decision.
References Struthers, K. 2009. Abortion In Queensland: Conference Report, Children By Choice Association Incorporated, Brisbane, Australia.
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