What Can I Do If My Parents Want Me To Get An Abortion That I Don’t Want?

Finding out you’re pregnant while you’re young and living at home can raise difficult questions. The situation may feel even more complicated if your parents insist that abortion is the only answer, but you do not want an abortion or remain unsure about what to do.

Your parents may have strong opinions, but you should be able to ask questions and think about your pregnancy without being forced into a decision.

At Life Line, we offer free, confidential support for young women facing an unplanned pregnancy. You can contact us by calling 910-392-0001 or texting 910-812-9150 to speak with someone who will listen.

Their First Response May Reflect Immediate Concerns

Your parents may immediately begin thinking about school, finances, childcare, or what the pregnancy could mean for your future. Those concerns may be sincere, but they do not make pressure or threats acceptable.

Some parents become more willing to listen after having time to process the news. If you feel safe doing so, you might pause the conversation and return to it when everyone is calmer.

Know That This Decision Is Yours

North Carolina law requires an unemancipated minor’s voluntary and informed written consent before an abortion can be performed. The law generally also requires written consent from a parent, legal guardian, legal custodian, or qualifying grandparent unless a court waives that separate adult-consent requirement.

This means an adult cannot authorize an abortion in place of your own consent. If you do not want an abortion, your parent’s consent alone is not sufficient.

You can review the requirements in North Carolina General Statutes § 90-21.7 and § 90-21.87. This is a general overview and does not replace legal advice about your circumstances.

Prepare for Another Conversation

Before talking with your parents again, think about what you want them to understand. These suggestions may help:

• Choose a calmer time. Try to talk when no one is rushed, distracted, or already upset.
• State your position clearly. You might say, “I understand that you’re worried, but I do not want an abortion.”
• Ask what concerns them most. Their worries may involve practical needs that can be addressed with information and assistance.
• Bring information about available resources. Learning about parenting assistance, adoption, school protections, and community programs may help make the conversation more constructive.
• Invite someone you trust. A relative, teacher, school counselor, pastor, or family friend may help you feel more comfortable and keep the discussion focused.

You do not need to answer every question in a single conversation.

Learn About Parenting and Adoption

Not choosing abortion does not mean you must solve every practical concern by yourself.

If you’re thinking about parenting, Life Line offers education through video-based mentoring sessions on prenatal health, labor and delivery, newborn care, infant development, and parenting skills. By completing sessions, you can earn points to use for essential items in Life Line’s baby boutique.

You can also learn about adoption. During a free Option Consultation, a trained consultant can explain parenting, adoption, and abortion, listen to your concerns, and connect you with additional resources.

Take Threats Seriously

Pressure becomes a safety concern when someone threatens to hurt you, force you into a vehicle or appointment, take away necessary care, or make you afraid of what will happen if you refuse.

Tell a trusted adult, teacher, school counselor, healthcare professional, or law enforcement officer if you feel unsafe. If you are under 18, you can also call or text the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 800-422-4453.

Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.

Begin With Information at Life Line

You don’t have to face this alone. Our caring staff can provide free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds so you can learn more about your pregnancy, plus a safe space to talk about your options and your next steps.

Contact Life Line today by calling 910-392-0001 or texting 910-812-9150 to schedule your free, confidential appointment.