How to Talk About Abortion [and Other Options] with Friends or Family

October 1, 2025

Facing an unplanned pregnancy often means sorting through a lot of emotions and decisions. You may already be considering your options—parenting, adoption, or abortion—and wondering how to talk about them with the people you trust most.

At Elevate Women’s Center, we provide free, confidential services and a safe space to consider your choices. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about your options and gain the clarity you deserve, including support on having these discussions with loved ones.

Starting the Conversation

These conversations don’t have to be perfect to be helpful. If you’re feeling uncertain, you can start with something as simple as, “I’m still exploring my options and would like your support as I think things through.”

You don’t need to have all the answers figured out before you talk with someone. Being honest about where you are in the process can set the tone for a supportive and open discussion.

Asking for the Support You Need

Friends or family members may want to help, but they may not know how. You can guide the conversation by letting them know what kind of support would be most meaningful to you, whether that’s simply listening, helping with research, or running errands.

Being clear about what you need can ease some of the pressure and remind everyone that this is your decision.

Talking Through Your Options

Discussing your options helps you explore what each one could mean for your life now and in the future. Only you can decide, but you may want a listening ear as you weigh each option.

As you consider your options, here are some things to think about. We can discuss each one in a completely confidential environment, allowing you to ask questions and gain clarity.

• Parenting: This path can initially feel overwhelming, but many women feel more confident when they access resources such as childcare, housing, or continuing education. With the right support, parenting is possible.
• Adoption: If you don’t wish to parent, adoption allows you to continue the pregnancy and shape your child’s future by choosing the adoptive family. Open, semi-open, or closed adoption plans will enable you to decide what level of involvement you want in your child’s life.
• Abortion: In Arkansas, abortion is only legal when deemed necessary to save the woman’s life. This means that most women considering abortion must travel out of state, which comes with costs and risks. It’s also crucial to learn the risks and side effects of each procedure and consider your health history.

When discussing your options with loved ones, don’t be afraid to set clear boundaries. Your friends or family may offer strong opinions or even encourage you to choose one over the other. Though their intentions are likely good, your voice needs to be the loudest, as your future will be affected most.

We can help you navigate these conversations and ensure you have unbiased information about all your options.

We’re Here for You

Deciding what to do during an unplanned pregnancy is a big step, and you deserve a confidential environment to process your options. At Elevate Women’s Center, we’ll offer the clarity and support you’re searching for. You’re also welcome to bring a loved one if that makes you feel more comfortable.

Schedule your no-cost, confidential appointment today.

Elevate Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions. 

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.