“It is much easier to become a father than to be one.”
~Kent Nerburn, U.S. Author and Educator
When dealing with an unplanned pregnancy, people often consider abortion as an option. Before you decide to have an abortion, we would like you to know the facts about abortion and about your other options.
“She’s Pregnant, and I’m a Father. Where do I go from Here?”
“That’s a good question. And just by asking it, you’re on the right track. Standing beside this woman and her child is where you belong. After all, you’re the father of the child.
“You helped bring the mother and baby to this moment. So it’s only right that you should ask questions and help make decisions.
“Don’t suspect for a moment that this will all go away and be forgotten. It can never be that way. You know that from this day forward, you have created life. Now this life is in your hands.
“You need not be powerless or confused. If the people at the abortion clinic or the health department make you feel that way, walk out.
“Don’t let any one call you a ‘potential father’ with a ‘potential child.’ You are a father with a child, period. The possibilities are unlimited.
“According to a national poll, more than half of all fathers-including married men-are not even told that their child has been aborted.”1
“Abortion is Not the Only Choice”
“You need not face this problem alone. There are people who care about you and your baby-people who will help you in this time of desperate need. Abortion is FATAL. Please examine the alternatives!”1
“The Father Has a Right!”
“Don’t be pushed by those who want you to believe that abortion is some simple, easy way out. Those people are looking out for themselves, not for you. Take time to think about this, and talk it over with her. Take at least 48 hours to think whether an abortion is the only way. Make sure your partner doesn’t sign any waivers excusing or releasing the doctors or the clinic from claims connected with abortion complications. Such waivers are invalid, but they might be produced later to discourage you from taking any legal action.”1
What about birth control? Birth control is not always effective at preventing pregnancy. Why? “When you have sex, 40 million to 250 million sperm are released. It takes exactly one to make a woman pregnant.”4
Websites like WebMD and TeensHealth agree that the only 100% effective form of birth control is abstinence (http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/contraception/bc_chart.html#). Other forms of birth control vary in the amount of protection they provide against pregnancy, and few methods provide any protection against STDs. If birth control fails and pregnancy occurs, you are responsible for another human life. Make sure that you understand what the abortion procedures are and how the possible repercussions of abortion can change your life.
1 “For Men Only.” (2007). Heritage House ’76, Inc: Snowflake, AZ.
4 “What Guys Don’t Know about Sex.” (2009). Heritage House ’76, Inc: Snowflake, AZ.