Pregnancy Choices

Pregnancy can happen after sex. Taking contraception is a very effective way of preventing pregnancy. But contraception can fail, or it may not be used. 

What happens next is the woman's choice. For some people, making a decision about pregnancy is easy. For others it might be difficult. But support is available.

Crucial: However easy or hard you find the decision, it is your decision to make. You can find out more, including information for men, about miscarriage and about abortion on the Brook website.

Next steps

Have you confirmed your pregnancy? You may already have taken a pregnancy test but you need to get your pregnancy confirmed by your GP. You can also talk to your Sexual Health Clinic or School Health Nurse who can support you to get tested. 

Take action: If you think you might be pregnant you can contact Oxfordshire Sexual Health Services for support.

Your choice

If you are fewer than 24 weeks pregnant (a doctor can tell you how far along you are) there are three options available to you. You have the right to choose any one of them:

• Continuing the pregnancy and raising the child
• Continuing the pregnancy and placing the child for adoption
• Ending the pregnancy by having an abortion

Instant Expert: Statistics show that in Oxfordshire most young women under the age of 16 choose to have an abortion.

Whatever you do there is plenty of help and support available. Your local Sexual Health Clinic can offer information and more support whatever you choose. They will also help you access the services you need going forward.