Pregnant? Need Help?

Pregnancy Options Workbook

Dear Reader,


If this workbook is in your hands, you are probably pregnant and not sure what to do. You're in the right place. Read on. The people that put together this book support you no matter what you choose. We have tried to give you a realistic picture of all the choices you can make--abortion, adoption, and being a parent. You will find workbook exercises to help you make the best decision for you. We have also included information on religion and spirituality, fetal development, what can harm a pregnancy, and taking care of yourself. If you are having a hard time with your decision, you may think you can never feel good about your choice. We have found that women who are willing to explore how they feel and what they think can come to a peaceful resolution. To get there, you must be willing to work at it. So, get out your crayons, sharpen your pencils, and do some "homework." It may be the most important homework you ever do. Remember to listen to your heart and your own voice to find the right answer for you. Trust yourself.

One more thing-- We really want to include more women's voices in this book. So, when you are finished with this workbook, we would love to hear from you. Your stories, quotes, and feedback will make the next edition of Pregnant? Need Help? Pregnancy Options Workbook even more valuable for women who are pregnant and need help. See the back cover for more information on how to send us your thoughts.

Thank you and Good Luck!
Peg Johnston, Editor

Please Note: Not all of these links are available yet. Keep checking back.

1. Are you sure you are pregnant? Under Construction
What to do, where to get help

2. The decision Under Construction
Is this the right time for me to bring life into the world?
Giving yourself time and space to think
Are you in shock? Test yourself.

3. What are you feeling? Under Construction

4. Getting Support Under Construction
Who do you tell?
Parents and family
Partner/boyfriend/husband
Friends
Counselor

5. Tools to help make your decision Under Construction
How we make decisions in our families
Heartsick?
Past pregnancies
Draw a picture of your life
The Pie: how much of you wants what?
Pros and Cons list 23 Writing your story
Guided Day Dream

6. Having a Baby / Being a Parent Under Construction
Common questions
Exercises
Comments from women
Resources

7. Abortion Under Construction
Common questions
Exercises
Resources and comments from women
Special Section for Parents
Special Section for Male Partners

8. Adoption Under Construction
Common questions
Exercises
Sample Letters
Resources

9. Fetal development

10. What can go wrong? Under Construction
Things that harm pregnancies and what you can do.
Birth defects
Harmful substances

11. Religion and Spirituality Under Construction
What is Spirituality? What different faiths say to us:
Black ministers speak
The Bible: What is a good woman?
Judaism
An American Buddhist speaks about abortion
Catholic Liturgy of Affirmation for Making Difficult Decisions
Creating your own ceremony

12. Healing Work Under Construction
Native American Ritual to Release Spirit Life
Jizo (Buddhist) Ceremony for Lost Children
Writing a Letter
What other women have done
A Day of Grieving
Guided Day Dream on Loss
Resources

13. No Matter What: Taking Care of Yourself
Morning sickness/ things to try
Birth Control
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Exploring Your Feelings Afterwards

14. Reader Feedback









Contributors:
Sharon Foster Aaron, CSW (adoption section)
Anne Baker, Counseling Director, Hope Clinic (parents, partner section)
Luba Djurdjinovic, MS, (fetal development and what can harm your pregnancy sections)
Margaret R. Johnston, Director, Southern Tier Women's Services, (decision-making section and miscellaneous sections) Susan Kost, R.N. (Having a baby section)
Shelley Oram, consultant, IMAGINE! (abortion section and guided imagery)
Judy Salton, original artwork
Stacy Snyder, Lic. Accupuncturist, (Morning Sickness section)
Charlotte Taft, consultant, IMAGINE! (abortion section and guided imagery)








Donors:
Thanks to the following people and organizations who have supported this workbook financially.
Deborah Walsh, Family Reproductive Health, Charlotte, NC
Allentown Women's Center, Allentown, PA
Aurora Medical Services, Seattle WA
Cincinnati Women's Services, Cincinnati, OH
Northland Family Planning, Detroit MI
Center for Choice, Toledo OH
Aradia Women's Services, Seattle WA
Volunteer Medical Clinic, Knoxville TN
Southern Tier Women's Services Vestal, NY
Ferre Institute, Inc. Utica NY
Allegheny Reproductive Health Services, Pittsburgh PA
Hope Clinic for Women, Granite City IL
Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation
Women's Health Center of Duluth, MN
Parke-Davis, Inc.
Ann Rose, Abortion Clinics OnLine









Gratitude:
To the women who have faced this difficult time with courage and wisdom, thank you for showing us the way. Heartfelt thanks to "The November Gang" whose visioning and faith has made this work possible. And to Luba Djurdjinovic whose insights and encouragement appear on every page.






For more information on bulk orders of this workbook in print, contact:
Ferre Institute, Inc.
124 Front Street
Binghamton, NY 13905
607-724-4308
FAX 724-8290


© 1998 by Margaret R. Johnston
Southern Tier Women's Services
P.O. Box 642 Vestal NY 13851
(607) 785-3429


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