Pregnancy Options: Understanding Your Choices

Navigating the steps after a positive test can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s unexpected. It is important to acknowledge all the emotions you may experience during this time and to prioritize both your mental and physical well-being. When you feel ready to move forward, it is important to educate yourself on a variety of choices.

This blog discusses three options available to you upon discovering your pregnancy. Please remember, the decision you make is personal and should be based on what you believe is right for you. The aim of this blog is to equip you with the information you need to make an informed decision, not to guide you in any particular direction. If you would like more information or support in making your decision, please call the Student Wellness Centre to book an appointment with a nurse, doctor, or counsellor. 

Adoption:

Adoption options can vary widely, from open adoptions, where you can maintain contact with the child and adoptive family, to closed adoptions, where contact is minimal. It is important to research and understand the different types of adoption and find an agency or adoption counsellor who can guide you through the process. Making an adoption plan involves considering the type of relationship you want with your child and the adoptive family, as well as your own emotional readiness for this decision. Many adoption agencies offer counselling and support to help you navigate this decision and ensure it aligns with your values and goals. Once you have decided that adoption is the right choice for you, it is important to contact an OBGYN or midwife to ensure both you and the baby are healthy and to take the necessary steps for prenatal or perinatal care. 

Keeping Baby:

Choosing to keep your baby requires careful planning for your future as a parent, including evaluating your financial stability, emotional readiness, and available support systems. Building a strong network – whether through family, friends, or community resources – is crucial. It is also important to consider how parenting may impact your educational and career goals, as well as to explore childcare and parental leave options. Seeking guidance from healthcare providers and counsellors can help you create a plan that ensures the well-being of both you and your baby as you navigate this important new chapter. Once you have decided that keeping the baby is the right choice for you, it is important to contact an OBGYN or midwife to ensure you and the baby are healthy and to take the next steps for prenatal or perinatal care. 

Abortion: 

Choosing an abortion is a deeply personal decision that involves considering your health, circumstances, and future goals. Abortion options can include medical (using medication) or surgical procedures, depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy and your health needs. A medical abortion involves taking two pills and is available for pregnancies up to 10 weeks. After 10 weeks, a surgical abortion becomes the primary option, which can be performed between 10 and 24 weeks. Beyond this timeframe, abortions are typically restricted unless there are significant medical reasons or other exceptional circumstances. Accessing abortion services often requires consulting with a healthcare provider who can offer guidance and support throughout the process. It is important to have medical support readily available to ensure your safety and to lean on your loved ones for emotional support. Understanding your rights and accessing compassionate care are crucial in making an informed decision that aligns with your values and beliefs. Counseling services are available to provide emotional support and address any questions you may have about abortion. 

The decision you make should be based on what you believe is best for you and your future. This blog provides a high-level overview of information and resources to help you make an informed choice that reflects your values and goals. For additional support or if you have any questions, consider scheduling an appointment with a nurse or doctor at the Student Wellness Centre, where healthcare professionals can provide personalized guidance and support tailored to your needs. 

Additional Resources  

McMaster Student Success Centre (SCC) 

Spiritual Care and Learning Centre (SCLC)
Contact Information: studentsuccess@mcmaster.ca 
Speak to a religious or spiritual leader to help make the right decision for you. They can offer support and perspectives based on your beliefs and values, providing a compassionate and understanding approach to your circumstances. 

Access Program 
Contact Information: access1@mcmaster.ca
This program supports equity-deserving students and individuals from historically under-represented backgrounds. Resources and support are available to anyone within these groups, including those who are facing pregnancy. 

Financial Wellness
Contact Information: money@mcmaster.ca
If there are expenses associated with your pregnancy choice, consider seeking financial advice or accessing tools to enhance your financial literacy. 

Career Counselling and Job Search
Contact Information: careers@mcmaster.ca  (want to find more specific email though)
Discuss career options with a career advisor to explore job opportunities that fit your needs during this time.  

McMaster Student Union (MSU)

Student Health Education (SHEC)
Contact Information: shec@msu.mcmaster.ca or https://linktr.ee/msu_SHEC (Linktree)
SHEC provides free pregnancy testing, peer support, and a list of resources to help you make informed decisions during your pregnancy journey. 

Child Care Centre
Contact Information: msuchildcare@msu.mcmaster.ca or https://msumcmaster.ca/service/childcare/ 
The Child Care Centre, a service of the McMaster Students Union (MSU), offers educational care for both the McMaster student community and the broader community. 

Women Gender and Equity Network 
Contact Information: wgen@msu.mcmaster.ca or https://linktr.ee/MSU_WGEN 
Women, Gender, and Equity Network offers peer support services to women, trans individuals, those who identify outside the gender binary, and gender non-conforming individuals. WGEN provides a community, a support system, and a safe place on campus, along with valuable resources.  

Student Wellness Centre (SWC)

Contact Information: Call 905-525-9140 x27700 between 9:00am to 7:30pm Monday-Thursday, or 9:00am-4:30pm on Friday
Think you might be pregnant? Call to book an appointment with the SWC to discuss your options. 

McMaster Child Care Centre  

Contact Information: mcmcc@mcmaster.ca
McMaster Children’s Centre is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality childcare that meets or exceeds all licensing regulations. They offer a safe and nurturing environment for children aged 18 months to 5 years. 

Sexual Violence and Response Prevention Office (SVRPO)

Contact Information: svpro@mcmaster.ca or 905.525.9140 Ext. 20909
Provides empathic, non-judgmental, and culturally relevant support, offering information on options for reporting sexual violence and handling complaint intake when appropriate.  

Academic Advising

Contact Information: Contact your specific department
Contact your program-specific department to discuss the next academic steps and accommodations to support your pregnancy decision. 

Hamilton Resources 

https://www.beginnings.ca/ – Adoption Clinic in Hamilton Area 

https://referral.shorecentre.ca/ – Abortion Care in Hamilton Area  

https://mch.mcmaster.ca/ – Maternity Centre of Hamilton  

https://www.hamiltonbirthcontrolclinic.ca/ – Hamilton Birth Control Clinic  

https://www.hamilton.ca/people-programs/public-health/healthy-pregnancy/prenatal-supports – Free online prenatal program for Hamilton residents, that can be done at your own pace using a computer or mobile device. It also includes information on how to join virtual breastfeeding classes, offered twice a month and facilitated by two Public Health Nurses. 

https://www.hamilton.ca/people-programs/public-health/healthy-pregnancy/home-visiting-programs – The City of Hamilton offers two programs for pregnant individuals and/or new parents, where a Public Health Nurse visits your home to answer questions: Healthy Babies and Health Children (HBHC) & Nurse Family Partnership (NFP). 

Helpful Websites 

http://www.ontario.ca/page/adoption – Everything you need to know about adoption in Ontario.  

https://www.actioncanadashr.org/  – Action Canada is Planned Parenthood Canada. We advocate for sexual health and rights both in Canada and globally. 

https://www.hamilton.ca/people-programs/public-health/healthy-pregnancy/prenatal-supports/welcome-baby-prenatal-nutrition – A weekly, free prenatal nutrition drop-in group to learn about maintaining a healthy pregnancy and caring for your baby. You must join during your pregnancy and continue attending until your baby is 6 months old. 

Health Connections: 905-546-3550 – Contact a Public Health Nurse (PHN) for support and information on a range of family health topics. PHNs offer guidance to expectant parents and families with children under six, helping them identify their needs and connect with community resources and services. 

https://www.hamiltonpostpartum.ca/ – Local peer support groups and mental health resources are available for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns during pregnancy and after childbirth