Decision-making

Once pregnancy is established, the young person has several options to consider. Each should each be explored carefully.

In order to make an informed decision, the client and her partner need access to as much information as possible.

Your role at this stage is to guide your client in examining the situation’s positives and negatives with a focus on the best interests of the client, her partner and potential future of their child.

While the client’s family, friends, workers, and their partner might apply pressure or exert influence, it’s important that the final decision about the next step is made by the client. It’s important to note, however, that options might be restricted by how far advanced the pregnancy.

Where needed, pregnancy counselling is available from many agencies such as Family Planning Victoria.

Find out more using the links below, with extra information on the side-bar links. 

Unplanned pregnancy - working out what to do

Abortion options

Other care options - kinship and foster care

Permanent care and adoption

Further Reading