Unplanned Pregnancy Options

Carefully Consider Your Choices

Your decision will affect the rest of your life. So talk to someone as soon as you know that you’re pregnant, and get all of the facts.

Questions to Ask Yourself

You must be satisfied that the decision you make is the best one for you. Ask yourself:

• What are my personal beliefs and values about each of these choices?
• How will having and raising a child affect my plans for the future (i.e. school, job and career?)
• Can I afford to financially support a child until he or she is at least 18 years old?
• Who (partner, parents, friends, etc.) can help me make my decision and support me afterwards?

Option 1: Raise Your Child

Staying Healthy

If you choose to continue your pregnancy and raise the child, you’ll need to stay in good health. Your lifestyle and habits - eating, smoking, drinking alcohol or taking drugs - can affect your growing baby. 

Speak with your family doctor or visit a Peel Public Health Healthy Sexuality Clinic for more information about having a healthy pregnancy.

Financial Assistance

Depending on your situation, you might qualify for financial help through Ontario Works in Peel. For more information, call Ontario Works at 905-793-9200.

Support for Teens

If you’re a teenager, consider registering for a free Peel Health teen prenatal class or join a teen prenatal supper club.

Places to Stay

If you can’t stay with your family during your pregnancy or if you need help after the baby is born, contact: 

Humewood House: 416-651-5657

Humewood House is a residence for pregnant teens and their babies in Toronto. It also provides support and educational programs ranging from cooking to parenting classes. You can stay there for up to one year.

Vita Centre: 905-858-0329

Located in Peel Region, Vita Centre provides a variety of programs for pregnant women 16 years of age or older.

Changing Your Mind

If you change your mind about raising the child you can choose to place the baby up for adoption.

Option 2: Adoption

Adoption might be the right choice for you if you don’t want to have an abortion, but you’re not ready to be a parent either.

If you choose to continue your pregnancy and place the child up for adoption, you’ll need to stay in good health. Your lifestyle and habits - eating, smoking, drinking alcohol or taking drugs - can affect the growing baby.

Some women feel relieved after placing the child up for adoption. However, some women may experience feelings such as guilt, depression and/or anger. It’s important to talk to a trusted friend, adult or professional such as a social worker if you are feeling these emotions.

The Children’s Aid Society of Peel or a licensed adoption agency can help you set up an adoption.

Peel’s Healthy Sexuality Clinics can also provide you with a referral for an adoption. For more information, contact Peel Health at 905-799-7700.

Option 3: Abortion

Abortion might be the right choice for you if you can’t continue your pregnancy.

An abortion is the ending of a pregnancy. This is done by removing the embryo or fetus from a woman's uterus. An abortion is usually done in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy. Abortions in Ontario are done at clinics and hospitals. The cost is covered by OHIP and all information is confidential.

The procedure itself takes about 10 minutes. Afterwards, the woman usually has some bleeding, which can last up to two weeks, as well as some cramps.

Some women feel relieved after an abortion. However, some women may experience feelings such as guilt, depression and/or anger. It’s important to talk to a trusted friend, adult or professional such as a social worker if you are feeling these emotions.
Having an abortion will not affect your chances of getting pregnant in the future.

For more information, please visit our Resources section.