Should I Worry About An Unintended Pregnancy?

If your loved one is ready to be a parent, having a child is a wonderful experience. But if the pregnancy is unintended, it will have a permanent impact on the direction their lives take. Women who choose not to use any birth control and are sexually active have a high risk of becoming pregnant. And these women are more likely to live in poverty and not finish high school or attend college. That’s why it’s important for you to be absolutely certain your loved one uses birth control every time. We recommend that you have her or him look into long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) since they are generally the most effective option. 

How Do We Talk To Her About It?

Talking about birth control can be difficult. But it’s too important to your loved one's future not to have a frank conversation. First, find out about the different methods available, including long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC). Second, plan out what you want to say. Practice your opening lines out loud so you feel comfortable. Third, plan a time and place where you can have privacy. Lastly, offer to set up an appointment with your family doctor or with a family planning clinic. If needed, offer to go along for support. Stress that she needs to have a similar talk with their partner.

For more tips on how to talk to about it, visit the web site of The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. 

Where Can She Get Birth Control Services?

In addition to your family doctor, there are free or low-cost clinics that provide family planning services. These are for all women, regardless of income level. Their goal is to empower young women and their partners to prevent pregnancies until they are ready, so they don’t have to face the tough choices of an unintended pregnancy. Click here to find a clinic near you.

What Can She Expect At Her Appointment?

Family planning clinics vary from one another. What is common about them all is that they offer affordable women's health care services.  And, the health care professionals who work in these clinics are there to help and support her every step of they way.  Overall they are very much like a private doctor’s office. 

In most cases, she will first meet with a health care professional to discuss what brought her to the clinic. If she is interested in birth control, the health care professional will discuss the options available. In most cases, she will need to be prepared to have a pelvic exam.

For more information, please contact your local family planning clinic.