Pregnancy options counseling in the United States

A majority of the women affected by an unintended pregnancy are either 20–24 in age, poor or of low income, or are a member of a minority group.

Unintended pregnancy rates are generally higher in the South and Southwest regions of the United States, in densely populated areas.

[1] Other factors that lead to unintended pregnancy are birth control or contraception failure, rape or incest, unprotected sex, or unsuccessful vasectomy or tubal ligation.

Counselors may provide information on what services are available to help women decide how to handle their pregnancy.

By taking into consideration a patient's present life circumstances, they aid them in making a decision about which option is best: this may include getting an abortion, giving the child up for adoption, or choose to parent the child as a single parent.

Counselors give information in a non-biased manner, neither encouraging nor discouraging a particular decision for a woman to make.

According to The World Health Organization, illegal abortions are unsafe and are responsible for 4.7–13.2% of maternal deaths in women.

There are many controversial questions that arise when the issues of abortion are discussed in the political and social arenas.

After the baby is born, the birth mother must sign papers to terminate her rights as the parent of the child.

During the first prenatal care visit, the mother will have a full physical examination as well as a gynecological exam.

This often includes avoiding the consumption of caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, other recreational drugs, some prescribed medications, and some over-the-counter remedies.