CHILDREN BY CHOICE ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED |
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Unplanned Pregnancy OptionsIt is estimated that there are almost 200 000 unplanned pregnancies in Australia every year. 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. Women's experience of unexpected pregnancyWomen respond in a number of ways to an unplanned pregnancy. For many women it is a shock, as they were using some form of contraception and did not expect to fall pregnant. Some women take some time to think their options through and decide on a course of action they believe is right for them and their family. Often, 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. Other 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. When making a decision, women may confront these issues: support for parenting, illness, relationship concerns, financial difficulties, not having accurate and up-to-date information about their options and sexual assault.AbortionAlmost half of all unplanned pregnancies in Australia end in a Termination of Pregnancy (abortion). 1 in 3 Australian women will choose abortion in their lifetime (Chan et al, 2006, p.42). In 2004, over 72200 pregnancy terminations occurred in Australia (Health Insurance Commission in Family Planning Queensland, 2005, online). When performed in registered clinics, the suction curettage method of pregnancy termination (most widely used at present) is a very safe procedure, with an estimated complication rate of less than 2% in Australia (RANZCOG, 2005, p.2). Abortion services are available in all states, sometimes up to 24 weeks gestation, however over 92% of pregnancy terminations 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 expense. In Queensland, the cost of a termination before 12 weeks is between $250 – $385. Clinics may offer a reduced cost for health care cardholders and pensioners. Costs are higher in clinics based in regional areas of Queensland. After 12 weeks, the cost rises steeply. 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. AdoptionFor a variety of reasons adoption is currently not commonly chosen in response to unplanned pregnancy. The number of adoptions in Australia has declined steeply since the 1970’s 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). However, while it is relatively rare compared to abortion and parenting, approximately 8-12 local adoptions of infants will occur in Queensland every year. In Queensland, the Department of Child Safety, Local and Post Adoption Services Unit, 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. The earliest time at which the birth parents can sign an Adoption Consent form is 7 days following the birth of a child. The latest time is up to 18 years after the birth. 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 1991, the adopted child and the birth parents have the right to access identifying information once the adopted child turns 18. Contact information prior to 1991 depends upon the presence/absence of an objection to contact. ParentingParenting 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 include: 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.
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