Decisions

Top 20 things to consider...

The Pregnancy Services Department at Lutheran Social Service has many different types of decision making tools to aid people in their decision making process, including: visual, verbal, written and problem-solving. Lutheran Social Service Pregnancy Services Social Workers can provide you with information, education, counseling and support regarding the options you would like to explore. Pregnancy Services Social Workers are available to you for as long, or as short, as you would like. Services are free, confidential and meetings can place where you feel most comfortable (i.e. LSS office, your home, a community setting…etc.). There is no obligation to make any one choice if you choose to receive services through Lutheran Social Service.

Taking some time to think about the questions below may be helpful to you in your decision making process. Writing down your answers in a notebook may also be helpful so you can revisit these questions from time to time to see if your answers change as time goes by. A Pregnancy Services Social Worker would be happy to provide you with support and assistance as you continue your decision making journey – just call or email! Toll-Free: 1-888-205-3769 or email: pregnancy@lssmn.org

1. In what ways has this pregnancy affected me currently?
2. What are some lifelong goals I have for myself? In what ways does this pregnancy change these goals?
3. What choices would help me achieve my lifelong goals?
4. What are the goals I would like for this child?
5. Are there things I would want for my child, both emotionally and physically, that I did not have growing up?
6. Do I enjoy spending a lot of time with children? How would parenting feel for me if I do not like being around children?
7. What are my family and friends thoughts on this pregnancy? Do they match with what I think?
8. What are my child’s other parent’s thoughts on the pregnancy? Do they match what I think?
9. Who are some supportive people I can rely on? Throughout the pregnancy? After the baby is born?
10. What could my life look like 5 years from now if I parent this child?
11. What could my life look like 5 years from now if I were to choose adoption for my child?
12. What could my life look like 5 years from now if I were to choose abortion?
13. What questions do I have about my options? Where can I get these questions answered?
14. How would I handle the stresses of parenting my child (either co-parenting or single parenting)? What questions do I have about this?
15. How would I handle the stresses of making an adoption plan? What questions do I have about this?
16. How would I handle the stresses of having an abortion? What questions do I have about this?
17. If considering parenting: Am I ready to give up my freedom so I can care for my child?
18. If considering parenting: Am I ready and able to financially care for my child?
19. Do I have a job? If no, what steps will I need to take to find employment?
20. How would parenting this child affect my educational and/or lifelong goals?