Dealing with an unplanned pregnancy can be challenging enough, but when your partner is pressuring you to get an abortion, the stress can feel overwhelming.

At times, that pressure can make you question your own decision to keep the baby, but remember, it’s your body, your baby, and your future. No one, not even your partner, has the right to make your decision for you.

The good news is that there are tips for dealing with the pressure from a partner, as well as ways to talk to them about your decision. Keep reading to learn more about how to get support and care for your pregnancy.

What Pressure from Your Partner Can Look Like

Pressure from your partner about your pregnancy can be direct or indirect.

Direct pressure usually involves threats to leave the relationship, ultimatums, or anger and yelling.

Indirect pressure can sometimes be harder to identify, but usually resembles passive-aggressive behavior. 

This behavior can include emotionally manipulative behavior like giving you the silent treatment, withholding affection, or disappearing for long periods of time and not telling you where they went.

Understanding what pressure from your partner can look like can help you identify what is going on and keep your decision about your pregnancy from being manipulated. 

How to Respond to Your Partner

If you and your partner are in disagreement regarding your pregnancy, here are helpful tips that can help you move forward:

  1. Protect Your Safety: Most importantly, remember that it is very easy for direct and indirect pressure to cross over into physical and/or emotional abuse, and you should always prioritize your safety. If at any time you are facing abuse, call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE, and if you feel unsafe, you should leave the situation immediately and call 911.
  1. Set Boundaries: Communicate calmly but clearly to your partner that it’s your pregnancy, and you will not be forced into a decision you are not comfortable with.
  1. Give Them Time: Keep in mind that they may initially feel scared and overwhelmed at the news of the pregnancy, just as you were when you first found out you were pregnant. Give them time and space to process the news and be willing to answer their questions.
  1. Have the Facts: Before discussing your concerns with your partner, it can be helpful to attend an initial appointment with a healthcare provider and receive an ultrasound scan. Talking to a healthcare provider and having an ultrasound can provide valuable information that can be beneficial when discussing your health with your boyfriend. Having this information will also communicate to your partner that you are taking the pregnancy seriously and rationally.
  1. Get Help: If you and your boyfriend cannot agree about your pregnancy, it may be helpful to get the help of a third party. Having a family member or counselor present during your conversation can help you both remain calm and work through your concerns and disagreements.

Finding Help

New Life Clinic is here to help you as you and your partner navigate an unplanned pregnancy.

We can provide a free appointment that includes pregnancy test confirmation and an ultrasound scan to help you get the information you need about your pregnancy.

Our trained staff can also answer all your questions and provide tips and resources for discussing your pregnancy with your boyfriend.

Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential appointment.