How to Make a Confident Decision About an Unplanned Pregnancy

Avail NYC exists to be a safe haven for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy or seeking support after an abortion. We are not a medical provider.

When life changes quickly, it can feel like the ground beneath you has shifted. If you recently found out you are pregnant and were not expecting it, you may be wondering what to do next or how to even begin thinking about your options. Whatever you are feeling, take a moment to remember this: you are not alone.

At Avail, we offer free and confidential support for women and men navigating an unexpected pregnancy. Whether you need space to process, a quiet moment to reflect, or someone to listen, we are here to walk with you.

You do not need to figure everything out all at once. Simply reading, breathing, and showing up for yourself today is a meaningful place to begin.

You Can Take the Time You Need

When you are facing an unexpected pregnancy, it can feel like you have to make a decision right away. That pressure might come from your own thoughts or from people around you. It is common to feel a sense of urgency, but that does not mean you have to rush your next steps.

Taking time to pause and reflect can help you catch your breath. It’s not about avoiding what’s happening, but about giving yourself space to think more clearly. A quiet walk, writing down your thoughts, or sitting in a peaceful space can help  you feel more steady and remind you that it is okay to move at your own pace.

Slowing down creates space to listen to yourself and take the next step that feels right for you. If you are curious about how slowing down can support your decision-making, you can read more in Why Slowing Down Can Actually Change Everything.

Your Voice and Values Matter

When you are making a difficult decision, one of the most supportive things you can do is focus on what matters most to you. That might sound simple, but when emotions run strong, it can feel hard to reconnect with your values or hear your own voice clearly.

Here are a few questions to gently reflect on:

• What do I hope my life reflects five years from now?
• What kind of support would help me feel more steady and clear?
• Who in my life listens with care and gives me space to think freely?

You do not have to figure it all out right away. If those questions feel hard to answer, you are not alone. We are here to listen and support you as you think things through, one step at a time. Talk with an advocate today.

Exploring Your Options Without Pressure

Deciding what to do next can feel overwhelming. You may be thinking about different options—like parenting, abortion, or adoption—and trying to understand what each one could mean for your life. These are deeply personal choices, and it is normal for them to feel complicated. You do not have to have everything figured out right away.

Our team of expert advocates at Avail is not here to tell you what to choose. We offer a safe, confidential space where you can talk openly, ask questions, and take the time you need to think things through. Our role is to support you as you explore your options and decide what feels right for you.

You will also have access to tools and resources to guide your reflection and decision-making. Some are designed to help you process your thoughts and connect with your values. Others offer practical information based on what you are considering. Everything we offer is tailored to your unique situation, so you can move forward with a greater sense of clarity and confidence.

What to Do When You Feel Stuck

Sometimes it’s hard to know what to do when you feel stuck. When everything feels uncertain, even small, everyday decisions can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to sort it all out at once. Starting with just one or two simple steps can help you move forward.

Ask yourself: What are two things I need right now?

That might be a break from your phone, a quiet place to sit, or a moment to check in with someone you trust. It could also mean creating a little space from voices that are adding pressure or confusion. Whatever you choose, let it be something that feels right for you.

These small steps are not insignificant. Taking care of yourself in simple ways can bring a sense of steadiness, even when things feel uncertain. You may not have all the answers right now, but you are still moving forward. Support is available to walk with you as you take the next step.

Making Space for Grief and Growth

Grief is something many people experience when facing an unexpected pregnancy, even before a decision is made. You may be grieving the life you thought you would have, the sense of control you felt, or the uncertainty that change can bring.

It can take many forms, and it doesn’t always come with clear reasons or timing. You don’t need to explain it or push it away. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s okay to give it some room.

Clients sometimes tell us they feel a sense of relief when they’re given space to freely name what they’re carrying. Grief doesn’t need to be fixed or rushed away. It can be part of how we process change, and part of how we stay connected to what matters most. 

With time, some people begin to notice moments of insight or resilience they didn’t expect. However it unfolds for you, you don’t have to face it alone.

Confidence Doesn’t Require Certainty

You may not feel completely sure about what to do next. That’s okay. It can be difficult to feel confident when faced with a big decision. But moving forward with confidence doesn’t always mean having every answer. Sometimes it simply means taking a step that reflects your core values and the time you’ve taken to think things through.

Some decisions come together over time. They may start with a conversation, a question, or even a quiet moment of reflection. The more space you create to process, the clearer things can become.

If you’re looking for support as you sort through your next steps, Avail is here for you. You can meet with an advocate to talk through what’s on your mind, ask questions, weigh your options, or just take some time to think out loud. There’s no pressure. Just support that’s tailored to what you need. 

What to Expect When You Meet With an Advocate

Whether you're exploring your options or just want to learn more about the kind of support we offer, here’s what a typical appointment can include:

• A calm, private space. You can meet with an advocate in person at our Midtown Manhattan office or connect through a secure virtual session. Both settings are completely confidential.
• A conversation that’s centered on you. You'll have the opportunity to talk with a trained personal advocate. They’re there to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and offer tools that can help you process your thoughts and explore your options.
• Support without pressure. There’s no script or agenda. The conversation can focus on what’s most important to you — whether that’s information, clarity, or simply being able to talk things through.

Reaching out can feel like a big step. You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin the conversation. Sometimes, just having a quiet space to think things through with someone who’s fully present can make a meaningful difference.



Avail NYC exists to be a safe haven for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy or seeking support after an abortion. We are not a medical provider.